Business Spotlight - G&K Motors - By Michelle Libby

G&K Motors is a jack of all trades when it comes to auto repair and towing. From towing small cars to large dump trucks to tune ups and alignments, they are ready to serve clients from Portland to Naples and beyond. With 18 years in the business, George and Karyn Varney have kept G&K Motors competitive and priced right for their customers.  

“We offer quick, quality, honesty repairs,” said Karyn. “We fix the car right and at a reasonable price. We hope they will give us the opportunity to be their local mechanic for towing and repairs.”  

Towing has become a large part of G&K’s business. When one passes by an accident, it’s a good bet that one of G&K’s fourteen trucks will be called there to collect the cars. The shop is AAA affiliated and a premiere partner for Windham and Standish, and is one of the first companies on scene when a AAA member calls about roadside assistance. Six of G&K’s drivers have been with the company for 10 years or more.  

They offer a 24/7 hotline for towing with live, local dispatchers who answer the phone. All of their employees are local as well, said Karyn. The radio dispatch system they use keeps track of all the calls and drivers. This week, they rolled out tablets in the tow trucks thanks to AAA. This will lower the wait time for calls, getting the drivers to a disabled car quicker, said George. The tablets are loaded with maps and information that help the driver meet the needs of the customer.  

“Our drivers all have uniforms, all have phones and tablets,” said Karyn. They’re not like the tow drivers of old.  

G&K are known for having the best tires rate in town. Not only do they put the tires on, but they have an alignment machine, something most place don’t have and have to sub-contract it out, to make sure that the job is done right. Quotes for tires can be ordered online line at the G&K website.

“We have the best prices in town on tires,” George said. “Ninety percent of the time if someone has a quote I can usually meet that price.”

G&K are members of the AAA battery program and have most makes and models in stock. With two service vehicles, they can do free battery testing. They also have discounts for AAA members.

George has worked on vehicles since he was just out of high school, Karyn said. With five bays and 10 employees, G&K Motors can handle all service and repairs and all state inspections for cars, RVs, trailers and trucks. The only work they do not do is bodywork and heavy machinery.  The mechanics are ASE certified meaning that they have passed state tests covering the work they are doing. G&K offers free estimates and competitive prices. They want people to give them the opportunity to beat competitors’ prices. They are used to working with customers on fixed incomes.  

“George always works with customers to make sure they are aware of what work will be done and he even gives them rides home if they need it,” said Karyn. “Let us meet or beat any quote.”  

“We fix everything, but a broken heart,” said George with a laugh.  

With children of their own, Karyn and George also sponsor local kids’ sports teams like baseball and basketball. They are both involved in the Towing and Recovery Association of Maine, George as a director and Karyn as the secretary. The company is a member of the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce, like participating in the Summerfest parade and the Rotary’s fishing derby.   

G&K Motors’ garage is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and they offer 24-hour towing. For more on G&K Motors or to get a tire quote, visit www.GandKMotors.com.