Article written by Beata Harwood
After 33 years in Business, Tom Mellett owner of U-Save of Glenside announces his retirement and the end of an era.
It was October 1st, 2021, that Tom Mellett announced on Facebook that after 33 years in the business, it was time to retire. With an outpour of well wishes that followed, we want to take a moment to wish Tom Mellett all the best in retirement while we reflect on what it meant to our community to have such a deep-rooted business in Glenside.
It was Saturday, October 1st, 1988, when a 31-year-old Tom Mellett officially opened U-Save Auto-rental and CarStore of Glenside. Being a self-proclaimed “risk taker” and having the support of friends and family, Tom was off to a successful start at his Easton Road location next to The Dairy Queen, Now a REMAX office. Soon after his doors opened, Tom was able to move the store’s location down the street on Easton Road to a larger facility, home of The Hoagie Experience and before that Buzz Marcus Toyota-Triumph-MG. Finally he purchased Sparks Tune up and the whole block become what we all know now. His showroom, CarStore of Glenside, was filled for years with Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Maseratis in addition to Corollas, Accords and F-150s. He had something for everyone.
33 years in the neighborhood, Tom Mellett and U-Save became not only a staple in the community, but a driving force behind the community and several good causes giving back to the community. The annual 4th of July fireworks was nearly called off one year, but U-Save came to the rescue and many other local businesses followed suit to see that this tradition and important holiday would be celebrated in the Glenside community. When a donation jar for Childrens Hospital was stolen from Game Stop in Glenside, Tom delivered a check to cover the loss. Over the years we all grew to know U-Save in Glenside as the drop off for Toys For Tots since day one.He would drive out numerous van loads of toys to the Marine distribution centers every year. U-Save and the community have also helped support Tom’s Favorite charity, Angel Flight East. Tom is an instrument rated pilot and owned a Piper Archer II He plans to fly many more missions for Angel Flight East in retirement. Together with a great team of employees who stayed for their careers, Tom Mellett, U-Save, and its loyal customers created a community that came together and forged lifelong relationships.
U-Save clients have included US Presidents, famous actors, legendary musical groups, church retreat groups, and many local sports orginizations. He brought 15 passenger van rentals to the masses. What really made U-Save so special though was the man who started it all. Tom Mellett was a “people person”. He built his business with fortitude by treating his customers with care right from the get-go. He reflected that early on in his career, he invested in cutting-edge technology for the late ’80s, a very large cell phone. He was available 24/7, and when it rang, it was answered! If the phone rang for a rental car need, Tom would deliver. The entire business was built on the relationships of serving customers as if they were Tom’s own family, and it shows in the loyalty from the customer base and community. Its no wonder he was voted Best Car Dealer in Glenside.
When we saw the announcement that U-Save was closing its doors and that Tom was headed into retirement exactly 33 years to the date we saw an outpouring from hundreds of customers on the post. So many reflected on their kids’ first cars bought at U-Save, the wonderful experiences with U-Save, and a deep expression from so many about what Tom Mellett and his team meant to the community. Abington Commissioner John Spiegelman, a loyal customer summed it up best.
“Tom, you have guided your incredible team for well over a generation in creating a neighborhood business with deep, abiding, inspiring community values that perfectly mirror your own awesome character and principles. U-Save was everything that a community could hope for and dream of in a local business, and the same goes for you as a local business owner. Thank you for being one of the true good guys in this world. You will always be part of Glenside and a member of the Abington Township family. Congratulations, Thank You, for everything and very best wishes for what comes next.”
The love and congratulations shared from so many that U-Save served over the years was not something that a business comes by overnight; but it is a true testament to the authentic relationships forged over more than 3 decades in the community. Glenside will truly miss U-Save, the U-Save family and the iconic digital sign with the sometimes comical, other times, uplifting messages. From all of us in Glenside and Abington township, we would like to officially thank you for so many wonderful years in the community and wish you and your family all the best as you start your new chapter!