Driven By Community

In an era when businesses often come and go as fast as fleeting speedometers, Severna Park Automotive has not only weathered the storms of economic shifts and technological revolutions but has also thrived for 25 years.

Shop owner Mike McNealey was a technician for 20 years and co-owner of Severna Park Automotive with his two business partners, Andy Wollentin and Lonny Wiezorek, before becoming full owner of the business. Throughout that time, he has witnessed the evolution of cars, customers and the fabric of the greater Severna Park community.

“Essentially, 25 years ago, three of us that were working here partnered up and bought out our previous boss,” McNealey said. “And then, 20 years later, my two partners retired, and then I bought them out. And that’s the 25 years. But we were involved with the business much longer. I have personally been here now for 44 years.

“There was a lot of people saying that a three-way partnership wouldn’t survive. But we were three different personalities, so we kind of divided up the responsibilities early,” McNealey said.

McNealey, Wollentin and Wiezorek developed a collaborative synergy, so they each held a specialized role in the business.

“One partner, Andy (the business strategist), was doing most of the book work, human resources stuff … I (the expert craftsman) was a mechanic by trade, so I was still working as a mechanic. And Lonny (the customer whisperer) [with his] great personality, friendly, was our service advisor and would call out to talk to people in the community about work they needed on their cars,” McNealey said.

Severna Park Automotive’s journey through economic downturns, such as the 2008 global financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, showcases not just the team’s resilience but also how they could turn adversity into opportunity. Staying afloat in tough times also goes hand in hand with giving back to the community. As a lifelong resident of Severna Park, McNealey has been able to forge friendships with members of the community since he started as a mechanic in the ‘90s.

“We've always been involved with the community, donating our time and resources,” McNealey said. “And I've pretty much expanded on that. I support a lot of local organizations, sponsor different events. We have so many great resources in our little community. And growing up here, I actually used a lot of them. And so I definitely see the value involving ourselves in different organizations, and so I donate to them, I support them. And, it's a great feeling to be able to give back, right?”

Severna Park Automotive isn't just reflecting on the past but looking to the road ahead. McNealey appreciates everyone who has been a part of this remarkable journey, inviting them to continue riding shotgun as the business gears up for the miles yet to come.

Among others, he credited former owner Gordon Mann, along with Wollentin and Wiezorek, for helping the business succeed.

“And I do want to thank also a lot of my crew,” McNealey said. “They’ve been here for a long time. And I certainly would not have been able to survive without all my employees that I have here. I am very thankful and very proud of their accomplishments as well.”