6
C
al orner
Spring 2013
Student doesn’t tire of family business By Jamie Rider When you walk into Mouser’s Garage in Smock, it’s easy to feel a little out of place as you pass the stacks of tires in what appears to be someone’s messy garage, more than a popular local business. The small entrance opens into the main shop, where customers aren’t spared any of the sights. They see stacks of tires, tools and equipment waiting to be used, and Taylor Mouser standing ready to assist people as they enter. Mouser is a second-generation tire man, who has worked in the garage since he was 10. It’s a family business that Mouser takes seriously. He is also a full-time student at California University of Pennsylvania, while putting in 40 hours at the garage, making sure everything runs as smoothly as possible. Mouser’s father, Dave, owns the garage and the Mousers take pride in their work. Dave worked in many garages and then opened Mouser’s Garage with high hopes. It’s easy to see from where his son gets his ambition. Dave is relying on his son to take up the family business when Dave retires. As Mouser sees it, “When my dad finally decides to retire, I know it’s going to be me running the place, so I work hard and try my best to make sure I’m living up to what he expects,” Mouser said. The garage is a popular destination for the people in the area who come in yearly for their tire needs. And Mouser is not complaining. “It’s crazy,” he said. “Our one employee, Bob, knows everyone in Searights, and they know him. “He brings in so many customers, and I’ve gotten to know them, as well. It’s an interesting place to meet all kinds of different people,” Mouser said. Mouser doesn’t just change tires and go to school. He also is a Jeep enthusiast. He has four Jeeps near the garage
and his house. “I can’t help it,” Mouer said. “I love Jeeps! “I probably don’t need four, but it’s a hobby that I love,” he said. “Every year I go to Jeepfest in Butler, and I have so much fun,” Mouser said. The annual Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival features new models, vendors from whom to buy parts, and a parade in which Jeeps from the ages are showcased. Of his four jeeps, Mouser explained that “I have two Cherokees. I drive one to and from school, and one sits in the yard. I still need parts. “Then there are the two Wranglers I’m working on, as well. As soon as my income tax check comes, I’m going to start on those again,” he said. Working in a garage and working on Jeeps may seem like a humble life for most, but Mouser is content. “I just want to graduate and start working full time here,” he said. “I’m happy and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.” Mouser takes pride in his work, hobbies, and family values.
Photo by Jamie Rider
Taylor Mouser works on the tire machine at his garage. He spends 40 hours on the job and attends Cal U full time.
Rooted in southwestern Pennsylvania with no intentions of leaving, he will continue to serve his customers, even if he can never seem to get the grease off his hands.
A sign sits outside Mouser’s garage, directing people to step inside.
Photo by Jamie Rider