East Haven - 26 February, 2006 -

New Haven native Ernie Mongillo Jr. (Sonny), owner and operator of Rent-A-Wreck of East Haven, the convenient and cost saving neighborhood car rental company is celebrating his 15th year of success this month. Since joining the Rent-A-Wreck system the East Haven fleet has grown from a modest 5 cars to an impressive 100 car fleet that includes a wide variety of vehicles. Located at 925 Foxon road, Sonny's Rent-A-Wreck is one of more than 350 locations worldwide. In 1977 Ernie's father started a business repairing and selling used cars. He called it Ernie & Sons Auto Repair, which was an appropriate name, considering that eight year-old Ernie Jr. was already a constant presence there. Even back then Ernie Jr. showed enthusiasm for the business by helping out pumping gas and doing other small tasks. Ernie grew up, graduated high school, became an ASE Certified Mechanic and he and his brother were ready to take over the family business so that their father could retire. Fifteen years ago the Ernie Jr. realized that he could put his dad's idle used cars to a better purpose. After some research and consideration, Rent-A-Wreck of East Haven was opened alongside his father's Ernie & Sons Auto Repair. Since then "Our focus has been to meet the used car rental and leasing needs of the community. We've made the Rent-A-Wreck name stand for quality and service," said Sonny, adding that they service a wide variety of customers, ranging from summer vacationers to college students. With the help of the whole Mongillo family Rent-A-Wreck of East Haven has proven so successful, that Ernie Jr. added two more Rent-A-Wreck locations in Hamden and in Milford, collecting Operator of the Year award in 1996. Despite all the help his family provides, running three businesses has kept Sonny very busy, so his free time is spent with wife Roxanne and their two children. Rent-A-Wreck rents new and used cars, vans and trucks. Used vehicles are typically two to four years old. Every Rent-A-Wreck vehicle is expertly serviced and safety inspected before each rental. Most standard sized and models, including mini vans and trucks are available. Rent-A-Wreck of East Haven and Ernie Mongillo Jr. can be reached locally for reservations by calling: (203) 469-7331 or (203) 466-RENT

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