Cornering the Market

Family-owned and -operated for over 40 years

Posted

Friendly’s Auto & Body
410 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach
(516) 889-5252, http://friendlys.cts-help.net

Friendly’s Auto & Body, which was founded in 1975 by the late Dave Morrison, still hails from its original location in Long Beach. Dave’s sons, Glen and Pat, joined him early on. Glen is now chief mechanic, and Pat, the service manager. Glen’s offspring have entered the business as well. Niki is in reception and administration, Ariel does that plus some auto repair, and Chris (who started delving into cars when he was six) is a mechanic, involved in all types of repair and bodywork.

Originally an automotive repair shop, Friendly’s expanded into auto bodywork after Hurricane Sandy. They now have a separate body shop in Oceanside. Always evolving, management seeks out education to keep up with ever-changing technology and automobile enhancements. Work is done on all types of vehicles, both domestic and foreign.

Amenities abound. Friendly’s strives to make things easy and convenient for its customers. Besides offering full diagnostic and engine services, and auto body repair (from little dents to huge jobs), they can pick up and deliver your vehicle. Under certain circumstances, they will provide a loaner car, shuttle service, and since they have partnered up with Enterprise, they can offer a rental car at a nominal price.

They do New York state inspections; no appointments are necessary. As an authorized Safelite facility, they do all the grunt work needed to replace glass. And, since they are certified with most major insurance companies, they will work directly with them after an accident.

Management enjoys giving back to the community whenever possible. Friendly’s shop is where the local automotive high school teacher brings students for on-site training. They also partake in Young Life, an outreach program for adolescents, designed to get them acclimated to the real world. Staff members at Friendly’s will help by showing them skills and procedures needed to run a business, such as answering phones, presenting themselves well, etc. “It’s fun for us to do this, and it’s very rewarding,” said Glen Morrison.

Friendly’s Auto & Body is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The 24-hour emergency service and towing number is (516) 596-6666. They have a fully stocked warehouse of tires and can offer immediate service and bulk prices. All technicians are highly trained. Service and bodywork is under warranty.