Local Business + Community Bank = The Perfect Match
Ronnie’s Small Engines, Inc., has been a reliable establishment in the Covington community for almost 30 years. Neighbors come flocking to Ronnie’s for help with their lawn mowers, weed eaters, chainsaws, etc. Owner Ronnie Hurst spent a lifetime working on small engines, even when he was a young boy tinkering around his parents’ house.
Ronnie’s Small Engines, Inc., has been a reliable establishment in the Covington community for almost 30 years. Neighbors come flocking to Ronnie’s for help with their lawn mowers, weed eaters, chainsaws, etc. Owner Ronnie Hurst spent a lifetime working on small engines, even when he was a young boy tinkering around his parents’ house.
“I always had a passion for fixing things and, when I was younger, I built up a reputation for my talent in this area,” said Ronnie. “Mr. Ed Mobley, owner of Coast to Coast Repair, took me under his wing and gave me a job at his shop. While I was there, he sent me to seminars and gave me the formal training I needed. During my time working for Mr. Mobley, I earned many certifications and really honed my repair skills.”
When Mr. Mobley decided to sell his shop in 1996, Ronnie, after much prayer and consideration, decided to hang out his own shingle and start his own repair business. Today, he runs that business with his wife Cynthia and his son, Ronnie, Jr. Together, they take care of 100–150 customers a week, offering pickup and delivery services for the small engines they repair.
“I’ve lived in Covington my whole life, and what I love about my job is that I get to serve so many people in this community,” he said. “I really try to take care of my customers, particularly my elderly neighbors. Many times, they don’t have resources and, if they are in need, I will often do their repairs free of charge.”
Ronnie’s Small Engines is right next door to the Hurst home. They have very little overhead, and they eat, sleep and breathe the business. Ronnie’s giving approach to business has served him well.
“My business has grown every year,” Ronnie continued. “My Mama told me before she passed away that I would be ok because I am a giver and that God takes care of people who give back. She was right.”
How did Ronnie come to United Bank?
“Thomas Kephart, President of United Bank in Covington, came to my shop one day needing a lawnmower repair,” he said. “I had been hearing a good bit about how great United Bank was to work with and how friendly the people were there. Thomas told me he would love for us to come bank with them. Shortly thereafter, we moved all our accounts over to United Bank.”
That was two years ago, and it’s a decision Ronnie is happy he made.
“It’s been a great banking experience for us. The people there make us feel like family. They know us and always call us by name. Sherry Clark is the best. She has become great friends with my wife and they text daily,” said Ronnie. “They take care of us like I take care of my customers. This is a bank that says it’s community-focused and means it.”