“I always tell my guys ‘When you’re working on a vehicle, work on it as if it’s your own,' " Top Notch Auto Repair owner Sam Musa says of his shop’s culture.
That ethic goes a long way, but he takes it further. “A lot of times when a car comes in for a repair, we’ll find other things wrong. Nine times out of 10, I just fix it.”
Safety is priority at Top Notch. “I want to make sure when a car leaves the shop, it’s 100%.”
Voda Express has the exterior auto spa experience down to a science.
“We’re constantly evolving, constantly up to date on technology and chemical compositions,” says the owner. A graphene oxide ceramic coating offers durable protection against the elements and lends a deep shine. The ultimate ceramic wash includes a complimentary ultimate wash within five days with receipt. Voda's conveyor system accommodates duallys and low-profile performance vehicles.
“We make sure to always listen to the needs of the customer and educate them on the different car wash selections.”
Free extras include a mat cleaner, airguns, prepping station and high suction vacuums.
Rizza Ford General Manager Gary Precin recalls his 54-years of working with the eponymous Joe Rizza. “Up until just a few years ago, he would stay every night until the end of the night. Sometimes we’d go home 12, 2in the morning.”
Rizza would be selling cars, building a legacy one deal at a time.
What else did he learn from Joe Rizza? “Always, always be honest.”
Precin imparts that on the salesforce, telling them to be personable. "Don’t make it all about the price of the car. You have to listen to people and what their needs are.”
Tinley Park Firestone Manager Tim Wagner credits his experienced staff with the expertise and attention-to-detail that sets the shop apart in auto care.
“I have a 10-year crew, so we’re like family, and we treat the customers like family," he says. "When someone walks in, it’s just like our moms or dads walking through the door.”
That level of service has boosted not just oil changes, but overall business over the years and keeps customers coming back. “You build the business in the community, and that’s exactly what we are. We love it. We live in the community, we work for the community.”
Variety is driving business at Rizza Cars. Customers can test drive an Acura, a Toyota or a Buick in one place.
Manager Scott Precin notes that older model vehicles are in demand. “I can’t even tell you how many people have come in and said, ‘Can you have a car like my Marquis? I don’t want it to drive itself, park itself, talk to me or have a computer. People love those old-school cars.”
In old-school colors.
“ ‘Scott, I don’t care what kind of car it is. I want a purple car, a bright green car, a yellow car,’ " Precin is told.
“If you don’t know what kind of vehicle you want, come on in. Whatever you want to trade in, we’ll take it.”
