A time-honored business in Lehighton has proudly made the transition to its fourth generation.

Ownership of Blockers Collision Center Inc., 335 N Seventh St., has been passed down the family tree.

On Friday, Tarone Blocker, shop owner, will call it quits 50 years after he started out in the business.

“My time’s up,” said Tarone, 67. “It’s been quite a journey.”

Tarone, of Penn Forest Township, said he has absolutely zero regrets.

“I worked hard at this place,” he said. “I’m glad I did it.”

Humble beginnings

The business began as a dream of Tarone’s father, the late Elwood Blocker.

Initially it was run in the backyard of his family’s garage in 1948. Elwood’s two brothers worked with him.

As Blocker Brothers Garage became more successful, it moved to a larger space under the apartment they lived in.

With more success that followed, Elwood moved the business to its current location.

Tarone then took over ownership in 1992, and since that time, said he’s seen a lot of changes.

“The cars are made so much differently,” Tarone said. “There have been so many equipment changes, a lot more technical equipment.”

Blocker said it’s quite an achievement for a small local business to maintain the longevity that it has.

“It’s a tough business,” Tarone said. “The rate’s not there.”

Passing the baton

Tarone has handed the keys to the family-run business over to his grandson, Trenton Blocker.

A 2020 graduate of Lehighton Area High School, Trenton said he’s ready to step up and carry on the family tradition.

“It’s exciting,” said Trenton, 22. “I’m a little nervous.”

Trenton, of Mahoning Township, said he plans to keep things simple.

“I just want to do good work and continue this on,” he said. “Just keep doing what we’re doing right now.”

Tarone said he has no doubt Trenton will continue to do the family-run business proud.

“Trenton’s a good guy,” Tarone said. “He’ll do well.”

Tarone said he’s confident the business is in good hands.

“I retooled the whole place,” he said. “I’m setting him up for success, not failure.”

The business has five full-time employees, including a shop foreman, three technicians, and office manager Tiffani Hunsicker, who is the third generation of the family.

After 76 years in operation, Blockers Collision Center Inc., doesn’t show signs of slowing down any time soon.