For generations, the Collier name has been synonymous in Oxford with two things ? bowling and generosity.
Given that, it seems only fitting that Jeff and Kim Collier, the husband-and-wife team that owns Collier Lanes, will serve as the grand marshals for the Oxford Christmas parade, organized by the chamber of commerce.
‘We must be doing something right,? said Jeff, a 1975 Oxford High School graduate.
‘I feel honored,? Kim said. ‘I was very shocked by it.?
The Christmas parade is set to roll through the downtown along M-24, between Mechanic and East streets, beginning at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. This year’s theme is ‘Rock and Roll Christmas.? For more details, see Page 3.
The Collier family has been in the bowling business since 1948 when Jeff’s grandfather, Wesley, purchased an existing alley in downtown Oxford.
After more than a decade downtown, the Colliers decided to build a new alley a little to the south at 879 S. Lapeer Rd. They opened for business there in 1960.
Jeff, 58, is the third generation of his family to keep the business alive and thriving.
‘I’ve been running it since 1985,? he said.
Jeff started working at the alley when he was just 8 years old. Emptying ashtrays, sweeping floors and washing machine parts were his duties as a lad.
In 2005, he became the owner. That same year, the chamber of commerce named Collier ‘Business Person of the Year.?
Today, he runs the place with his wife of 34 years and their two children, Michael, 30, and Erica, 28, the fourth generation of Colliers to take part in the family business.
Over the last two years, significant improvements have been made to Collier Lanes, both inside and out.
Jeff noted people have complimented him on the building’s appearance. A fresh coat of paint and new signage made all the difference. ‘It was time,? he said.
One thing that never changes at Collier Lanes is the family’s tireless commitment to helping the community.
The business makes countless donations to everything from youth sports to school yearbooks.
It also hosts numerous bowling fund-raisers to feed the hungry, fight cancer and help rescue dogs.
Collier Lanes continues to sponsor both Oxford and Lake Orion’s high school and middle school bowling programs by providing the boys and girls teams with a convenient, local place to practice, free of charge.
‘It’s good for the community,? Jeff said.
Jeff and his family have a lot to be grateful for and they know they owe it all to Oxford.
‘I’d like to thank the community for all their support,? he said.