Today's Program - "20 Years of MABE" Presented by Sandro Menasci
Sandro began by passing around photos of past and present members along with some old brochures. 

Sandro was born near the coliseum in Rome.  His dad was a mechanic and owned his own shop.  His mother was a very beautiful, tough lady.  Sandro has found memories of this time period spent with his parents and brother Guido. 

His family moved to Canada when he was 10 years old.  He had to learn a new language.  His brother Rob was born there.  At 17 Sandro went to work at a service station.  It was a very busy place.  He learned to rebuild engines and even ran the shop during the summer when his parents traveled to Europe.  Sandro also worked as a ski instructor.  While in college he met Arlene.  They married and had two sons that they are very proud of.

In 1973 Sandro became a certified mechanic.  With a couple thousand bucks he opened his own station.  One of his customers was Greg Stewart.  This was his first connection to MABE as both he and Greg would eventually move to Arizona and join the group.  Sandro moved here 20 years ago.  He contacted Greg when he got here as he needed recommendations for insurance and such.  Greg was a member of MABE and put Sandro in contact with the members that could help him. 

Sandro used to run full services station with gas pumps and a convenience store.  He was very busy.  Now he has a repair station only which gives him more free time. 

Fun Fact... Every time Sandro has gone to court he has won.  This includes the time when he sued the City of Mesa.  Don't mess with Sandro!  Despite the various challenges of being business owner (including firing someone for stealing), Sandro has persevered.

Sandro eventually joined MABE and met friends for life.  He has received a lot of leads and great business advice.  He talked about some of the past members and how special each was in there own way.  The first 10 years were unique.  And Sandro is very encouraged by the new members in the group.  It is becoming like old times again where members don't worry about being so politically correct and feel free to joke around with each other.

Sandro also talked about his experiences with current members that remind him of how special MABE still is.  Members are always helping each other out both in their businesses and personally. 

Sandro would like you to consider MABE like your business.  We should come here with the goal of doing what is best for the group.  The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.  We should have each other's backs. 

Sandro closed with a reminder to choose at All Brands Auto when you need automotive repair work.   At All Brands Auto we do it all and we do it right.