By Bob Miller, NTEA Director of Outreach
This article was published in the August 2016 edition of NTEA News.
NTEA visited NESS Automotive, a Distributor member in Danbury, Connecticut. Their parent company, New England Self-Serve Inc. (NESS), has been family-owned and operated for 37 years.
In 1979, George Saltz, who worked in the gasoline industry for 15 years, founded NESS with his wife Lee. Based in Ridgefield, Connecticut, the company operated gasoline stations throughout the state, beginning with two Exxon-branded franchises in the Hartford area. Business grew steadily through the 1980s, and at its peak, NESS operated nine gasoline franchises of various brands.
In the 1990s, George and Lee consolidated operations closer to the Ridgefield headquarters and welcomed daughter Erica into the business. With her experience as an energy industry economist, she became director of operations for sites.
As the number of locations decreased, each remaining became more diverse in its offerings. NESS enhanced its focus on the repair business and started growing in directions that promoted service skills.
NESS dump truck
George and Lee’s son, Greg, was appointed director of finance in 2002. He also became the point person for the rapidly growing repair segment. This addition brought the family together as a team working toward the corporation’s growth.
Since 2002, the company successfully shifted its focus from kiosk-style gasoline franchises into NESS Automotive, a full-line service, rental, repair, truck equipment and automotive sales facility.
Along with general repairs, they provide snowplows and salt spreaders, steel and stainless steel dump bodies, steel and aluminum platform bodies, utility service bodies, landscape bodies and power liftgates. Truck accessories include tube steps and nerf bars, bulkheads, emergency lighting (LED), light bars, toolboxes, tonneau covers and custom van interiors. The business handles a comprehensive line of trailers, such as utility, landscape, dump, car and equipment hauler, and enclosed van trailers. It offers Budget truck and Cruise America RV rentals, as well as a 24-hour emergency storm service for snow-fighting equipment customers.
NESS Automotive occupies a 9,000-square foot building with a shop, office and show room. There are approximately nine employees.
NESS Automotive in Danbury, Connecticut.
Like most flourishing businesses in this industry, the company evolved over the years to meet market needs. The organization was built around a strong repair and service skillset, with products and services added based on customer needs and expectations.
For more information on NESS Automotive, visit nessautoct.com, call 203-792-6377 or stop by 92 Federal Road in Danbury.