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Meet Your Neighbor: Loren V. Kiner
By Callie Thomas
It’s hard to believe, but it’s been over 30 years since gas stations actually had someone there to pump your gas for you, not to mention clean your windshield and even check your oil. No, it’s not a tale out of the Twilight Zone. This used to be the real-life way of doing business. The Imperial Auto & Truck Service Center in Henderson is setting out to practice this refreshingly new (or rather, old) way of doing things. Owner and 89074 resident Loren Kiner lives by simple principles that he applies to his business as well as his life: loyalty, trust, integrity and community.
Loren and his wife Lynda moved to the valley about 15 years ago, originally hailing from Ohio, where they owned three service centers and repaired vehicles for more than 18 years. “Selling our business and relocating to Henderson has been a great joy for us,” says Kiner. “We really enjoy making new friends and developing ties to the community.” Kiner and his auto business acumen have been welcomed by his customers, many of whom have also become friends. “I like giving that special touch of repairing something that might have been missed such as a taillight or a missing knob and just fixing it without monetary compensation. Our goal is to have people leave with more than they expected, right down to the little details that mean so much.”
Kiner’s business has continued to grow, and as a result, he is able to help the community by doing business with customers that do business with him, providing services to school fundraisers and by supporting the Girl Scouts. “We’re building a community in our community of those you can count on,” he said.
Loren took a few minutes away from his busy schedule to give us the chance to “look under the hood” and get to know him, his family and why he’s devoted to giving back.
I understand that Imperial Auto & Truck actually has its own scholarship program?
“That’s true! Because we had so many Imperial students graduating from high schools here in Nevada, we began a scholarship program to award two high school seniors planning to attend a Nevada college. They submit an essay on how they plan to benefit the community with their career. We then select the two winning entries each year.”
Do you support any other organizations?
“Yes, every holiday we help organize a program that I call ‘Imperial Wheels for Meals’ that helps Catholic Charities. Patrons bring in a $30 gift card from Smith’s Grocery Store in exchange for our technicians performing several wheel and tire services worth more than $100. We in turn donate the cards to Catholic Charities to provide meals for those who would be without at the holiday season.” To see how you can help, call 568-4053.
One might say you are a man of great integrity.
“Not much in this life impresses me more than a man’s integrity of his words. I believe my upbringing and those that I have been privileged to know have taught me that a man’s word is his greatest possession, next to his trust in God.”
What would you say you are most passionate about?
“I’m passionate about living and maintaining a lifestyle that my customers and friends want to be a part of—one of quality and honesty.”
How do you unwind after a busy week? Where might we find you on a typical Saturday night?
“Friday evenings are spent with family and friends dining together at Sunset Station. After having five children and five grandchildren (numbers six and seven are on the way), our Saturdays are spent around Wrangler hockey, 51’s baseball games, dining out or just playing cards around the kitchen table.”
What’s the one belief that you hold most true?
“I believe in building lasting relationships in our family and with our friends.”
