A GROWING BUSINESS — Wintersville officials welcomed Randy and Sherri Eddy and their staff at their second Roadside Hobby location to the village with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Eddys recruited Jessica Sipes, the business’s office manager, to make the cut, while its mechanics, C.J. Ralston and Jonathan Blackburn, and many supporters looked on. -- Warren Scott

WINTERSVILLE — The owners of a Richmond auto repair shop found they lacked space to serve their many customers, so Roadside Hobby has expanded to include a location at 519 Canton Road.

Mayor Mike Petrella and other village officials welcomed Randy and Sherry Eddy and their new location with a recent-ribbon cutting ceremony.

Randy said they opened the Richmond location, also on state Route 43, five years ago, but he has been repairing vehicles for at least 30 years.

A 1983 graduate of Brooke High School, he was a student in Russ Palmer’s auto repair class.

Sherri, a 1988 graduate of Wintersville High School, said the two met when a family member suggested she take her own car to him for repairs.

A Wintersville native, she had worked for many years at the local Smith Oil station and he had been a maintenance supervisor for various companies when he decided to open the garage in Richmond.

Sherri admitted she was a reluctant supporter of the idea and saw the endeavor as an expensive sideline for Randy.

She explained the business’ name was born from the idea that it was merely a hobby for Randy as well as the Roadside Sam CB handle used by her late father, Sam Williams.

“Five years later, we have two locations and I’m much more appreciative,” said Sherri.

Randy said the Richmond location will focus on auto body repair while the Wintersville garage will offer a variety of mechanical repairs.

“We do everything but rebuild transmissions,” he said.

Randy said with the cost of new and used automobiles rising, many people are working harder to keep their current vehicles in good condition and even restoring those that are showing their age.

Both locations are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and those seeking Roadside Hobby’s services are encouraged to call (740) 317-5766 to make an appointment.

Assisting the Eddys at the new location are office manager Jessica Sipes, secretary Lisa Morrow and mechanics C.J. Ralston and Jonathan Blackburn.

Many village officials and other supporters joined the Eddys and their staff for the ribbon cutting.

The Eddys thanked many local officials and residents for supporting their new location.

Sherri said, “Wintersville has been fantastic. They have been very welcoming, and we’re happy to be here and serve the community.”

(Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaronline.com.)