L.A.S.T. celebrates grand opening in Lincoln

[May 20, 2024]   Saturday, May 18th marked the grand opening day of LaForge Automotive Service and Tires (L.A.S.T.) in Lincoln. The event started with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 9a.m., followed by an open house, refreshments, and an opportunity for guests to get to know the owners, Chris and Ashley LaForge.

The new business in town is actually a multi-generation business location offering quality vehicle service and repairs for the last 50 years, as the LaForge’s recently purchased the former Charron’s Auto Repair at 929 S. Kickapoo Street in Lincoln.

Chris and Ashley are from New Holland, and Christ worked as a mechanic for the past 15 years. Recently, he and Ashley had been considering striking out on their own, and they had hoped that they would be able to find a location in Lincoln.

Chris explained that he went to school at Lincoln Community High School, he had friends and acquaintances in the town, and he knew that he would have a stronger possibility of growing a business in Lincoln.

Fortunately for the LaForge’s and the Charron’s, Rick and Carol Charron had just what the young couple was looking for. Also fortunately for both couples, they had a mutual friend in the automotive repair business who recognized an opportunity to be of help.

Though Dave Duvall runs Duvall Automotive in Lincoln, he did not shrink away from the idea of keeping a long-time business up and running in his home community. He told the LaForge’s about Charron’s Auto Repair and assisted in getting the two couples talking about a possible sale.

On Saturday, the LaForge’s expressed their appreciation to Duvall for the role he played in making their new business a reality.

Rick and Carol Charron were invited to join the LaForge’s behind the ribbon at the cutting ceremony, and Rick spoke to the crowd gathered. He said that Charron’s Auto Repair had been his father’s business, opened 50 years ago. His dad ran the business for 11 years then for the past 39 years, Rick and Carol have been the owners and managers. Rick expanded briefly on the history of the business before wishing the LaForge’s a bright future.

Ashley LaForge commented that she had Chris had come to know and love the Charron’s and that in many ways they had become another set of grandparents to the couple. She said that it had taken a lot of work, time, and patience on the part of all those involved, but they were very excited to make it through the transition.

Along with purchasing the business, the LaForge’s have been excited about having members of the Charron team that chose to stay on as L.A.S.T. employees. Pat Gorman is still the primary voice on the other end of the line when customers call in. He mans the front desk and does a great deal to keep jobs moving in and out of the business.

Also staying with the company is John Overby which is a valued service technician in the shop.

Most of the time, customers will find Chris out in the shop with Overby, working on vehicles and making sure customers get the best service possible.

Ashley works another job in Springfield but will be in the office helping out on a part-time basis. Chris’ sister Val Goin will also be in the office, working as the bookkeeper for the business.

And, from time to time, folks may spy little miss Lorelei at the shop. She is the LaForge’s baby girl, who turned six months old on Mother’s Day. Lorelei was also front and center with her parents on Saturday at the ribbon cut.

Also joining the Laforge’s and the Charron’s behind the ribbon were Gorman and Overby, Val Goin, Chris’ parents Grant and Kathi LaForge, 2024 Miss Logan County Fair Queen Ellyn Martinez, Junior Miss Logan County Kodi Eigenbrod, and Mayor Tracy Welch. Lincoln Ward Two alderman David Sanders, and Ward Three alderman Kevin Bateman held the ribbon for the cut.

Mayor Welch spoke on behalf of the city welcoming the LaForge’s to the community.

When the time was right, the LaForge’s and everyone behind the ribbon posed for the official photo and then Chris and Ashley snipped the ribbon in their new business.

Guests were encouraged to come into the shop area for donuts and drinks and an opportunity to get to know the LaForge’s.

Laforge Automotive Service & Tires is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Appointments are preferred but they do take drive in customers for emergency repairs. They can also take towed in drop-off vehicles over the weekend, and a key drop box for those who need to leave their vehicle after hours for repairs the following day.

To schedule an appointment call 2317-735-2222.

[Karen Castelein/Nila Smith]