Date: Fri 23-Apr-1999

Publication: Bee

Author: KAAREN

Quick Words:

Berkshire-Motors-auto-repair

Full Text:

Berkshire Motors-- Automotive Service Center Opens In Sandy Hook

(with photos)

BY KAAREN VALENTA

Two years ago Jim Marcucilli wanted to open his own automotive repair shop and

saw that a business was for sale at 25 Berkshire Road across from Newtown High

School.

"I looked at it then, but it was too expensive, so I took over a shop in

Georgetown and spruced it up. It's called Georgetown Automotive -- a nice

little shop."

Move the calender ahead two years, and the building across from the high

school was available for lease again. This time Mr Marcucilli, who lives on

The Boulevard in Newtown, and his partner, Joseph Ranniello of Wethersfield,

were able to come to terms with the landlord. Their new business, Berkshire

Motors, opened last week. It services all makes of cars, domestic and foreign,

and employs Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)-certified technicians.

"Joe and I worked together at a Subaru dealership in Milford," Mr Marcucilli

said. "We had talked about having a shop of our own for years, and we're very

excited about it."

Berkshire Motors is a full-service shop, performing oil changes, tune-ups,

brakes, general repairs, air conditioning and emissions. The business also

sells tires and eventually will sell quality used cars, Mr Marcucilli said.

"We do everything with state-of-the-art technology," he said. "The previous

owner had removed all the equipment, so we bought everything new. And we use

quality products. We're offering a $19.95 grand opening special that includes

a complete oil change using Mobil oil, checking and topping off fluids, and

setting tire pressure."

The business employs state certified emission technicians and is registered by

the Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) to meet all standards required by

law.

"Years ago shops had mechanics," Mr Marcucilli said. "Now with everything

computerized, they are technicians who use the new technology for engine

diagnostics and other repairs."

Jim Marcucilli is an ASE-certified master technician who graduated from Bethel

High School and the Denver Automotive and Diesel College in Denver, Colorado.

He and his wife, Nancy, moved to Newtown in 1987, the year they got married.

"Many people know my wife because she makes the [garden] stepping stones that

are sold at Lexington Gardens," Mr Marcucilli said.

The Marcucillis live on The Boulevard with their children, David, 12, a

student at the middle school; and Jamie, 9, and Molly, 7, both of whom attend

Hawley School.

"I spent the last eight years playing in a men's baseball league, but I won't

be playing this year," Mr Marcucilli said. "I'm going to be coaching my son's

Babe Ruth American League majors team."

Joe Ranniello earned an associates degree in marketing from Middlesex

Community College and worked at Subaru in New Britian, then in Milford where

he met Jim. Single, Jim also owns a small bar in East Hartford.

He is the customer service manager -- the front man who talks to customers and

writes up orders -- for the new business in Sandy Hook.

"I think this is a good opportunity, a good place, and the location -- just

off I-84, near the commuter parking lot and across the street from the high

school -- is perfect," he said.

Even though the business has only been open for a few days, staff and students

at the high school already have begun to take advantage of the convenience

provided by an auto service center directly across the street.

Berkshire Motors also will offer local pickup and delivery.

"It used to be that price was at the top of the list when people were looking

for an automotive repair shop, but now they want to know `How good is the

shop? How convenient?' Price comes third," Mr Marcucilli said. "Of course, we

will be competitively priced, but we also will be service-oriented, with a

nice waiting room with coffee and cable television for the customers and toys

for the children."

Berkshire Motors will be open Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm,

and Saturday from 8 am until 2; call 270-0660 for more information.