An icon in Marlin, Texas for the past 29 years, Anthony’s Auto Service continues to provide quality yet affordable automotive maintenance to its rural customers.

Anthony's Auto Service Owner Anthony Roppolo stands in front of his automotive repair shop in Marlin, Texas.  (Photos by Lee Roberts)

Anthony Roppolo, the owner, bought the property on 111 Craik in 1978 because he loved the small-town flavor and because he wanted to cater his special brand of “personal touch” to the local community.

Over the past three decades, Roppolo has done just that in his small yet always modernized shop. He said he has flourished because he always provides customers with quality parts and service, and they can see him getting involved in the repair, and being truthful, honest and straightforward about the maintenance.

David Downes, an automotive repair technician, removes used oil from a customer's car.

Today, he still prefers to do more than manage. As a master ASE certified mechanic, he rolls up his sleeves to repair most any make and model car that requires his experience and attention.

“We provide front-end work and brakes, some electronics, air conditioning, electrical… most every general automotive repair,” he said. “We stay pretty busy and do a lot of oil changes and tune-ups because of some savvy marketing to our long-time clientele. But nonetheless,

I really enjoy a challenge when the repairs prove more difficult."

No matter the difficulty of the job, Roppolo said he looks his customers in the eyes and shoots them straight. "We give a lot of personal service. We show them what’s wrong with their car, give them an estimate… there are no surprises. And that’s because a lot of our customers are like family, and we get their business usually by word of mouth."

David Downes, an auto technician, has worked at Anthony’s Garage for the past 11 years. He said he loves working for Roppolo because of his no-nonsense approach to getting the job done and simply because he is a "good boss."

Anthony Roppolo performs a wheel alignment at his shop.

Downes admits he usually works behind the scenes fixing cars, but really does enjoy repairing them and ultimately taking care of customers.

"It’s a pretty good job. You get to meet a lot of interesting people," he said. "Most of them become family."

A member of the Texas Independent Automotive Association since June 2007, Roppolo said family owned businesses like his are successful because of the "personal service" and "quality repairs" customers find and expect at a TIAA shop.

Editor’s Note: Anthony’s Auto Service can be contacted at (254) 883-6238.