By Steve Lorch
For The Courier

slorch@thepccourier.com

Local Biz Buzz

Meet Robert Sapp. The spry 56-year-old former police officer and former Marine is passionate about helping people. Service runs in his blood. And he does it in an unusual, but very practical way — through tires.

“Blue Line Auto & Tire has always been something I’ve wanted to do,” Sapp said. “I learned the tire trade working at a Sears Automotive Center while I was in the Marines.”

Steve Lorch/Courier
“We want to take the fear out of going to the mechanic,” said Blue Line Auto & Tire owner Robert Sapp, second from right, pictured with the Blue Line family.

The company specializes in new and used tires, but it also does minor repairs, oil changes and brakes on most makes and models.

“We want to take the fear out of going to the mechanic,” explained Sapp. “Too many times, people who don’t know much about cars feel like they are going to get ripped off when they need to fix their vehicle. We want to change all of that.”

Together with his wife, Diana, and assistant, Daniel (Dan) Sullivan, the team at Blue Line makes sure that they only fix what needs fixing.

“Not every flat needs a brand new tire,” Sullivan said. “If you only need a patch or a plug, that’s all we are going to sell you. We are not in this for the money — we are in it to serve our community.”

For the folks at Blue Line, it’s all about treating people right.

“Fair and honest — that’s what makes us unique,” Sapp said. “Especially when it comes to pricing. I don’t need to make a lot of money as long as I know I’m helping people.”

The shop doesn’t even charge to have your car evaluated.

“Bring it in and we’ll take a look at it,” Sapp said. “We’ll tell you what it needs and what it doesn’t. And if we can’t fix it, we’ll recommend someone who can.”

That kind of honest service is very reassuring — especially to those of us who may not be as knowledgeable when it comes to cars.

At present, Blue Line Auto & Tire is a fairly small, but busy shop.

“Someday, we’d like to find an additional building so we can split the tire and automotive repair services,” Sapp said.

For now, though, the combination seems to be working.

If you find yourself with a flat tire, or maybe you just want to know what that annoying sound is under the hood, stop in at Blue Line Auto & Tire.

The shop is located at 104 East Jones Ave. in Pickens. Hours are 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Blue Line can be reached at (864) 608-3882.