Chad Yannarella, owner of Chad’s Smart Tire Centers at 1512 Easton Road in the Roslyn section of Abington Township, has been nominated for a Glenside Local community spotlight.
The nomination coincides with the shop’s 25th anniversary, and Chad couldn’t be happier about the milestone.
“We opened in 2000 and it’s become like family now. I’ve followed the advice of my father to treat everyone the same way,” he said. “It’s been a great 25 years. The local police officers, township officials, their kids, they all come in.”
His wife, Maria, an employee at Penny’s Flowers in Glenside, said they first met in her shop. He was her customer for over a decade before they started dating.
“I used to go in there, I didn’t know her. She did my parties when I had my house in Rydal,” Chad said. “She did all the arrangements, she helped me with my parents’ 50th anniversary. We got to texting, we started dating, and the rest is history.”
“He came in was respectful and just minded his own business, told me what he would like to order for his flowers and left,” she said, adding that she’s watched his business demeanor ever since. “No matter who came in or what the problem was, Chad was there to help. If he knew someone was in dire straits, he made it happen.”
To Maria’s point, a man used to walk by Chad’s Smart Tire almost every day. Noticing that his shoes were worn down, Chad bought him new ones.
“I said, ‘I gotta help this guy out.’ I do it for anyone. People are struggling sometimes, and I give them time to make their payments. Everyone knows everyone, so I’m not worried about it. If someone’s hot water heater goes out and they’re broke and they need a car repair, I’m going to do it for them.”
According to Chad, customers can call or text his personal number, day or night.
“There’s a lady who actually brings money to our house. When customers are leaving, they tell me they don’t feel like they’re spending money. We joke around, we get to know each other. It’s not a high-pressure environment,” he said. “We’re honest about our recommendations.”
“His customers love him,” Maria said. “The shop is very entertaining. All the customers want to know if I’m married to him. They tell me he’s the greatest guy and creates such a great environment. I appreciate everything he’s done for the community, and for me.”
Craig Reynolds, now a running back for the Detroit Lions, has been a regular customer (and a previous employee) at the shop since his sophomore year at Abington Senior High School.
“He comes in all the time to work on his car, he comes to my birthday parties, everything,” Chad said. “We text after his games. I believed in him when he was at Abington and he remembers that.”
For more on Chad’s Smart Tire Centers, you can visit their Facebook page.
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Photos: Chad and Maria