Q: Michelle, tell us about your journey in the auto tag industry.
Michelle: I just celebrated a milestone of helping people with their auto tag needs for over 50 years. I started when I was just 18, and I truly found my passion. I love what I do, especially taking the stress off customers who are dealing with PennDOT paperwork and processes.
Q: What led you to open First Class Auto Tags and Service?
Michelle: After spending decades learning the business, I decided in 2013 that it was time to take a leap and open my own office in Broomall. It was a big step, but I wanted to create a place where customers felt comfortable, supported, and confident that everything would be handled correctly.
Q: What makes First Class Auto Tags and Service stand out from other tag services?
Michelle: We pride ourselves on truly knowing PennDOT. The rules and regulations can be overwhelming, but we simplify everything for our customers. Whether it’s a title transfer, registration, or license issue, we handle it quickly and efficiently. Our goal is always to make the process smooth and stress-free.
Q: What services do you currently offer?
Michelle: We provide essential vehicle-related services that help drivers stay compliant with state regulations. These services typically include vehicle registration and renewals, title transfers when buying or selling a car, issuing or replacing license plates, and processing temporary tags. We also assist with driver’s license renewals, notary services, and handling paperwork for out-ofstate transfers. By offering faster, more convenient service than government offices, we simplify the process of managing vehicle ownership and documentation. We’ve also expanded to include FBI fingerprinting. • Transferring a vehicle to/from a family member? • Importing a vehicle from another country? • In need of a PA Handicap Parking Tag? First Class Auto Tags and Service
Q: First Class Auto Tags and Service is a family business—tell us about that.
Michelle: Yes! My daughter Emily joined me in the business about 10 years ago. She had previously worked in the restaurant industry and she really wanted a more steady schedule. Emily and her husband live nearby and now have five children. She is a huge part of the business. She brings a fresh perspective, especially with her background in Computer Science from West Chester University. She’s helped modernize our website and grow our online presence. More importantly, she shares my passion for helping people, which means everything to me.
Q: What kind of experience can customers expect when they walk through your door?
Michelle: They can expect friendly, knowledgeable service and a team that genuinely cares. We walk them through every step, answer their questions, and make sure they leave feeling confident. A lot of our customers are going through big life moments, like moving or buying a car, so it’s nice to be part of that and make it easier for them.
Q: What do customers appreciate most about your services?
Michelle: We guide them through everything. Whether it’s a title transfer, temporary tag, or new license plate. People often come in feeling overwhelmed, and we make the process smooth. Seeing them leave happy is the best part.
Q: Do you have any memorable customer experiences?
Michelle: Yes! We actually collect license plates, and one customer came back just to give us a plate they found for our collection. That meant a lot; it shows how much they appreciated our help.
Q: What is your busiest season?
Michelle: Spring is quite busy because many people take care of vehicle-related tasks after the winter months. Warmer weather encourages car buying and selling, which leads to more title transfers and registrations. Tax refund season also plays a role. Many people use their refunds to purchase vehicles, increasing the demand for auto tag services.
Q: You’ve been part of the Broomall community for a long time. How does that influence your business?
Michelle: I’ve lived here since 1988, so this community means so much to me. Many of our customers are neighbors, friends, or referrals from people we’ve helped before. That personal connection is something we truly value.
Q: Why did you choose to become a sponsor of Friends & Neighbors magazine?
Michelle: Supporting Friends & Neighbors was an easy decision for me. I love that the magazine highlights local families, businesses, and stories that make our community special. I enjoy reading the stories each month and looking at the advertisements. Being a sponsor allows us to stay connected with our neighbors, build relationships, and continue to be a trusted local resource. It’s important to me to give back and be visible in a positive way within the community that has supported my business for so many years. I love when customers come in and say they heard about us from the magazine.
Q: What’s your mission moving forward?
Michelle: That’s simple: provide reliable, knowledgeable service and make every customer’s experience as easy as possible. We want people to know that when they come to First Class Auto Tags and Service, they’re in good hands.