Chizek Farm sees brisk business
A business which began more than three years ago as a tire repair service out of a family garage has grown into a multi-faceted enterprise that serves a large area.
In April, Chizek Farm and Tire at Lincolnville, owned and operated by Galen Chizek, moved into a new metal building along the east side of U.S.-56/77. It includes a convenience store as well as a service area.
Chizek said he had a lot of help in putting up the building, cutting down on the expense. Dave Loveless and Tyler Diepenbrock assisted in construction. Volunteers and family members helped as well.
"I didn't have any set plans for the building, but it all came together," he said.
Chizek's wife, Tammy, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, and the couple's 11-year-old daughter, Megan, manage the store and office. They are assisted by the Chizeks' sister-in-law, Dawn Chizek.
"Tammy is the brains, I'm the hands," Dawn Chizek said. She does the office work.
Megan said her job is to run the cash register, clean floors, and stock shelves.
The store is a favorite gathering place for area farmers. About 10 to 15 men meet there every weekday morning for coffee.
"Talk about gossip!" Dawn Chizek said. "They put the women to shame!"
In addition to servicing vehicles, selling new and used tires, and selling parts such as hydraulic hoses, Chizek Farm sells consigned new and used farm equipment.
The business also sells new and used weed eaters, lawn mowers, electric scooters, and all-terrain vehicles.
The convenience store includes snack food items, automotive, fishing and hunting supplies, and gift items.
Chizek said some business comes from travelers but most comes from the surrounding area.
He also is a farmer. He employs people to work in the shop. Joey Brunner of Pilsen is a part-time to full-time worker. Brent Potocnik, a sophomore at Centre High School, works after school and on weekends.
Chizek also raises Bobwhite and Pharaoh quail for sale and to release into the countryside.
Currently, about 1,000 quail eggs are incubating in the family garage. After hatching, they will be placed under heat lamps in stock tanks, then removed to the bird house until grown.
Chizek enjoys doing things for the children of the community. He sponsors a hayrack ride at Halloween time and is sponsoring a fishing tournament Oct. 4 at a pond on his property as part of Octoberfest.
Chizek is pleased with how his business is doing.
"It's growing," he said.
