As published in Toledo Business Journal - October 1, 2020

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Mini-Engine Repair Benefits From PPP Loan

Like many businesses in northwest Ohio, Mini-Engine Repair, Inc. was able to obtain a SBA Payment Protection Program (PPP) loan earlier this year. PPP loans were designed to provide a direct incentive to small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll during the shutdown caused by the pandemic. These loans can be forgiven if the funds are used for eligible purposes.

Mini-Engine, located in Perrysburg, is owned by Michael and Barbara Smith.

“Since 2013, we have remained profitable,” Barb indicated. Then the pandemic hit. Mini-Engine tried two times to obtain a PPP loan through their primary bank relationship, but had been turned away because that bank had reached their PPP loan limit, and could not do anymore.

“Then, Nelson Shaffer, from Citizens National Bank, reached out to us with a phone call asking if we had applied for the PPP loan. After a brief conversation explaining what we would need, a couple of additional phone calls, and a few minutes of gathering information, we were approved for a PPP loan. Nelson made the process very smooth and easy. In a matter of a few days we were able to acquire a PPP loan, and it was virtually painless,” according to Barb.

Mike commented: “The PPP loan has truly made a difference in our business during such difficult times in our country. We can’t say enough for all the help we received from Nelson and the entire support staff at Citizens National Bank. We have been extremely fortunate, and have managed to remain very busy throughout the pandemic. Our customers have continued to support us, and seek us out for their equipment repairs.”

The business originally opened in February 1973 in the old coal yard building at Walnut Street and the railroad tracks, where the Perrysburg Courthouse is now. Merle Smith, Mike’s dad, started the company with Mike after retiring from the USAF. Barb started learning the business while in high school, and upon graduation, began working there. Mike and Barb were married in August of 1977. In August 1978, Mini-Engine built and moved into its current location at 217 West Third Street, across the street / railroad from the original location.

Initially, and until 2012, Mini-Engine stocked and inventoried several brands of new equipment, including: walk-behind mowers, riders, handheld products, snow blowers, etc. After a downturn in the economy, the Smiths realized that their main focus needed to be on what they do best, which is service rather than equipment sales. Later, in 2013, the additional services of window and screen repair were added.

Mini-Engine services single and twin cylinder, 4-cycle and 2-cycle gasoline engines. Brands serviced include: Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, Tecumseh, Kawasaki, Honda, LCT, Onan, as well as engines built by or for Toro, Troy-Bilt, and MTD. The shop also works on most brands of handheld products, such as Echo, RedMax, Husqvarna, Stihl, Troy-Bilt, and MTD. Pickup and delivery of equipment is offered in the Toledo metro area, but the company has gone as far as Napoleon and lower Michigan when needed. Since the mid-1980s, winter storage of lawn equipment has also been provided. In addition to homeowners, Mini-Engine’s customer base includes: commercial landscapers, churches, municipalities, cemeteries, schools, and non-profit organizations.

Most parts that are sourced by Mini-Engine come from parts distributors that the Smiths are signed on with as a dealer. If they are in need of a part for a brand that they are not signed on with, they usually will contact another local dealer who is, and purchase the part from them.