August Spotlight
- Dawn Pitts
- Aug 5
- 3 min read
VANESSA MORTON & POTOMAC CREEK AUTOMOTIVE
The Imbemba Family left New York on a family vacation to Disney World. Little did they know the adventure would begin in Virginia long before they made it to Florida.
An adventure full of car troubles, walking angels, and friendships that will last forever!
This was the family’s first time driving to Disney World. To prepare, they had an oil change and car inspection done right before leaving so car trouble was the last thing on their minds. Despite their preparation efforts, the car started acting funny several hours into their trip and Mrs. Imbemba pulled over. She explained to her husband that the car would accelerate then slow down again, and it didn’t seem to be running quite right.
It was late Friday afternoon and they pulled off the highway and stopped at a repair shop to see what was going on with the car. After stopping at two different shops it seemed to the family that no one was available to help them. Finally they were directed to Potomac Creek Automotive in Stafford County. Luckily for the Imbemba family the shop is managed by Vanessa Morton, who Mrs. Imbemba now refers to as an angel. When Mr. Imbemba walked into the shop, Vanessa could tell he was distraught and needed help. Ben, a technician at the shop, quickly was called to take the car for a drive and to run some tests. It wasn’t long before the problem was found… the car needed a new transmission! Everyone jumped into action. Vanessa, the manager, started to call around to find a transmission, and then tried to find lodging for the family. Vanessa located a transmission at a dealership, but it was closing soon and no one was available to bring the transmission to Potomac Creek Automotive. Harry the owner drove home to pick up his truck, and then to the dealership to pick up the transmission. The guys, Ben, Daniel and owner Harry Franklin “worked like a Nascar Team,” says Vanessa to get the job done.
Vanessa offered to let the family stay at her home, but the Imbemba’s declined thinking the offer was too kind. Vanessa borrowed a Suburban from one of the guys at the shop to take the family to a local hotel and realizing the children must have been hungry she stopped to get them dinner. When they got to the hotel there was no record of the conversation Vanessa had with them earlier and no rooms available and sent them to their sister hotel down the road. When they arrived at the second hotel they also had no record of Vanessa calling to make arrangements and there were no available rooms. By this time it was late, and Mr. Imbemba gratefully accepted Vanessa’s offer to stay at her house.
It was late when they arrived at Vanessa’s home located in Caroline County. They unloaded the Suburban and got everyone settled. Vanessa had to drive back up to work to take the Suburban back, and to pick up her own car. Mr. Imbemba rode with her. When they arrived at the shop the guys were all working together. In fact it was 11:30 that night when the guys were finished for the day, and finally headed home. Later, they found out that it was Ben’s birthday and he had stayed to help even though his own family was waiting for him at home to celebrate! The next morning the guys came back in (even though the shop is closed on Saturday) and finished up to get the family back on the road. Harry Franklin, the owner of Potomac Creek Automotive said, “I’m not sure why we helped, it’s just good to do the right thing”! Ben said, “I saw everyone rallying around to help the family and knew if I was in the same situation I would want someone to help me.” Part-owner Daniel said he wanted to help out “because it was the right thing to do!” Vanessa, the angel manager said ‘she considers herself a caring person. She had a rough life growing up, a life of abuse and neglect, and she wants to make sure that no one ever feels that way from her.’ At Potomac Creek Automotive they know that every customer is important and they go above and beyond for every one they serve.
The Imbemba family finally made it to Disney World thanks to the Potomac Creek Automotive team and keeps in touch with Vanessa and her family. They have become good friends, all thanks to a crazy unexpected adventure that all started with some car trouble.
Do you know an individual or organization that lifts up our community and is deserving of our monthly spotlight? If so, please reach out to kiley@mattbrandtinsurance.com or give us a call at 804-633-4242. We look forward to hearing from you!
Comments