Owner Jay Ferrell has begun the process of transforming the former Carey Tire business at 3119 S. Third St. to Ironton Auto Care. Ferrell is also the owner of World Thrift, located in the former Kroger Building at 2125 S. Third St.

“I’ve been wanting to open an auto place for 20 years but never could find a suitable building,” Ferrell said. “People are saying they can’t wait until we open. I think it’s going to do really well. It’s a great location that people associate with auto repair. I’ve had people stop in asking when we are going to open.”

In the past 20 years Ferrell has owned his share of businesses — 14 total — and some past endeavors have taken him all over the country.

“I have owned pizza joints, steakhouses, a flea market and other things,” he said. “I even had a sideshow in Las Vegas.”

For several years Ferrell could be found in the Silver Nugget Casino with an alligator, or perhaps a Cuban banana rat, the biggest of its kind. Eventually, however, he not only found himself back in his hometown, but feels as if he has also found his niche.

“My grandmother owned Third Street Furniture in Ironton,” he said. “I started helping her there in 1981.”

It was nearly two years ago when Ferrell decided to try his hand at being a local business owner. A father of four, he admits knowing it was time to stop traveling and settle in Ironton.

“Everyone kept telling me not to open a shop in Ironton. They urged me to go to Portsmouth or Ashland, Kentucky,” he said. “But I not only love Ironton, I believe in Ironton.”

Services available at Ironton Auto Care are brakes, alignments, tires, general engine repair, batteries, starters and much more.

“I try to help people out. It isn’t easy sometimes, but I try and help everyone,” he said. “I never lose sight of the fact this is my business though. I try to help people as best I can.”

Ferrell said he plans to hire between five and seven certified mechanics to work at Ironton Auto Care and is finishing the process of getting everything in place, such as the necessary equipment.

“We will draw people from everywhere,” he said. “People will love coming here because they know they will get quality service at an affordable price. There are a lot of shops opening and it shows there is a lot of business to be had in Ironton.”

Ironton Auto Care will be open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. every day except Sunday.