by Cassie Nixon with Billie Herron
Many people dream of having the perfect job that also serves as a hobby. That is exactly what Mike Herron has been able to accomplish in his career as business owner. Growing up, his cousins dubbed him “Mechanical Mike” because they could see his talent in the field. If anything was broken, “Mikey” could fix it!
Harrington Truck and Auto, Inc. was established in 1989 and has grown from a repair shop to include a hardware store. If it has a motor, Mike can make it run. In addition to oil changes and regular maintenance, he fixes trucks, cars, farm equipment, and small motors like boats and lawn mowers. He even does transmission work.
On the business side, the Herron ladies keep things running with the bookkeeping while Mike, his sons Rod and Dylan, and dad Gordon are all part of the operation. Although Rod works full time in Odessa, he is always available to lend a hand when needed. Dylan is finishing his education at Eastern Washington University, but works in the shop 3 days a week. He also pulls full time hours in the summer, since there is always a demand for repairs. Gordon is retired but enjoys staying involved in the shop.
What started as a part time job as a teenager has turned into a thriving small-town business. If Mike doesn’t have what you need, he can usually get it within 24 hours. Harrington is an ideal place to have a business! His mom, Billie makes a parts run once a week, and oftentimes his customers will call to see if anything can be picked up while they are out. The people there are truly community minded. Mike has a big soft spot for helping and will always lend a hand with a project or a donation. Children can count on him for support for their County Fair or school projects, and his peers know that he will make time to help where needed.
Truck and Auto takes up 2 large buildings in town. The Main Street location is used for daily work and the original building on 3rd street serves as an overflow. After buying and saving some of the old buildings in town, he has plans for selling much of the older merchandise and antiques that are found in the buildings. He and his folks are beginning to use the old Caterpillar building on 3rd Street as an outlet for their sales and display of museum pieces. Harrington has such a rich farming history, and Mike has found some treasures that reflect farming through the years.
Stop by at say Hello to the Mike and his family at the shop located at 502 W. Main Street. Come take a look and see how they can help you with what you need!
