This year is A&M's golden anniversary, a remarkable accomplishment for a small local auto repair business.

Only businesses that can adapt and embrace change with consistent good management practices can survive that long, especially considering up-and-down economies and the incredible technological transformations in the business since the Viet Nam War era.

A&M Auto is the longest continuously operating service business in Sandisfield.

The Times sat down recently with the company's founder, Ralph Morrison and his nephew, Alec Morrison, to discuss their experiences and expectations, paraphrased below.

How did A&M start? Ed Arnold and I teamed up in March 1976. Italia Henri let us use her garage until 1979 when we bought our current location (which had only a chicken coop) which has been transformed into the modern facility you see today.

Memorable moments? Bad accidents. Our facility is in a precarious location because of the steep curve on Rt. 57 behind us. Before the runaway ramp was installed, we experienced regular truck crashes, at least a dozen major incidents, some with significant property damage. There were no signs. Never had injuries to us but a driver died. It was terrible. That was one of two major incidents in one week! Things are much better now but the [2013] accident that destroyed the New Boston store was bad. Mike [Ralph's brother, then police chief] was first on scene. He pulled the truck driver and Susan Murray, the resident, out of the building.

A trailer truck carrying logs crashed into the back of A&M Auto on October 28, 1983, apparently due to brake failure coming down the steep Tolland Hill. The Canadian driver was seriously injured and a passenger killed. It was the second accident at this location in the same week.

What is the nature of the business today? It has evolved into two functions, repair and towing. We value our towing contract with the Massachusetts State and local police departments. Our exclusive territory of eight towns includes Otis, Monterey and Great Barrington and Sandisfield west to the New York line. A&M is also designated as an AAA repair center, a NAPA auto center, and state inspection station. There is seasonality. Towing is a growth area for us because of more visitors to the Berkshires, especially in winter. We are busier in summer with repairs.

What about the future? Technology and increasing state regulations, especially regarding safety, affects everything now, even towing. It means we have to retrain constantly. Now, practically everything is digital. Although our suppliers help, the burden is on us to stay current. Repair manuals, computer software and data bases are essential but are very expensive. We also have to buy or lease [diagnostic] equipment and the pace of that is increasing. Expansion is not in the cards, but the business will be kept in the family.

And the secret to your success . . .? Boils down to two things, customer loyalty and a great staff. Ninety percent of our repair business comes from repeat customers. Word of mouth by them has been important too. We put our customers first and have fair pricing. But if anyone is dissatisfied, we want to hear about it. I can't say enough good things about so many part-time and full-time employees, especially Rodney Loring, my right hand for more than thirty years, and Alec, who is an excellent mechanic, with a promising career here.

A big birthday party is ahead! Watch for announcements about a huge 50th anniversary celebration to be held at A&M on a weekend (TBD) this summer. Everyone is invited.