Karl Horvath has been an ATE board member for over 25 years and has held every position in the group – so it’s no surprise that Karl’s a multi-faceted businessman, too. It all started in 1978, when Karl started working for his dad at Horvath Mobil in Woodlawn. In 1989, he bought the Mobil gas station/c-store and dad retired. Karl started implementing some of his own management style, weathered economic challenges from the oil and credit card companies, and in 1995 added a second business. Lakeshore Tire & Auto in Hamburg brought the total employee count to 13 and the scope of services broadened to include his love for auto repair.

It was the elder Horvath that learned of United Garage & Gasoline Retailers of WNY (the earlier version of ATE). “That was when membership was 80% gas stations /20% repair shops,” says Karl. Over the years, he has watched those numbers reverse as many gas stations closed. How did he manage to move forward? Karl credits some very powerful factors for success:
The gas station brings people in, the convenience store refers business to tire sales and repair services builds loyalty among customers. The key to this synergy is to appreciate your customers and give them unbeatable personal service.

“The Automotive Technology & Energy Group helped me through the changes in my business. The ideas we all share, the seminars, the training, has been just as important as the money saved through the ATE benefits. Business is getting tougher and the group is a wonderful resource.”

Karl’s wife, Beth, works at the gas/c-store. Like many couples in business, they list “working too much” as a hobby. Their son Kevin, 19, is studying criminal justice at ECC and helps at the store, too. Daughter Sarah, 17, is currently being wooed by recruiters for college sports. Karl and Beth can list “travel” as a fun pastime if we let them include hockey, volleyball and softball tournaments.

A 3 1/2 year underground tank replacement project is underway at the gas station, bringing new challenges. “We’re working around the disruption in business, advertising a bit more, etc. We know that these new tanks will be more energy-efficient and will pay for themselves in a relatively short amount of time.”

It’s not surprising that Karl Horvath is optimistic about the future. It’s optimism that leads to achievement. Karl certainly has proven that.