Eric Stringer recently opened Sandman Auto Center and Detail Shop, the first business to open in Hobson City in many years.
A new business has not been seen there in years -– until last week.
With a simple car wash, hard work and an entrepreneurial spirit, one Hobson City native plans to revitalize the town and inspire the community to help.
Eric Stringer, who grew up in Hobson City, opened a car wash with a cousin who lives in Boston less than two weeks ago in a building where his father once operated a service station. Called Sandman Auto Center and Detail Shop, the business is located on the corner of Martin Luther King Drive and Church Street, the center of Hobson City’s historic downtown area.
“We’re trying to create that tax base that Hobson City desperately needs … get some cash registers ringing,” Stringer said. “And we want to get residents making a personal investment in (the town) too.”
Like Stringer, Hobson City Mayor Alberta McCrory hopes the new business spurs more community involvement and investment in the town.
“I’m hoping it will inspire other people to come to Hobson City, especially small business,” McCrory said.
The town is currently trying to re-establish its police force, partially to encourage investors.
“The key is getting security in place so people don’t have to worry about their property,” McCrory said.
Jabor Westbrook hand-dried a Hummer under the glaring sun Thursday.
For the past week, Westbrook has washed vehicles as the new business’ manager. Though he is not from Hobson City, he has lived there for several years and is glad there is a new business downtown.
“I think it’s a positive thing for the neighborhood … especially since the city is somewhat historic,” Westbrook said.
Hobson City is considered one of the earliest established black towns in the country. The Hobson City Town Council plans to celebrate the 111th anniversary of the town’s founding later this year.
Stringer’s building houses only a car wash now, but he has plans to expand the business. Stringer expects to one day sell new and used tires, and new and used vehicles. He’d also like to offer auto detailing and oil changes at the business.
Stringer said he has plans for a building he bought that is adjacent to the carwash.
“That’s where we’re putting the jazz and blues bar,” Stringer said.
Stringer said he and his cousin have been working to open the bar for about two years.
“We plan to come in here and not be in debt,” he said. “That’s why we’re going slow.”
Stringer has refurbished much of the inside of the building, which once housed a coin laundry and a pool hall, and added a bathroom.
“It’s not a place that we’re opening up for the real young crowd … it’s for adults,” Stringer said of the jazz bar.
Stringer is no stranger to working toward improving Hobson City. He is president of the non-profit Hobson City Community and Economic Development Corporation. The organization was formed several years ago to raise money for the town, which at time could not pay the power bills at Town Hall.
The group is currently working to revitalize the town’s park. It recently bought new playground equipment and trimmed all the overgrown trees at the park.
“We want to change the mindset of the community by showing something positive,” Stringer said.
Contact staff writer Patrick McCreless at 256-235-3561.
