In 1986, Amir Kahn discovered he was a kid who could fix cars. He didn?t mind getting his hands dirty, and there was satisfaction in figuring out a problem.
Along with a buddy, he rented a garage and went into business, using the initials of their surnames.
After 10 years, his partner went another direction, but Kahn stayed with car repairs and the name of the business: K&S Associates.
Over the years, the business has grown into an automotive success story.
K&S is located in a large warehouse-type building in Baltimore City?s Hampden neighborhood, spokesman Ken Williams says.
Williams likes to say he is the voice of K&S, the friendly guy people talk to when they call for help.
Originally K&S specialized in Volkswagen repair, but it has since added other imports to its list.
Volvos and BMWs, Saabs and Mercedes are now among the company?s “patients,” as are Hondas and Acuras.
AAA-approved, the shop does painting, bodywork and alignments, in addition to other repair and maintenance services.
So why deal with an independently owned garage rather than a dealership?
Williams said that work performed by K&S is “cheaper, quicker and comes with a one-year warranty.”
Because of this, the business has a faithful clientele.
But it?s not just the service that many people find appealing, according to Williams. “We have a lot of fun here,” he said. “We don?t take ourselves too seriously.”
Having fun is not the only reason customers have remained loyal, though. Williams said the people at K&S are not only competent, but also honest.
If customers arrange for a pre-sale inspection, they will hear if the car is a good buy or not, Williams said.
And if the vehicle they are driving is not safe, or if the customer is on the verge of sinking more money than is warranted into an older model, the folks at K&S will tell them, he added.
“We tell somebody every day to throw out their car and get a better one,” he said.
Customer Lorraine Hunt, first took her Volvo, and now her Volkswagen, to K&S for service. “I wouldn?t think of going anywhere else,” the Homewood resident said. “They are completely honest and extraordinarily accommodating. Also, it is always a lot of fun to go there.”
Contact info
K&S Associates
» 3939 Falls Road, Baltimore
» 410-235-6660
» www.knsimports.com
