GREENFIELD — Passersby may have noticed a new sign on the lawn of the vehicle inspection center on Federal Street, following the business’ change of ownership.

The inspection center, now called Z’s Inspection Center, was recently taken over by 26-year-old Greenfield native Zain Naveed. Naveed also owns Z’s Corner on Mill Street, and Z’s Laundromat and Z’s Express Tanning Salon on Federal Street.

He takes over for former owner Beth Lorenz, who announced her retirement late last month after more than 20 years at the inspection center at 188 Federal St.

“My recently retired older brother asked me at the beginning of last year if I felt I had fulfilled my mission at the inspection center,” Lorenz recalled. “It was a very good question, post-COVID closures and the current business challenges. My vision was to provide a non-confrontational experience with no hidden agenda and a safe space for our diverse community. We wanted to offer an efficient and skilled process, hospitality during your visit, convenience and a retention direct mail program that serves 12,000 clients a year consistently. … I felt like I had fulfilled my vision.”

The transition comes at a time when changes are taking place in the state Registry of Motor Vehicle’s inspection policies. One of those changes includes the sticker system. For example, if a vehicle is due for inspection in September, but the driver waits until November, they will still receive a September sticker.

“The change on (Nov. 1) holds registered drivers accountable for getting their vehicles inspected annually,” Lorenz commented. “It should help station owners have consistency in business and bring a flow of income to the commonwealth on a more regular basis.”

Lorenz said she knew she wanted the next owner to be someone who had a similar vision and who would continue the same legacy.

“I believe I made a good choice and am excited to have found Zain Naveed to be that person,” she said.

Naveed said the automotive industry has always been on his radar, and he was interested in Lorenz’s location “for quite some time.”

He said in addition to being open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., he plans to eventually be open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. He also plans to open the waiting area to clients, add inventory to sell and, most significantly, add a third bay to increase the flow of inspections. He noted the current inspectors will continue with the business under his ownership, and he hopes to add a few new inspectors to allow for the additional inspection day.

In the more distant future, he anticipates adding automotive detailing as a service.

“The property has a lot of potential to do more than just inspections, and I hope to showcase that,” he said.

Although the inspection center is not yet open for service, Naveed said he hopes to be open as soon as the Registry of Motor Vehicles processes the necessary documentation and the transfer of ownership is complete.

In the meantime, Lorenz said she will remain in the area. In addition to finding time to visit and cook for friends, she will be putting her skills to new use.

“I would like to offer guidance to small business owners on why hospitality, curb appeal, de-cluttering workspace and organizing recordkeeping are important ingredients to profitability,” Lorenz said. “I have been conducting business since 1984 using these techniques.”

Reporter Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne.

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