Support those small businesses

Perhaps there hasn’t been a more critical time to support small business than now.

Small Business Saturday, always held the Saturday following Thanksgiving, encourages holiday shoppers to patronize locally-owned small businesses. The day is part of a long holiday weekend which also includes Black Friday and has been extended to Cyber Monday and Giving Tuesday.

Tim Fogarty, who owns Fogarty’s Garage in Pontiac with his wife Patsy, feels service is what makes his business stand out.

“Everybody else can sell tires, everybody else can sell tune-ups and all of that, but one thing I have that nobody else has is the service of Fogarty’s Garage,” Fogarty explained.

Fogarty’s offers 24-hour towing and tire service for automobiles, tractor trailers and farm equipment. It has been over 30 years now since the Fogartys decided to venture out on their own and start the business, which also serves as a U-Haul dealer. They have been in the same location ever since – at 1100 North Division Street – still offering Pontiac’s no appointment necessary quick oil change.

“We do a complete line of auto repairs with oil changes, tune-ups, brakes, shocks and so on,” Fogarty added.

The Fogartys have met some great customers over the years and have made many friends as the business grew.

Don’t think holiday shopping is reserved for the stores. Fogarty recalls customers showing up on Christmas Eve to buy their wife a new set of tires or grab a gift certificate for the younger drivers.

Fogarty admits 2020 has been different due to COVID-19, which is something many just don’t know how to deal with.

“They don’t know what to expect so I believe everyone is being careful,” Fogarty noted.

Fogarty’s Garage is open Monday through Friday from 8-5 and Saturday 8-12 and can be reached at 815-842-1883. For after-hours needs like towing and tire service, call 815-844-5508.