SANDPOINT — Dennis McLeish and Amanda Lopez-McLeish had always dreamed of owning their own business.

With the couple’s recent purchase of Melody Muffler, that dream has come true.

The Sandpoint-based muffler repair shop has operated in the community for more than 50 years. In addition to muffler and exhaust repairs, Melody Muffler features three vehicle lifts — giving it the ability to work on numerous types of vehicles, from vintage to new, and to handle multiple jobs at once. The shop also offers a variety of welding services, with many customers bringing in items needing repair.

The opportunity to take over Melody Muffler was one the couple couldn’t pass up.

“We are lifelong locals and plan to never leave the area,” Amanda Lopez-McLeish said. “We have always wanted to own and operate a business of our own locally. … We have taken over the previous ownership that built and grew this strong business which serves Sandpoint and surrounding areas.”

Dennis McLeish, who also serves as Melody Muffler’s manager, is a skilled jack-of-all-trades. He brings valuable mechanic and welding experience, along with a wealth of entrepreneurial knowledge.

Melody Muffler is one of a few — if not the only — exclusive exhaust shops in North Idaho, offering skilled welders who provide a variety of services, Lopez-McLeish said.

The couple said they want the community to know they are committed to providing the best work and service in the region.

“We care about them. We always do our best work,” Lopez-McLeish said. “If you need something done, ask us first and we will do whatever we can.”

That commitment to quality and service has already helped business at Melody Muffler take off.

A remodel is planned, with the couple working on plans to modernize the facility and add improvements. The Lopezes said they want to preserve its original charm while honoring its long history in the community.

Not only will the changes provide a better working environment for employees, they will also allow Melody Muffler to expand the services it offers customers.

Within the next year, the couple hopes to have three full-time employees and several part-time apprentices through Lake Pend Oreille School District’s high school programs.

“We’re ready to get fully booked, grow and provide our community with high-quality, timely muffler and exhaust repairs,” Lopez-McLeish said.

Having grown up in the area, both said they feel honored to give back to the community that has given so much to them. Their ability to serve the community through service projects is something they take pride in, Amanda Lopez-McLeish said.

To celebrate their purchase, a grand reopening barbecue will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11. Free hot dogs and drinks will be provided, and the community is invited to stop by and check out the growing muffler business.

Melody Muffler is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Located at 602 Pine St., the business can be reached at 208-263-2812, and found on Facebook and Instagram as Melody Muffler. A new, updated website is in the works to offer online booking.