When Alva Cherrey’s Garage came up for sale in 2000, Bambi Paleshi recognized a good business opportunity when he saw it.
After 20 years working as a mechanic in Elmira, Paleshi knew he had the leadership skills and business sense to go out on his own, preferring a smaller, rural setting.
Paleshi admits those early years – as for many business owners – were a bit of a struggle to support two employees while maintaining a mortgage and growing his new business.
Yet right from the start, Paleshi recognized the importance of providing complete car care service to the community by offering everything from mechanical repairs and body work to oil spraying and custom exhaust systems. It’s exactly this steady investment of time and commitment that has made Alva Cherrey’s Garage a successful business in Mapleton Township.
“Our main focus has always been honesty, dignity and respect while providing efficient, affordable and loyal service to the community,” said Paleshi.
Over the years the business has expanded to include a line of quality used vehicles on site, making Alva Cherrey’s Garage the largest used car dealer in Drayton. Paleshi prides himself in offering clients a customized approach when purchasing a used vehicle.
“I have several clients who come in and know exactly what they want, in terms of year, make, model and budget,” said Paleshi. “And what I do is I shop the auto auctions for those clients, saving them time and money.”
Integrity is everything in the used car industry and Paleshi has built a successful business by providing affordable and reliable options to his clients.
In 2010 Paleshi had the opportunity to purchase a neighbouring property from Cherrey’s Bus Lines, including a large shop that allowed him to convert the original shop into a show room. On average, 20 to 25 vehicles are on site for sale.
With the new shops out back, Alva Cherrey’s Garage has upgraded its facilities and boasts the most current equipment necessary to benefit customers so they no longer feel the need to drive to the city for service.
The garage offers mechanical repairs to all makes and models, including light trucks, and comprehensive service for air conditioning work, front end and wheel alignments, tire and battery sales, charging systems, exhaust work, custom bending and fitting as well complete interior and exterior auto cleaning services.
Alva Cherrey’s Garage currently employs three licensed mechanics: Calvin Knarr (shop foreman), Maynard Brubacher and Bambi Paleshi (owner); as well as three apprentices: Randy Horst, Matthew Smart and Leonard Bauman, and one co-op student: Cory Martin. Behind the scenes is Paleshi’s wife, Athina, who takes care of all the administrative work.
Paleshi emigrated in 1973 from Cyprus and although he and his family live in the Waterloo region, their commitment to Mapleton Township is very important, including support for Drayton Minor Hockey, Drayton Entertainment, the Drayton Kinsmen and the local Terry Fox Run, among others.
Extensive renovations and exterior upgrades have definitely added to downtown Drayton’s aesthetic appeal and have ensured Alva Cherrey’s Garage will endure the test of time.
Located at the lights in downtown Drayton (10 Main St.), the garage is open Monday to Friday from 7:30am to 5:30pm and on Saturdays from 8am to 1pm.
