Ken Larini, 57, Kingston resident, 26-year owner of Larini’s Service Center, Alexander Street, Princeton Township
By Greg Forester, Staff Writer
How did get into this business? — I worked at gas stations during high school and I bought one in Kendall Park immediately after graduating from high school. It was always something that I wanted to do, and since I wasn’t drafted to go to Vietnam, I got out of high school and went right into the business. It was a natural move for me.
What kind of training did you need?
I took shop classes during high school, and I also had worked on farms when I was younger. Back then if you couldn’t fix what you were driving then you couldn’t go anywhere, so I learned how to fix farm equipment, and my own car. Back then if you didn’t learn how to fix your car then you would have to go around on a bicycle, which just doesn’t move as fast. I also worked at all those gas stations, and I picked up the trade while I worked there.
Describe a typical day at your business?
That’s hard. I do more work here in five hours than most people do in five days. You see, at this business we run a gas station, a towing service, a car rental company, and a car repair shop. So in one day I can do all of those things. When people come here, we could have to fill their car up with gas, tow their car, rent them a car, or fix their car.
What do you enjoy most about your business?
I enjoy the variety and the complexity of working at this business. I like how challenging it can be. You have to know how to solve a lot of problems for a lot of people, and most people just don’t really understand everything we do over here. Like I said, at this place we’ll put gas in a car, tow cars and fix your car, all in the process here.
What do enjoy least?
I never really thought about that. My employees could probably help you about that more than me. The most interesting thing about this place is that most of the staff has been here 15 or 20 years. They are all mature individuals, and they never make a problem, and never come in here hung over, like that 20-year-old racket. They improve the way we do business here.
What is the key to success in your business?
The key is the hard work, and the long hours. You have to maintain good customer relations too. You have to know your neighborhood, and get involved in your neighborhood. Here, we sponsor Little League sports, soccer, softball, and anything in Princeton. That is what’s wrong with many people in business today in the community. They are the wrong kind of people. They just don’t get involved in the community, and they take your money and don’t give anything back to the community.