VIP Hires the Sears Auto Service Team from the Aroostook Centre Mall

Some good news coming out of the Sears store closing at the Aroostook Centre Mall in Presque Isle; five full-time service technicians from the store are being hired on by VIP Tires & Service.

Sears announced in October that it would close its doors for good at the Aroostook Centre Mall by January 2015. The auto center is scheduled to close on Saturday, November 8th, leaving the team of technicians and managers without jobs.

Former Sears Auto Center Manager, Eric Miranda said, “My team and I are very thankful that VIP stepped up to give us this opportunity. This means so much to our families, especially as we near the holiday season.”

Miranda continued: “We’re also extremely happy our customers won’t experience any service interruptions and that VIP is honoring their Sears extended warranties so they can rest easy knowing we'll be there for them. We can’t wait to get started.”

John Quirk, President and CEO of VIP, says that when he learned that the Sears Auto Center would be closing, he knew it was a chance to make a decisive move. “VIP places a premium on high-quality auto mechanics, and I knew this was not only an opportunity for VIP to expand its talented workforce, but it was also a chance to support the local Presque Isle economy. VIP has owned a Presque Isle store since 1985.

VIP Presque Isle store Manager Tony Boucher said, “It’s extremely rewarding to work for a company that is willing to make a difference and keep these talented individuals employed right here in Presque Isle. We’re excited to welcome this great group of workers to our team.”

The former Sears Auto Center Technicians and Customer Service Associates will begin working at VIP on Sunday, November 9th and immediately start servicing customers. VIP will officially welcome its new team members with a community event on Saturday, November 15 from 10 a.m. to Noon at its 755 Main Street location. Individuals are invited to stop by to say hello, enjoy some lunch, and sign up for prizes, including a set of 4 tires and free oil changes.

Boucher concluded: “With the cold weather approaching, our busy season is about to start. This is the time of year when people come in to get their cars ready for winter and change out their tires for snowy conditions. Adding to our team will allow us to service our customers even more quickly and get them back on the road.”

Joining the VIP Presque Isle team are:

Eric Miranda, Manager

Daniel Castle, Assistant Manager

Dylan Brooker, Technician/Advisor

Michael Corella, Auto Technician

David Stavnesli, Auto Technician

VIP Tires & Service, based in Lewiston, Maine, operates 56 stores located throughout Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts providing retail and wholesale tire installation and professional automotive service. VIP is the place where New Englanders turn to for everything they need to keep their vehicles running at peak performance. For more information, visit: www.vipauto.com.