Greenville Small Business Highlight: First Class HALT

At Advisors Insurance, we strongly believe that local businesses are key to making a community strong. We are lucky to have the opportunity to work with a lot of great, successful small businesses here in Greenville, South Carolina, and have decided that once a month we will be showcasing one business that especially stands out to us.

When local businesses thrive, the community thrives and it is safe to say that the local business we are highlighting today has brought great customer service, friendliness and customer satisfaction back to the auto repair industry.

Meet First Class HALT, owned by Mark Maitland-Smith

I first met Mark years ago when he was my neighbor and we developed a great friendship. He came to me when he wanted to open his own small business and asked me for some advice as a business owner; then he went ahead and opened First Class HALT in March 2011, an auto repair shop specializing in Honda, Acura, Lexus and Toyota.

Why First Class HALT?

Since beginning his career at the young age of 16, Mark’s experience includes working for independant auto repair shops and large dealerships, including 14 years at a Honda and Acura dealership and 6 years at a Lexus and Toyota dealership.

While working for big dealerships allowed him to gain experience, he soon realized that he wanted to open his own shop — a smaller shop, where the employees know each customer by name and car, and where incredible customer service, integrity and honesty sets them apart from the rest.

In March of 2011, that is what Mark did. He opened First Class HALT with 6 employees and they focus on creating a great experience for each customer offering top-of-the line equipment and they do it all with a smile on their face. Mark takes pride that each customer can leave his shop knowing they weren’t “stiffed” (a feeling most people get when leaving a dealership).

Why Greenville?

After growing up in New York and spending a few years in San Francisco, Mark chose to live in Greenville and open First Class HALT because of the people.

“Even though Greenville is a large city, it has a small town feel and I think that’s the coolest part, you’re working with people you see everyday,” Mark says.

Keep it local

By supporting local businesses we are investing in our community. We can see why First Class HALT has been such a success for Mark. They put the customer first, love the people in Greenville and strive to always provide the best service to everyone that walks through their door.

Want to meet First Class HALT? Check out their website.

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