A surprised customer rolled down his window Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 3, as Jim Bo Woodham asked how much gas he would like in his tank before proceeding to the pump. Jim Bo then washed the man's windshield, and after giving a generous tip, the customer drove away with a smile on his face.
Saco has been closed for nine years, after the murder of its previous owner, Dick Salmon, who was shot during a robbery in 2005. Now, after a three-month process, the gas station located on the corner of Dean and Opelika Roads has been reopened.
Mike Woodham, Saco's new operator, moved to the Auburn area from Montgomery five years ago with his two sons, Jim Bo and Jacob. What began as simple a move to a better school system led to a new appreciation for the Auburn community.
"We love it here," Mike said. "It's an amazing place to raise kids. Stay here very long and you will never want to leave."
Mike's father also ran a full-service gas station where he worked as a child. Now he is continuing his father's legacy and putting his two high school boys to work as well.
"I love it, and I don't think I'll be missing my old job," Jim Bo said.
Rica Bogandy, Salmon's daughter, was unwilling to sell the property for years. Any time a potential buyer surfaced, it was usually someone wanting to build a car lot, according to Mike, who also said Bogandy is the best landlady he could possibly have.
"She's excited about what we are doing," Mike said. "This is what Dick worked for. It's about continuing that legacy."
The gas station has several original features including pumps with non-digital displays, retro lights and a Saco sign.
A tall, blue bell post stands to the right of the station. Built by Salmon, there was a long-standing tradition to ring the bell after every Auburn football win, and it's a tradition Mike said will be carried on.
The idea behind a full-service gas station is to be a convenience for customers. Drivers can pull forward and never have to leave their vehicle.
"My dad taught me that it's all about customer service," Mike said. "We are even delivering a vehicle we worked on today to the person's home. Whatever is convenient for the customer is what we do."
Chris Whately, Mike's best friend, traveled from Montgomery to help with the opening of the station.
"I've grown up with Mike and he's a go-getter," Whatley said. "Anything he's ever put his hand -- whether it was college baseball, business, whatever -- he's done well, and I know he will succeed with this."
Mike said his family's support has been extremely important in these past few months.
"Full service is back" Mike said.
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