Cottman's Ozzie Bombaro: Towing broken down cars led to a lifetime of repairing them

More than 45 years ago, Ozzie Bombaro's work as a gas station owner included towing broken down cars to be repaired. Many of the cars he hooked to the back of his tow truck had been disabled by transmission or drivetrain problems.

It shouldn't come as a surprise that Ozzie saw the business potential in owning a transmission repair shop. So, in 1972, he bought the Cottman center located in Maple Shade, the same transmission shop where he had been bringing many disabled cars.

Ozzie always worked hard to treat his customers fairly and to get repairs right the first time. That focus on customer service helped his business thrive for some 20 years, and he bought another Cottman center in Lansdale, PA. Ozzie brought in a mechanic from his Maple Shade shop to manage the new center, and that mechanic, Manny Stoupakis, eventually became a partner in the Lansdale shop. After 30 years, the two remain partners.

Ozzie eventually sold his original center in Maple Shade and, in 1982, opened his current Cottman center at 230 Glassboro Rd. in Woodbury Heights.  The center does transmission and full automotive service and repairs. It also provides towing and snow plow work.

During his 32 years in Woodbury Heights, Ozzie has built a loyal following. He credits his employees, many who have been with him for 15 to 25 years, for the growth of the business. He is involved with the community he serves, supporting the local fire department and offering free repairs to local clergy.

Ozzie’s wife Maryann is involved with the business, working as bookkeeper for both the Woodbury Heights and Lansdale centers.

The Woodbury Heights center is in the final stages of a complete exterior makeover.

The interior has also been updated with fresh paint and updated amenities.

Cottman of Woodbury Heights can be reached at www.cottmanofwoodburyheights.com.

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