Skip Munroe Retires from Mac’s Auto Repair in Webster
By Janet Stoica
It’s been a 37-year journey of A+ customer service and auto and truck fixes at Mac’s Auto Repair for many satisfied customers in the greater Webster area but now it’s time for Skip to retire and relax, can you believe it? Well, neither can Skip Munroe, one of the most friendly and detail-oriented Auto Service Managers in our area as he said farewell to the hundreds of customers and friends he’s made along the way to his retirement on Friday, April 26. When Mr. Francis Marcoux, the previous owner of Mac’s Auto Repair, hired Skip all those many years ago, he hired the best of the best. “I’ve enjoyed meeting with and assisting our customers with one of the most valuable assets they have, their car or truck,” said Skip, “it’s how they get around, it’s extremely important for us to listen to what their concerns are and to fix their vehicles to the best of our abilities.”
Mac’s Auto Repair fixes just about anything that can go wrong with your vehicle. They are greatly skilled at what they do and use the latest diagnostic technology to make it right. Their shop and their four highly-trained auto techs know their business inside and out. They’ve seen it all. They service just about any vehicle from state inspection stickers to oil changes to replacing engines and transmissions. From alignments to brakes to tune-ups and wheel bearings and axles to emission control devices. They’ll use the latest equipment including a mechanic’s stethoscope to pinpoints noise sources from engines, differentials, transmissions, and bearings. Transmission rebuilds aren’t part of their offerings however.
You can make your appointments on-line or in-person by phoning them to describe in better detail what your needs are. They still have the personal touch at Mac’s where you are welcomed to come in and define your vehicle’s requirements. The shop accepts all major credit cards including Apple Pay and also offers a NAPA extended-payment program as they are an authorized NAPA repair facility.
At the tender age of 32, Skip accepted his current position and has been enjoying customer rapport and interaction for the past (almost) four decades. Quite an interesting time frame these days when compared to the younger generations who job hop every few years!
He began his appreciation of engine mechanics at a young age when he was allowed to disassemble and reassemble his family’s lawn mowers. It was all ascending from there. His skills intensified and modified as he grew more experienced working at his uncle’s garage in Berlin MA where he stayed for 10 years honing his craft. He did well, later working for a few other facilities and landing permanently in Webster all those 37 short years ago. The Marcoux family owned the Shell gasoline station on East Main Street in Webster where Wendy’s fast-food restaurant now stands. The auto repair shop moved down the street to the corner of East Main and Slater Streets when the Shell station and the Marcoux’s parted company.
“I’ve stayed at Mac’s all these years because it was a great place to work,” said Mr. Munroe, “and Fran Marcoux was very good to me. I’ve gone through several major health issues and I’m extremely grateful to Fran for providing financially to my family. I can’t think of any other place of this size that would pay my salary when I was out for major health issues.” Mr. Marcoux has a heart of gold for sure.
“I truly enjoy talking with our customers and doing a job well and well done,” said Skip, “when a vehicle leaves this shop, we know it’s been fixed correctly and stand behind our work.” Skip’s dad was a diesel mechanic and Skip always enjoyed working on cars.
A recent occurrence at Mac’s happened when Mike Lees, current owner and technician, was working on a car that was on the lift. As Mike removed the skid plate (a shield that absorbs the impact of rocks and other obstacles under the car), a large live rabbit fell out onto the garage floor. They immediately opened one of the bay doors and the rabbit scampered out. Some of their biggest projects, according to Skip, have been motor changes as in blown head gaskets and lack of oil. They remove and replace the top of the engine after replacing the gasket.
“I’ve had the pleasure of knowing four generations of families coming here for their everyday oil changes and tune-ups,” said Skip, “sometimes when vehicle owners come in for an inspection sticker their vehicles aren’t up to the inspection standards and we’ll educate them about what the needs are to be road-safe. We had a customer come in whose vehicle did not pass inspection due to a hole in the exhaust equipment. After we explained the safety hazards of carbon monoxide entering the passenger cabin and repaired the problem, he understood, and is now a long-time customer.”
In retirement, Skip hopes to enjoy more motorcycle rides, working around the house including tending to his garden, his three grandchildren with another on the way, and his new 28-foot recreational vehicle. Trips to Maine and Pennsylvania to visit family are in the near future. He also hopes to become involved in volunteer activities like the Meals-on-Wheels program. Of course, when his family’s vehicles need regular service, he’ll be paying a visit to Mac’s Auto Repair.
Enjoy your retirement, Skip, we’ll all miss you!
Mac’s Auto Repair, www.macsautorepairwebster.com 77 East Main Street, Webster MA 01570. Phone: (508) 943-2068. Hours: Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
