About a year ago, I visited this new location for an estimate. The owner is a heavy-set man with a strong Greek accent. He wanted me to leave my vehicle there for him to look at, even though the shop was not busy. He stated, "do you want to go too college or not?" I found this remark unusual as I did not state such thing. The man just assumed I was young and in college. I drove off as I had to to be at work. I had a different mechanic service my car in Long Island City.
Fast forward to 09/25/2017 and my vehicle has a check engine light. I decide to stop by his shop as it is near my house. Additionally, George himself buys his parts from the Auto Zone in Elmont. Some of the employees have told me to go in the past. However, one employee stated this time around not too go. This employee stated George does not service certain vehicles well.
I enter his shop and an older gentleman (perhaps father) is sitting beside an obese man. George being the latter. I state that my vehicle has a few codes. I did not have them off the top of my head, the diagnosis test was at home. George rudely says, "that doesn't help, leave the car here and have me look at it." I say I do not live far and can come later with the codes. Similar to last year he says, "you want to go too college or not?" This came off immensely rude and there was something malicious behind the remark. Similar to last year, he was insulting my age (I am well past my college years). I respond and ask why he is being rude and wish him a good day.
I return with the codes. I ask him if he is done being rude and I am ready for an estimate. He looks it over and does without giving a number figure. I respond that he needs to treat possible patrons with ******* respect and not make assumptions (this is when the older man stands up) and I proceed out the door. The obese store owner, George follows behind me. Now we are both in-front and he is in my face (curses loudly). He pushes my right shoulder and I am in shock that he would lay his hands on me. I walk off the garage property as he continues to curse loudly.
A business owner that makes assumptions about his patrons is not someone I would give my funds. Also, I have never been pushed by a so-called business owner. This was a wrenched experience. I cannot believe that Auto Zone engages in business with a man like George. Also, I do not understand why some employees of Auto Zone refer customers to George. As a new business owner, respect and giving knowable advice is not a privilege to some customers; it is a right to all. Lastly, we live in a litigious society, one must never use force on another person; especially if that person is a customer. read more
