By Michelle Caceres
When FishHawk resident George Ooroth is running late for work, he doesn’t have to call his boss.
That’s because he is the boss.
Ooroth is the owner of the Balm Mobil gas station, located two miles east of I-75 at 11292 Boyette Rd. in Riverview.
After moving to Tampa from New York seven years ago, Ooroth saw the success and satisfaction his brother experienced owning a gas station in Georgia. He decided to jump into the business; he has owned the Mobil for five years.
Walking into the store, customers can tell immediately how attentive he is to every detail. The faint scent of pine lingers in the air. The rows of snacks are neatly arranged. The windows shine. His attention to his customers is also noteworthy.
“Customers want quick service but at the same time good customer care and I give that to them,” he said.
Riverview resident and lottery enthusiast Elizabeth Gordon visits Ooroth about once a week to buy her lottery tickets.
“I’m expecting to hit the millions,” she laughed.
She said she buys her tickets at Ooroth’s store because he is honest and friendly.
“I turn in my tickets and I trust him to tell me how much I’ve won,” she said.
Some days, when the mood strikes her, she gives in to temptation and orders a donut at the full-service Dunkin Donuts located in the store. A drive-thru is also available.
Ooroth said he has been working to improve the store. He has replaced the out-of-date car wash with a brand new soft-touch system and offers incentives to patrons who purchase a fill-up and wash together. Customers who purchase a car wash receive a 10-cent per gallon discount off their fuel purchase.
Readers are also encouraged to come into the station and mention this article. Those that do will receive a free small coffee or a free small fountain beverage.
For more information about Balm Mobil, call 741-9506.
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