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By Charlotte Hopkins

Greenwald Automotive is proudly celebrating their 25th anniversary in the Elizabeth community.

The Greenwald Automotive Staff is looking forward to serving another 25 years.

In 1990, David Greenwald worked for a garage that repeatedly pressured him to “stretch the truth” with his customers. Greenwald refused to do so. His conscious would not allow him to lie to a public that he serviced. “I'm a religious guy. I can't do that and sleep at night,” expressed Greenwald. So, he stepped out to start his own garage. His former manager said he would never make it and would be back in 6 months.

The odds were against Greenwald. He was a first-generation business owner. He knew all about working on cars but didn't know anything about the business side of it. With $5,000, a gallon of paint from his dad and an amazing amount of determination, he set out to achieve his goal.

His brother, Dan Greenwald, would later become his partner and a source of motivation. Greenwald's next move was to take a class in management success at California State College. He graduated in 2004.

His service includes basic repairs, computer maintenance on cars, alignments, air conditioning, inspections and his specialty is mufflers. His specialty with mufflers is what keeps Greenwald heads above his peers. With his passion for repairing exhaust and mufflers, the Muffler Man was born. He has been an icon of the Elizabeth Borough Community since his creation 24 years ago.

Greenwald Automotive has also gotten more tech-savvy over the years. The mechanics are now equipped with iPads so that customers can see photos of the work that needs to be done or photos of updates on how the work is coming along with their cars. Customer satisfaction is utmost important - Greenwald even treats them to coffee or fruit slushes while they wait!

The Muffler Man is an advertising icon of the Greenwald Automotive family

What Greenwald hopes that people come away with after learning of his struggle and determination is that if he can do this – then anyone can! Don't let your self doubts, lack of financing or lack of support stop you. Go forward, no matter what obstacles life throws at you. “If I can do it, you can, too,” stated Greenwald.

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