CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. -- A Chesterfield car repair shop is giving back to the first responders and healthcare workers who are on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fewer cars on the road during the statewide shutdown means less business at Sweetie Boy Repair on Metro Court in Chesterfield.
“One day the music was going and then it stopped,” shop owner Tyler McCormick recalled.
On average, his auto repair shop and transportation company would receive 15 to 35 calls for service - depending on the day. McCormick said he deployed just two trucks in his entire fleet on Wednesday.
“One day the music was going and then it stopped,” said McCormick.
“I broke down a couple of times talking to my wife about how am I going to tell my employees their paychecks are going to take a hit?” he explained.
Fortunately, he hasn’t been forced to furlough his 80 employees.
To ensure his workers stay busy, his company now offers 50 percent off services to all first responders fighting the pandemic. He also offers a payment plan to his customers.
“Truck drivers are in that loop of first responders,” McCormick said. “Doctors, EMS, nurses, anybody involved in healthcare like custodians. Those are the kind of people forgotten in the average day.”
“They are the reason why we are being safe today because they’re risking their lives everyday,” he stated.
Sweetie Boy Repair located at 8801 Metro Court can be reached at 833-247-4727.