2 females and 1 male car mechanic in an auto repair shop

Dedicated Businesses

One Home for Small Business Success

When Cal and Anne Potter turned on the pumps at their first gas station more than 50 years ago, they couldn’t have imagined how much of an impact that small business would make on the local community.

In the years following its opening, the Potters’ business grew to include additional service stations and a towing operation. In 1975, expansion continued with the launch of North Amherst Motors, a full-service shop offering mechanical, rental, and collision services to clients from around Western Massachusetts.

Florence Bank has been there along the way to help them grow. Today, North Amherst Motors has 18 employees—led by second-generation owners Andrew and Jocelyn Potter—who serve Hampshire and Franklin counties with local pride, hard work, and the desire to provide the highest level of customer service.

“We’re proud to call Western Massachusetts home because it’s home to our family, friends, and community,” Andrew said. “We’re only able to thrive in this community because of what it is. We grew up here, we’re proud to raise our family here, and we’re proud to help our staff raise their families here, too.”

In a specialized industry in which employee transition can affect the level of service offered to vehicle owners, North Amherst boasts a number of team members who have served Western Massachusetts for years.

“I was born and raised in Belchertown, so Western Massachusetts is home to me, too,” said Kate Polanco, a disassembly and reassembly specialist who began her career at North Amherst more than 15 years ago as part of a high school co-op exchange. “The work is enjoyable—they support women working in our industry—and it’s a local business that offers great benefits.”

Andrew, who grew up at the business and took over North Amherst Motors after his parents retired in 2010, said it’s special to be able to have served Western Massachusetts residents so long that their children and even grandchildren have become customers as well.

"We’re only able to thrive in this community because of what it is. We grew up here, we’re proud to raise our family here, and we’re proud to help our staff raise their families here, too."
Andrew Potter
President, North Amherst Motors
“We feel lucky to run the second generation of this business,” he said. “Whether it’s a collision repair, navigating the claims process with insurance companies, renting a car to someone for a day, or just a simple oil change, our goal is to always ‘wow’ each customer and make them feel like they’re part of our family.”

“We know we’re fixing cars, but we’re also helping to fix our customers’ problems,” Andrew continued. “Western Massachusetts has created a unique and diverse community, and we’re honored to be a part of it. It’s a positive and wonderful place to be.”

At Florence Bank, the success of your business is on our mind. That’s why we offer a range of business checking accounts for businesses of all sizes. Our wide range of business banking tools, from wire transfers and ACH origination to remote deposit and night deposit services, will help save your company both time and money.