"We repair what your husband fixed," reads the marquee greeting costumers to Cary Tire & Auto Center. On a typical summer day, all three shop doors are open and mechanics are busy making those repairs at this family-owned shop.

A bright-red tow trucks is parked at the southwest corner of the lot, facing traffic, ready for that call to duty. An air-conditioned lobby has classic rock playing on the radio as costumers wait on their repairs. The front desk is full of product brochures, promotional materials, special deals and—showing that this is a community-centered operation—local business cards for everything from real estate agents to nearby restaurants.