As spring is turning around the corner, Wayne Bellock has been busy making preparations to gear up for the upcoming season.

While Bellock's Multi Repair Service opened around May last year, this spring would mark his first real opening for his business.

"I want to get started on the season as early as possible," said Bellock. "Once the season is in full bloom, people going to find themselves backed up with getting tune-ups and repairs done. I want to be able to help them avoid that."

The business's list of repair services ranges from nearly every lawn and garden equipment to household appliances like refrigerators, washers and dryers. The shop carries parts and tools, with the ability to place orders for any request.
In addition, Bellock offers house visits for repairs, with an expected two-day turnaround time. He started out as a mobile repairman for Sears, where he worked for 17 years. Using that experience, he's personalized his business to be specifically tailored for each customer.

"I don't mind people looking watching from behind me while I work," said Bellock. "I want them to leave satisfied and know a good job was done."

During his tenure at Sears, he would pass a building everyday along U.S. Highway 278 that he thought would work well as a repair shop.

It was the perfect location for people whowere out of reach from repair shops. After he left the company, his interest in opening his own shop grew more attractive.

But it was his wife Carolyn who pushed him to do it. Before long, he began the process to acquire the location.

"I owe a lot of this to my wife," said Bellock. "She always knew I wanted my own shop, so she's been really supportive about all of this."

The shop will offer 10 percent discount on services for new customers, along with discounts on tune-ups and special offers for services on both riding and regular lawn mowers.

Even as he tirelessly works to build the young business, Bellock still manages to take part in the community he's lived in for 24 years.

As a longtime member of Springfield Baptist Church, Bellock had often provided his services to the elderly congregation, helping those who may not be able to afford the repairs.

Not intending to expand like most new small businesses, Bellock plans to keep a steady pace by concentrating on the current size of his base.

"I'm going to be 50 soon, and things ain't like it was 15, 16 years ago," laughed Bellock. "I want to able to care of my customers the way I do it. I want to expand, but I want to take my time with it."

And it is with that attitude which drives Bellock, as he continues his preparations for the spring.

"When you get rain like we've been having, once that sunshine comes out, that grass is going start growing like you wouldn't believe," said Bellock. "I think we're going to have a good spring and summer."