I am writing to speak on behalf of my husband, Chris Aldridge. Over the past year, The Panolian has covered several stories involving his scrap metal business.

I think the staff did a great job in providing information. Now I would like to provide some information.

I met Chris six years ago and it  did not take very long for me to realize that work was his number one priority. He has a passion for this business, and it started at the age of 14.

While I was earning my nursing degree, I would spend my time off on the road with Chris buying junk, we would buy it all day long and clean it all night.

Chris always told me that one day he would have his own place, and the junk would come to him instead of the other way around.

When Chris spotted the property for sale on Chapeltown Road, he turned to me and said, “That’s my junkyard.”

The next thing I knew he had purchased the property and started to work.

The kids and I were thrilled because this meant that daddy would be home every night for supper. The long hours of being on the road would no longer keep him from being at home with us.

I knew his business would grow because he always told me that when you are honest and respectful to your customers, they will come back to see you, and they did.

Chris has enjoyed his time at Chapeltown and it hurt our family when we had to close.

On the behalf of the Aldridge family, I would like to tell our customers how much they are appreciated. From the smallest to the largest, you all played a part in making our business successful.

Please understand that Chris has stumbled, but he has not fallen. You will be hearing from him soon.

/s/Michelle Aldridge