Christian Brothers Automotive - Round Rock
Christian Brothers Automotive - Round Rock
Written by Terry Hanley Friday, 07 November 2008
When it comes to choosing an automotive maintenance and repair shop, trust is important. That is why Chip and Diane Jennings said building trust is at the core of the success of their business, Christian Brothers Automotive.
“Our focus is that no matter where else you ever go, you will never be treated as well as you were when you were here,” Chip said. “And you’ll remember that.”
The Jennings bought the Round Rock franchise in 1999 at the recommendation of friends who had opened their own Christian Brothers franchises in Houston. As a mechanical engineer who worked in the oil and gas industry for 30 years, Chip was hesitant to change over to the retail service sector. But upon seeing how happy and successful his friends were with their stores, Chip set up a meeting with Christian Brothers Automotive Chairman Mark Carr. Carr’s business model and desire to expand to the Austin area worked well for the Jennings, who wanted to own a business in Central Texas where they could work together.
Chip and Diane founded their business on the principle that admitting mistakes builds trust, so if customers have any problems with their vehicles after being serviced by Christian Brothers, they can bring them back to the shop for a reevaluation. If an issue is found that is the fault of the technician, Chip said the shop covers the cost of the additional repairs.
“We’re not perfect, and we are going to have problems,” Jennings said. “It’s how you handle problems that differentiates you. We stand up when we know we’ve done something wrong, and we make it right. Part of the deal is to not do harm to people’s cars.”
The staff at Christian Brothers is composed of technicians that Chip said are every bit as competent as some of the finest engineers he encountered while working in the oil and gas industry. They attend training every other month to stay educated on new car technologies, such as hybrid vehicles and direct fuel-injected cars.
Chip said he and his wife have built a reputation and loyal customer base through word-of-mouth recommendations and referrals.
Diane said her husband’s passion for taking extra good care of his customers has helped the success of their business, too.
“In this business, we try to help people,” Diane said. “We try to keep them informed about what their car needs, what they need to be planning for. And, you know, we care what happens.”
Free shuttle service
Christian Brothers Automotive offers a complimentary neighborhood shuttle service to customers in need of transportation. It is available to take customers to work, home or any other destination they request in the immediate area of the shop.
The service runs Monday through Friday from 7:15 a.m.-1 p.m. and 3-6 p.m.
Owners Chip and Diane Jennings said that the shuttle gives them the opportunity to be a part of people's lives and get to know their customers on a more intimate level.
"You take them home, you get to talk to them and get to know about their families," Chip said. "Just being part of our community, being part of the people, is part of the fun of it."
413 Louis Henna Blvd., 248-1000, roundrockautorepair.com
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