Top Shop winners have lots in common

Jan. 1, 2020

There are just some things that make some repair shops stand out above others. Basically, many of today's top shops are trustworthy shops no matter who you ask. Such is one of the common threads found in the top 10 shops in the fourth annual Motor Ag

Tschanen Brandyberry

Automotive technology, shop appearance, community service keep these shops at the top.

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There are just some things that make some repair shops stand out above others.

Fellow technicians can spot superior shops based on equipment they utilize, services they perform and training they attend or host themselves. Meanwhile, the consumer just wants to make sure his or her car is fixed right and the shop is clean and neat.

Basically, many of today's top shops are trustworthy shops no matter who you ask. Such is one of the common threads found in the top 10 shops in the fourth annual Motor Age Top Shops contest.

Each shop in our top 10 has many things in common that set them apart – their commitment to technology for their technicians, offering benefits above what many other shops can provide, staying incredibly active in their respective communities and making sure each employee has access to the best training available.

We're highlighting these shops throughout this issue, sharing some of the owners' stories, thoughts, ideas and practices. But keep in mind that this is just a snapshot of the top shops' practices and stories of how they've improved their businesses.

Shops were asked to tell Motor Age about their business, customer service and employee philosophies, history of their business, supplier relationships, shop management procedures, marketing, merchandising techniques, Web site, events, parts philosophy and more. And all in just 1,500 words.

So what makes a top shop? They have to be unique, innovative and ready to go above and beyond in all of these categories and more. Just doing what's been done for decades doesn't cut it anymore.

Hopefully you'll find these shops' stories compelling and perhaps inspiring. They all have great ideas they are implementing and industry needs they are meeting. Their stories go beyond these pages, though, and the staff of Motor Age encourages you to learn more about these shops and see more photos and video tours of them at www.MotorAge.com/TopShops.

They're all still learning and growing and are ready to help your shop do the same.

About the Author

Tschanen Brandyberry

Tschanen Brandyberry is Special Projects Editor for the UBM Americas – Automotive Group, moving into the position following roles as managing editor of Motor Age and associate editor of Aftermarket Business World. She joined the Automotive Group in 2006 after working in editing and writing positions at The Morning Journal in Lorain, Ohio, and The Daily Chief-Union in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, in addition to public relations agency experience. Tschanen is a graduate of the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio.