I have never seen a
more patriotic business on a summer day. In the clean morning light, the
business vibrantly calls for recognition in Detroit. Flags flying, green grass,
flowers, and layers of security. “You
never know who may just walk right in and try to rob me”. He has permits for multiple guns and rifles
easily accessible in the shop.
Advance Steering Column Repair was established to service auto owners and the aftermath of an attempted theft by tearing into the steering column to start the car.
Business has been declining for several years for Michael Yousif. Better automotive theft prevention technology, and a business location on John R Street south of 8 Mile Road, that sends out a strong alarm to many people.
Still Michael struggles to stay in business, repairing steering columns, installs alarms, making new ignition keys.
“You
should see the sidewalk and street on Monday morning - needles, condoms, broken
liquor bottles”, and general trash await him. And every morning he cleans up
again.
To off-set the location perception the shop is immaculate. Everything is organized. Steering wheels with columns are hanging from the interior roof frame. Replacement parts line work area. He takes great pride in his spotless shop.
His tiddy office is quite amazing, complete with a lit shrine.
These
values came with Michael when he immigrated from Iraq over 22 years ago. He had
brothers established in Detroit. “I never
look back, my family’s home for a thousand years is gone, my people are dead or
here.”
The
oasis on John R is neatly laid out with whole different world behind the street
side fence. Michael watches over a graveyard of machines. Property of the landlord. He makes a considerable
effort in gardening and neatly trims fruit trees. Fig
trees had grown on the property behind his shop, but they did not survive a previous
cold winter. A fellow Iraq immigrant had nurtured them. He too is now dead and
the property is a mess.
“I love America. I
can run my own business. I just need a better location”, he commented. At
least he is free, and somewhat safe.
