Choose to exist or choose to live – a saying with both power and relevance to all people, especially those living with a disability; and especially when it may be easier to simply exist.
Zach Rayburn has chosen to live, and he uses this motto as inspiration. Despite a motorcycle accident one year ago that left him paralyzed from the chest down, his newfound attitude breeds glorious consequences: a new business and a new dream.
Zach and his wife, Nikki Rayburn, began devoting their time over the summer to their automobile repair shop, Great Deals Auto Care, which is now located on Cleveland Road in Wooster. Zach left his former job as an automobile technician because it was no longer feasible for him to maneuver around the shop. In his new building, he can make the necessary adaptations.
I started the shop with two things in mind: obviously to make a profit, but on top of that to provide the same quality of work as the dealer does for about half of the price, Zach began. I have the ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certifications and the factory training to go along with it .I had to do something, so this is what I know.
The shop has been open for barely a month, but the Rayburns are plenty prepared for service. Nikki acts as Zachs legs, and assists with anything he cant do. For the rest of it, Zach gets creative, and makes the adaptations in the shop. Nikki explained they were only married five months when the accident happened, making their first year of marriage one of tragedy and triumph.
Im very proud of him for how far hes come along in such a short time, Nikki said. Life isnt over just because of the accident. If you still want to do something you can do it. You just have to have the determination and courage and get started.
Zachs extended stay in the hospital, with his fair share of life-threatening experiences, offered some perspective, however. Nikki said hes lucky he didnt lose all of his feeling, and lucky the accident didnt also take his life.
Hes not the kind of guy to just sit at home and feel sorry for himself, Nikki added.
So, when life handed them lemons, they made a delicious serving of lemonade. And that lemonade will serve not only them, but the entire community.
A lot of the people around here, they like the smaller repair shops versus the dealerships, because you form more of a relationship with those people, Nikki explained. And they feel they can trust you a lot more. Weve had a lot of our church members come and have their cars fixed.
According to Zach, his new shop boasts the best prices in town, and he can do nearly all of the repairs that a vehicle would require. In addition, he offers honesty and genuineness to go along with the great prices.
Really, I have enough certifications to show that Ive been doing this for a while and I know what Im doing, Zach concluded.
To make an appointment or ask questions, call Zach at 330-466-7437, or visit their website at www.greatdealsautocare.vpweb.com.
