R&C Auto Repair relocates to State Rte. 17C in Owego

Russ and Cynthia Cornwell, owners of R&C Auto Repair, held onto faith when they decided to pursue plans to build a brand new facility located at 2100 State Rte. 17C in Owego. The couple had leased their former Glenmary Drive location for two decades, and as of August celebrated 21 years in business.

The property, located across the road from Tioga Gardens and within a short distance of Lockheed Martin, was engulfed in thick bushes and shrubs and had sat vacant for over a year. Major dirt moving activity started a year ago in October, and since then the Cornwell’s have transformed the once dismal piece of land into an eye-catching and appealing business site. 

The Cornwell’s explained that the venture couldn’t have succeeded without the support and follow-up from Tioga County Economic Development and Planning and the Industrial Development Agency, which helped them through the loan process along with other assistance. The Cornwell’s added that support received from the Town of Owego Building, Planning and Zoning department was a key component as well.

Pulling the new facility together took ambition and numerous late night hours, and now today, and after officially opening in March, both Russ and Cynthia are pleased with the outcome. The Cornwell’s performed a good amount of the work themselves, too, such as elevating the property to build three feet above the flood elevation, instead of a two feet above requirement. AA General Contracting constructed the building, and the Cornwell’s, to help save on costs, assisted where needed, such as plumbing and equipment installation, and put up wood working in the office area and restrooms. 

Cynthia, the “C” in R&C Auto Repair, commented, “We also believe we’re here because God put us here.”

A delay in acquiring a special use permit had set them back, but as it all turned out, it was meant to be. The waiting period allowed the Cornwell’s time to focus on end of life hospice care for Russ’ mother before she passed away.

The Cornwell’s are pleased that their customers have followed them to their new location and have welcomed new customers since their move. And when customers walk into their new office area, family keepsakes in memory of the Cornwell’s parents add a special touch to their family-oriented business. Building customer relationships is a top priority for them, which includes offering rides back to work for customers who drop off vehicles. Giving back to the community is important, too, and this year R&C Auto Repair will be a Toy’s for Tots drop-off location, and in the future, the couple hopes to offer a farmer’s market on the property.  

R&C Auto Repair offers New York State inspections, oil changes, major and minor engine repairs, electrical repair, brake service, tires, computer diagnostics and drive-train diagnostic and repair. Russ is an ASE Master Technician, with a strong suit in diagnostics, and attends ongoing training and certification events.

The new repair shop features four bays versus two at their previous location, and in addition to investing in some new equipment, an on-site inventory room has improved their functionality.  

The environmentally minded duo recycles oil, too, which is used in a furnace that heats the half-mile floor piping throughout the building and they have added LED energy saving lighting as well. 

R&C Auto Repair is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., with extended hours on Tuesday’s until 7 p.m. Each month, R&C offers specials; for example, October is “Shocks & Struts” month and November is “Tire Special” month. R&C is also a registered provider of Intoxalock.  

For additional information, call (607) 687-4566 or find them on Facebook.