The Driving Performance award, now in its third year, recognizes game changers in automotive service. Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper have announced that this year’s winning shop, Integrity Auto Care, South Beloit, Illinois, a Bumper to Bumper Certified Service Center customer of Auto-Wares Group of Companies, is recognized as truly revolutionizing the customers’ vehicle repair experience — from start to finish. Owner Leon Anderson received an all-expenses-paid trip to Las Vegas to attend the AAPEX Show, and also participated in the WIX Filters and Babcox Media Night of Excellence recognition dinner.
A general-repair shop with eight bays, Integrity Auto Care is committed to fulfilling what its name implies. “Our name says it all as we provide honest, superior-quality repairs, plus convenience and value in a modern, upscale facility,” said Anderson, who formerly ran car dealerships before starting his own business.
Customers truly experience a difference when they come to Integrity Auto Care, a service and repair facility that Anderson said customers can finally call home. By living up to its name on a daily basis, the team delivers customers’ vehicles in a safe, properly maintained operating condition — and takes pride in being the best automotive shop around, he added.
From simple oil changes to complex engine replacements, Integrity Auto Care has the solution for any automotive maintenance and repair need. The shop offers services on all makes and models, and each comes with a satisfaction guarantee, and a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty.
Every time a customer brings their vehicle in for service, Integrity Auto Care techs perform a thorough courtesy inspection. “That way, we can alert customers of any condition that may need attention before it turns into a costly problem. That’s just part of the service we provide in an effort to maintain our customers’ vehicle in a safe-operating condition so that they and their loved ones will have dependable, worry-free driving,” explained Anderson. “We follow strict processes and give the customer a health reading on their car, taking photos of the things that may be bad but, more importantly, also the things that are good, so they can make an educated purchasing decision about their vehicle.”
The shop also sets the customers’ next appointment on their way out, and follows up with them in 30 days regarding any safety items that were not handled on the prior visit.
In addition to the attention to detail on the service and repair front, Integrity Auto Care also ensures customer satisfaction from an appearance and amenities perspective. “Our friendly staff is ready to serve and waiting is a pleasure in our modern customer lounge which boasts free Wi-Fi, a 50-inch plasma television, computer nook, abundant ‘coffee house’ seating with complimentary coffee, tea and water and a ‘kiddie corner,’” said Leon.
Integrity Auto Care truly caters to its customers, targeting women, who wield great power in making purchasing decisions related to vehicle care, and also Baby Boomers. “In addition to the extra clean and luxurious waiting room with hardwood floors, there is a separate write-up area and the cleanest bathrooms in town,” said Anderson. “We made our bathrooms like those found in luxury hotels, so that nobody would be afraid to use our facilities or wait in our beautiful lounge.”
The shop also is big on convenience, and going the extra mile for customers. Besides providing shuttle service for customers, the shop also offers pick-up and delivery of customers’ vehicles, “so their day is never interrupted,” said Anderson.
Integrity Auto Care gets involved in the community and helps community members as much as possible. Oftentimes making donations to the homeless, Leon also tries to find jobs for those who want to work. “We recently had our annual ‘Help the Hungry’ car show for the St. DePaul food pantry, and all proceeds were given to the pantry. We live in a great community and it is our way of giving back,” said Anderson.
When asked to list the factors necessary to operate a successful shop today, Anderson summed it up this way:
- Have great people.
- Offer services that people really want.
- Invest in continuing training for technicians, service writers and the owners.
- Know and watch your numbers and KPIs, and realize that you have to charge for what you do.
- Advertise on the Internet.
Practicing what he preaches has paid dividends in more ways than one, providing Leon and Integrity Auto Care a solid foundation for continued growth and success in the community they serve, according to Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper. Much like the mantra of Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper, Integrity Auto Care prides itself on responding to the individual automotive needs of each customer.