By Krystal Smalley
ksmalley@wbcowqel.com
When it comes to Integrity Auto and Truck Sales, Jeff Skinner and Mike Robinette hope customers have two words in mind: reliable and dependable.
The used car lot recently opened at 1635 Marion Rd. in Bucyrus at the former Burger King location. After the building underwent a brief transformation into a Mexican restaurant, Skinner and Robinette snapped the property up.
A certified public accountant by trade, Skinner traded in his Columbus commutes for a job a little closer to home and one that would help serve the Bucyrus community. Robinette, meanwhile, simply crossed the road from Trinity Monuments and went all in on a subject he is passionate about: cars.
“Over the years we talked about a lot of various business ventures,” Skinner explained. “I talked probably a couple of years ago about opening up a car lot.”
Skinner did not want to miss another opportunity, so he quickly enrolled in a six-hour class that would allow him to open a used car lot.
“I’m not competing with a Mathews or anything along those lines, but I want a place where people from Bucyrus and the area can get good, reliable, dependable, affordable cars,” Skinner said. “The last thing I want is a customer to pull off the lot and a tie rod be broken or something along those lines. I want that car good and ready for them.”
Skinner noted he and his wife have helped people over the years – including those with drug addictions – find support, especially when it comes in the form of a reliable vehicle.
“They just need to get to work,” Skinner explained. “It’s not going to be the prettiest car you’ve ever seen, it’s not going to have zero miles, but you know what? You’re going to have a good car that’s going to get you to work. Then you’re going to be able to show up on time and be a good employee.
“That’s what people want. That’s what people need,” Skinner added. “That’s all we are is another option for everyone to come and pick and choose. We’ll see where it takes us. It’s exciting times right now.”
Skinner said they will be able to offer a wide variety of options for customers. Integrity also offers buy here, pay here and has teamed up with financial institutions to help people who have bad credit, but want to get reestablished.
“Bucyrus, I think, is a challenged community in a lot of different aspects – from an economic and socioeconomic realm. Bucyrus faces challenges. We’re here to help some of those people,” Skinner said. “We have no problem helping people who are helping themselves.”
Even if customers can’t make it during business hours, the Integrity employees are aiming to help them out however they can.
Integrity Auto and Truck Sales will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. The phone number is 419-569-4651. Skinner added that Robinette can be reached after business hours at 419-834-0079. More information can be found at iaatsllc.dealerwebsite.com or on the Integrity Auto and Truck Sales Facebook page.