CityView Magazine

HOPE MI L L S 7 Locations In Fayetteville Louise Autry, Helen McLean and Al McLean own Hope Mills Saw and Mower The Cutting Edge nally known as Hope Mills Tire Sales and Service. It evolved through the years, becoming a small engine repair and parts business A Started in 1966 by Jimmy McLean and John Henley, Sr., the business was origi- ily. Helen, her son Al, and her daughter Louise, run Hope Mills Saw and Mower, one of the oldest businesses in town. that employs thirteen employees. Helen McLean says there would be no business without her family's involvement. Al is the manager, Louise is the bookkeeper and their family's involvement now also includes a grand-daughter who works there full time. Al McLean, who has worked around the shop since he was 10 years old, said they oſten have to turn business away. "We get so much work sometimes, we just can't get it done in a timely manner," he said. "People sometimes need their lawn mowers back quicker than we can repair them." On a summer day, it is not unusual for the business to have 500 customers, not ll small businesses have to change with the times. No one knows that better than Helen McLean and her fam- counting the phone calls. It is a busy place with people dropping off equipment and buying new merchandise and parts. Helen McLean said her husband Jim had the original vision for the store. "He saw this and he knew it was something that the community needed," she said, lamenting his death several years ago. "I wish he was here to see it now." The business has thousands of customers including the City of Fayetteville, PWC, Raeford and Ft. Bragg. "The Town of Hope Mills has been good to us," said Helen. "We are so grateful to all our customers and we are proud to be part of the business community here. Jimmy was born and raised here. He loved this town." CV BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS/CORPORATE LAW BOARD CERTIFIED SPECIALIST IN REAL PROPERTY LAW: 2533 RAEFORD RD. • (910) 223-1300 CityViewNC.com | 59 RESIDENTIAL, BUSINESS, COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL TRANSACTIONS 2541 Gillespie St..................910-484-4144 3226 Bragg Blvd..................910-868-4131 3009 Raeford Rd..................910-484-6271 5012 Ramsey St...................910-488-2647 2007 Skibo Rd......................910-867-0121 3116 Bordeaux Park Dr.........910-485-8863 On Post-D1302 Gruber St.....910-339-3012 2 Locations In Lumberton 1910 West Fifth St.................910-739-8320 5020 Fayetteville Rd. (Exit 22)..910-738-4884 Hope Mills Saw and Mower has changed with the times www.blackstire.com BY EDDIE DEES RICHARD A. GALT AT TO R N E Y- AT - L AW Photography by Anna Lester

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