The Peru Gazette

Jim Champagne and Nora Pinkman – August 2005

The following is an article on Liberty’s Garage and Jim Champagne that I wrote for Denton Publications in August of 2005. Reprinted with Denton’s permission.

Liberty’s Garage
By John T. Ryan

It doesn’t seem possible ten years have passed, but on July 1st of this year Jim Champagne celebrated the 10th anniversary of his ownership Liberty’s Garage in Peru. Jim and his wife Karen purchased the successful business from Jack Liberty on July 1, 1995. Jack Liberty had established an excellent reputation during the 25 years he operated the service station. Jack’s customers asked who this new owner was and they wondered if he would provide the same quality service. From all accounts, Jim Champagne and his fine staff have met the challenge. The garage’s four service bays are always full and Jim’s gas pumps are nearly always busy.

Jim Champagne says he dreamed about operating his own garage for several years. After graduating from Chazy Central High School he went to work at the Church Oil service station in Plattsburgh and stayed until he bought Liberty’s twenty-two years later. Jim said, “I was looking for a business and one day I just happened to look in the paper.” Jim and his wife Karen had saved up money over the years in anticipation. He said the folks at Church Oil were surprised when he told them he was leaving. However, since he bought Liberty’s, Jim says, “They’ve been very good to me.” Church Oil is Jim’s Mobil supplier.

The day Denton Publications visited Liberty’s garage Pete Corral of Peru had his pick-up in for service. Asked why he does business at Liberty’s Pete said, “I’ve never had a bad experience. I think they’re fair and they do good work. When they give you an appointment they live up to it and you don’t have to check your car or truck seat for grease.”

Jim’s competent and friendly staff undoubtedly plays a major role in the station’s success. Nora Pinkman waits on customers, makes service appointments, picks up parts coming to and from work and does the station’s bookkeeping. This September she will celebrate her 35th year at Liberty’s. Mechanic Roger Duprey has worked there for 30 years. Jim’s four other mechanics Robert Desotell, Ray Price, Tim O’Neill and Leo Wood have been there two to five years. Matt McCarrell works when he’s not in school. The staff members personally greet customers and create a welcoming atmosphere. Customers also can’t help but notice the station’s appearance. Tools are returned to their chests after being used and the garage and offices are cleaned every night before anyone goes home. A beautiful flowerbed is maintained in front of the station.

Asked to explain his business philosophy Jim responded, “Treat the customer properly and make sure everything’s right before they leave.” Jim also likes to get to know his customers. He’s resisted installing credit card machines on his gas pumps saying, “It’s important to see who is buying your product.” After spending some time with Jim Champagne, it’s easy to explain why his sales are consistently increasing and why long-time customers have been able to relax in the knowledge that Liberty’s Garage is under competent, professional ownership.