DARDON AUTO Sales & Service

Email: dardanautosales@hotmail.com
Address: 366 Barton St E, Hamilton, ON L8L 2Y1
Phone: (905) 818-1387
Website: https://dardanauto.com​ 

Linda Kraan-Benson
Volunteer and Guest Blogger

Wow, June already!  Where does time go?  It seems, to me at least, that the last year has flown by.  I am becoming quite adept at finding things to do, occupying my mind, sans company!  Writing this blog, has been good for me, normally I would be roving the Barton Village neighbor hood, chatting to new retailers and sampling their wares.   Instead, I have managed to have some “distanced” side walk chats, and taken a few photos.  Added to that, this has been the year that I have started a back yard oasis.  Well, I use the term loosely, but I am starting and hopefully by this time next year, I will have an amazing spot to sit, contemplate and reflect on what comes next in my life.  Landscaping on my front garden was completed by another wonderful, local, gal.  Although she is not technically in the Barton Village BIA area, she is in Central Hamilton, and is beyond amazing.  Hiring local, is my mandate for the years going forward.  One thing I have learned from this past 14 months or so is what an amazing pool of talented people, Barton Village has.  Our younger entrepreneurs are using their talents to be more creative, finding new pathways and outlets to explore and produce.  I wish I had been more creative in my younger years, however, my Nana used to say, it’s never too late to learn, so at 70, I am putting my creative juices to work. How will I survive without the larger conglomerates?  Easy, I just visit Barton Village!  We have bakers, butchers, (yes, and candle stick makers!!). We can buy fresh produce & pizzas.  We have restaurants, coffee shops, flower shops, bike repairs and accountants.  You can self create your own cakes, buy delicious candy (and yes, it is delicious).  We have great first responders close by, our wonderful fire department, and, let’s not forget our amazing hospital and all their wonderful staff.  We have an amazingly staffed walk-in clinic and two pharmacies.  We have churches and community centers, we open our hearts and doors to feed and clothe those in need.  If you feel like practicing meditation and self reflection, if you need to stretch & relax, or just need a quiet moment away from home, we have you covered; yes we have our own yoga studio.    
I am experiencing all that our Barton Village has to offer & thoroughly enjoying it.  With so many new stores opening within reach of my home, I am practicing one year away from mass retail, one year away from the larger conglomerates.  I invite you to join me…….let’s put our money where our hearts lie.

DARDAN AUTO Sales & Service
Today I would like to introduce you to one of the nicest men I know.  He is Rudy, owner and mechanic at DARDAN Auto Sales & Service, on the corner of Oak Avenue & Barton Street.  I have been taking my car in for service, ever since they opened.  Rudy is kind, considerate and honest.  He offers a 20% senior discount, which is amazing.  And, I have to say he will go out of his way to assist you.  There were a couple of times when my car would not start; it was parked in my driveway off the alley.  Rudy came over to help me out.  Another time his son came over, to start my car, gave me a lift to the Center Mall, for an eye appointment and drove my car back to be repaired, before my appointment was over.  Rudy was telling me, last week, that because he had no seen me, since my accident in January, he had walked over to my home to see if I was ok.  He did not see my car in the drive, and he became concerned about me.  How special is that?  
Rudy has now brought his other son, Egzon, into the business as co-owner.  You will meet Egzon when you go to visit; he has varied roles, in sales and maintaining the running of the shop.    These guys are not new to Barton, they had a previous business on the street, but they are becoming more known for their auto repairs.  As well as having used vehicles for sale, you can buy new and used tires among many other things.  I know from experience, if they do not have the part you need, they will find it.  Rudy has another son (a few of them seemingly) who is now apprenticing with him, on Barton Street.  This is definitely a family affair.
Rudy is extremely proud of his certificate, awarded to him through the city of Hamilton.  I don’t blame him for his excitement and joy at receiving this accolade, after all,  he has worked hard these past 10 years on Barton Street.    Good job Rudy and Egzon, well done, I am happy for both of you.
There is also another mechanic, whom I have not met yet, I believe his name is Antonio.  
A second location will be opening soon in the beautiful town of Dunville.  I was honored to receive an invitation to visit.   If you have friends or family living out that way, let them know about Dardan auto repairs. I am not sure of the exact date of opening, although I believe it will be just before summer.