Blue Ash Don’s Auto Repair celebrates 80 years in business

There aren’t many businesses that can say they’ve been around since Franklin Roosevelt was president, but one business in Blue Ash has been around for 80 years.“Congratulations to your legacy and the fact that these wonderful people that have been able to keep it serving the community as you did,” Blue Ash Mayor Marc Sirkin said.Mayor Sirkin declared June 30 “Don’s Auto Repair Day” in Blue Ash to commemorate the family’s accomplishment. Don’s Auto Repair has been serving the community since the 1940s and it’s clear family is at the heart of the business. It’s hard work but a lot of laughter, according to 88-year-old Don Schnitzler. “My father started in Montgomery in 1942 during the second world war and I took over in 1959,” Schnitzler said.He retired from the business in 2004. His son Don Jr. was his business partner for many years. Now his grandchildren run the place, keeping the family tradition alive. So, what’s the secret to the shop’s longevity?“I really think my customers had more to do with it. The customers were more like friends after the third or fourth visit,” Schnitzler said.If you are wondering about the future just ask 5-year-old Charlie, or Don the fourth. He’s the great-great-grandson of the original owner, so the future is in good hands.