Positive Signs at My Neighbourhood Mechanic

One of the biggest joys at our team’s old shop was the signage that we displayed every day. Once a week, the owner, Josie would create a new sign with a positive message. The goal was to brighten the days of anyone who passed by or came into the shop. This tradition started over a decade ago and our positive sign became known around the city as a beacon of light that brought smiles to people’s faces. 

Now, at My Neighbourhood Mechanic, we have brought that long-standing tradition with us. We have carried on Josie’s positivity by offering a new message to the community every week. Here’s why it's so important to Rui and our team to keep that tradition alive! 

Josie’s Legacy 

Josie Candito, Rui’s mentor and long-time friend, started Positive Signs to bring positive energy and thoughts to the local community. Over the years, her sign brought so much joy to the neighbourhood that BlogTO even did a story about it! 

So, how did this beautiful tradition start? During a time of devastation when Josie lost both her parents to cancer, had to put down her two beloved bulldogs, and was also dealing with illnesses, she knew she needed some more positivity in her life. Josie tried to get another dog but couldn’t bring herself to go through the process again - until a dog found her. 

One cold winter morning, she came across an abandoned dog and knew she had to do something. Frozen and full of fleas, Josie took him to the vet to receive treatment and see if he belonged to anyone. No one claimed this poor pup until Josie decided this was a sign she was waiting for and adopted him, naming him Charlie. From then on, she promised to do everything she could to bring happiness to others, just like Charlie had done for her. One way to do that was by offering positive thoughts and support to the local community through the shop’s sign.

The positive message board became a portal to show hope, kindness and love; much of the community would walk or drive past the sign daily. Because of its lasting impact, Rui and his team wanted that tradition to live on at My Neighbourhood Mechanic. 

How Rui Met Josie 

Josie and Rui first crossed paths when he was just 21 years old. She brought him onto her team as a mechanic and dedicated the next two decades to guiding him through every aspect of running a business and managing a team. From the nuts and bolts of mechanics to the ins and outs of customer service, she taught him how to genuinely connect with everyone who walked through their doors. For them, it wasn't just about repairing cars; it was about the heart of being a small business owner and building connections within the community around them.

Rui experienced firsthand how those weekly messages brightened the spirits of everyone at the shop. So, when Josie retired and he decided to start his own shop, he knew he wanted to carry on that wonderful tradition, bringing along all the skills and lessons Josie had imparted to him and honoring her legacy.

A New Sign For A New Beginning

MNM has put out their own positive sign front and center of the new location at 4 Cariboo Avenue, alongside the Toronto Railpath. The sign stands next to the multi-use trail for cyclists and pedestrians, so all foot traffic will get a snippet of positivity as they walk by. The sign might be a bit smaller than our previous one, but it still packs a big punch! 

The message board was not only used to promote positive thoughts; Josie and Rui also displayed birthday and anniversary well wishes from the local community. They even had one or two marriage proposals go up on the board! Any message that offers a smile and reinforced that there are good things in this world—is welcome. So, what positive sign would you like to see go up on our Railpath board next?

Message MNM on Instagram to let us know what kind of positive messages you would like to see. Or contact our shop directly with your ideas! We’d love to hear from you.