John Maurino, local proprietor of Leo & John's Car & Truck Sales located at 173 Holland St. West in Bradford, has provided quality used cars, tire sales, and auto service to customers since 1973.
Back in the early '70s, Leo Maurino and his son John started the business as partners. John, who was born and raised in Bradford, is now the sole owner with the help of his wife Anne and his two sons Jason and Joel. His two grandsons, Brandon and Quinn, have also joined the family business, making them the fourth generation of Maurinos to uphold their business legacy.
Leo & John's offers complete auto service performed by licensed technicians. Their services range from brake maintenance, alignments, exhaust repair to air conditioning, oil changes, and safety inspections.
"We do everything in Bradford. We like having our business in Bradford because we were born, bred, and raised here," said Maurino.
When asked what he believes is a key factor to having a longstanding business, Maurino says remembering customers is important.
"One thing I always do when we get new business is - I remember the people. I even give them my home phone number and to me, that means you stand behind what you sell and what you say. If and when there's ever an issue and if I'm not here, I make sure people know there’s a chain of command and certainly, someone here will take care of them however they need," he said.
Word-of-mouth and referrals are the foundation of their advertising. Maurino appreciates the local support he has received from the community over the years.
"We advertise very little, and over 80 per cent of our business comes from repeat customers. Which says something in itself," he said.
With the pandemic and significant supply-chain shortages, Maurino says it's been more challenging to fill his lot, which usually holds 100+ vehicles.
"Cars are tough to get and have also gone up 35-40 per cent [in price]. We used to have 120 cars here," he said.
He goes on to explain the issue is that there’s a significant shortage of computer chips for new cars, meaning manufacturers have a hard time meeting the demand.
"If there’s no new cars, then you don't get that cycle of used cars. [In this business] everyone loses money around January and February, [causing] the sales to be slim,"'he said.
Maurino suggests another reason tor the drop in sales has to do with demographics.
"Older generations [or those likely with more disposable income] are down in Florida during the winter season, or they don't get on the roads unless they have to," he said.
Having an established, award winning business for 50 years, Maurino stands behind his business strategies.
"Our philosophy is to help people, work with people, and treat people all at the same. If and when people come in with [an inquiry] or problem, we identify it immediately, and we try to help them," he said.
As the town of Bradford has grown rapidly over the last decade, Maurino’s business hopes to continue serving the community for generations to come.
