Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexander Kavourgias.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I made my way over to the United States with my family from a small island in Greece (Chios). I found myself in a whole new world in New York City with my parents, and my three brothers. At the time, we were staying with a family member until we could get on our feet. Immediately I enrolled in high school so that I could continue my education and at the same time, learn English. After school I was fixing roofs, and routinely cleaning the church to make some money. My junior year of college, my parents Kalliope and Eleftherios, decided to go into the restaurant business in Manhattan. We opened a successful, family owned and operated coffee shop.
In 1979 at a dance in Astoria, I met a nice young lady and in 1982 we got married. I received a degree in Economics and then decided to move to Houston, Texas with my wife, Despina (nicknamed Debbie) to see what opportunities the Lone Star State held. A few months after we moved to Texas, Debbie gave birth to our son Eleftherios (nicknamed Teddy). Simultaneously, I bought my first Texaco Fuel and Service Station. My wife and I worked long hours, seven days a week. But business was good and our family was healthy. Texaco noticed and the shop received the Top Dealer in Gasoline Sales for Three Consecutive Years Award, and they sponsored several trips for me and my family to show their appreciation. The public loved our shops cleanliness and customer service. “Y’all are so nice” the customers would always say.
By 1987, we were blessed with another baby, our daughter Kerri. At that time, however the community our shop served started declining and it was that I decided to move over to Midtown. I was ready to invest in the industry forever so I purchased my own automotive repair car garage, Midtown Agean Auto Works. The first location was on Fairview Street in Houston. I sold the property to a developer and along with the address change; the facility became a whole lot bigger and nicer. The new location has been established on San Jacinto Street in the Museum District closer to Downtown.
Through all of these years my most trusted mechanic has been by my side. Michael Safron (nicknamed Mike) has dedicated his job and his family to the shop, with honesty and an endless amount of hard work. Mike’s wife Jennifer is also a part of our team and has been involved in the success of the shop. Working by my side every day is my son Teddy, who was just a newborn the first time he stepped foot into a repair garage. My wife and daughter, Debbie and Kerri are also a part of the team, they can be found in the office or out picking up parts.
Together we look forward to maintaining a place of excellent service where we have combined our family values, ethics and quality workmanship to ensure many more years in the industry. We have never stopped evolving, to our quality service and our world-class suppliers, that even our customers have spread the word. That’s why we consider ourselves “Your Houston Car Garage.” Check us out on the World Wide Web!
Has it been a smooth road?
Well, coming to a new country from overseas and not knowing the language, and not having any friends, or any family, besides your immediate family. That was hard. I had to go to school, learn the language and work at the same time to help my family. I was trying to gain the trust of my employers by showing them my work ethic and dedication from such a young age. It was hard in the beginning not having any money and having to achieve your success, that was the hardest part. So no, it has not been a smooth road. It wasn’t, but I went to school, I learned the language, I built my family, I bought my shop and I’m in business from the 1970’s. I learned a lot along the way.
So, let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Midtown Agean Auto Works story. Tell us more about the business.
We are an Automotive Repair Service Shops. We service minor and major automotive repairs for domestic and foreign cars, trucks, and SUV’s in the Greater Houston area. We sell and install tires. We do good and honest work. We are competitively priced and it’s our customer service that sets us apart from others. Our customers love us! We serve Midtown and Downtown community. Our work is always guaranteed and we’ll never sell you anything you don’t need.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I see the industry growing and technology advancing even further. Self-driving cars are actually here. The competition will only get tougher and demand for parts will continue to rise because there are more cars getting on the road.
Pricing:
- Labor is $75 an hour (the same price since 1984)
- Regular Oil Change (up to 5 quarts) includes an oil filter $34
- Full Synthetic Oil Change (up to 5 quarts) includes an oil filter 4cylinder $59.95 +tax -6cylinder $69.95 +tax -8cylinder $79.95 +tax
- Oil Change includes Full-Service 18 Point Inspection includes Tire check (air refill) Fluid check (top off)
Contact Info:
- Address: 4602 San Jacinto St.,
Houston, TX, 77004 - Website: www.midtownageanautoworks.com
- Phone: 713-528-5004
- Email: midtownagean@yahoo.com
Image Credit:
Midtown Agean Auto Works
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