AUTOINC. ONLINE - Shop Profile

Entrance to Same Day Auto Service

Growing up in the service station industry in the early '70s gave T.J. Reilly, AAM, a solid foundation to build upon as an automotive repair business owner. At the age of 10, he began pumping gas at his father's Arco Service Station in Southern California. He still recalls when they had gas rationing and lines two blocks long.

In 1988, T.J. opened his own business - Same Day Auto Service - in Clackamas, which is just south of Portland, Ore. The business began small, with T.J. and one other technician performing repairs without any support staff. "We divided the shop in half and I did Honda repair from the front half and my employee did Subaru repair in the back," said T.J. Within one year, the business had grown such that T.J. needed to add more employees. He hired two more technicians as well as a lube tech. In addition to the employees, T.J. added Toyota to his repair line.

In 1994, acting on advice he had acquired in Automotive Service Association (ASA)-sponsored seminars and from other ASA members, T.J. computerized, hired a service advisor and another technician, and became a full-time service manager. “I wish I had listened to their advice years ago,” said T.J.

Same Day Auto Service continued, with the shop divided into essentially two separate shops, until 1999, when T.J. remodeled.

“We now have one office with two service advisors, four technicians, a lube tech, a parts-driver, a part-time bookkeeper and myself,” said T.J. His wife, Robin, also works in the business on a part-time basis. T.J. believes the biggest advantage of having Robin work with him is that she is able to identify with the problems and accomplishments he faces daily.

T.J. and Robin Reilly pictured behind the front counter.

The uniqueness of Same Day Auto Service comes from only working on three different makes: Honda, Toyota and Subaru. Specializing allows the shop to stock most of the parts it needs and facilitates same-day repair in most cases. “If we can't have the customer's car done when promised, we'll give them a free rental car,” said T.J. If a customer is waiting, T.J. often will have two of his technicians work on the car so the customer doesn't have to wait so long. He believes this is one of the reasons he has so many customer referrals. Same Day also provides a quick oil change by appointment and low-cost rental cars.

Same Day Auto Service does very little advertising in the Yellow Pages, but does do direct mail pieces three times a year, as well as follow-up letters. T.J. believes that treating the customer right is the most cost-effective advertising.

In an effort to increase his referrals, he provides cookies and crayons for the kids, and fresh coffee, a dedicated courtesy phone and low-cost rental cars for his customers. He has also recently doubled his warranty on repairs.

Customers are reassured of Same Day's professionalism by the ongoing training certifications and business affiliations displayed within the waiting area. T.J. is a member of the local Chamber of Commerce, Better Business Bureau and ASA.

He originally joined ASA while managing another shop in 1983. That shop is still a member. “My membership in ASA has always been a fantastic investment. I owe my current level of success to ASA and its many members who have helped me become a better businessman,” said T.J. In 1995, he earned his Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation from the Automotive Management Institute (AMI).

He has given his time and expertise back to the industry and community that has helped his business grow. T.J. has served as ASA Portland chapter president, as well as ASA-Oregon president. He has also won several ASA recruiter awards. In addition, he is a corporate financial sponsor and a board member at Portland Christian School.

When asked what he enjoys most about his job, T.J. said "being able to meet the needs of my customers and my employees." This enthusiasm will definitely keep Same Day Auto Service on a successful and prosperous path.

Shop Stats

Name: Same Day Auto Service
Location: Clackamas, Ore.
No. of Employees: 10
Web site: www.samedayautoservice.com
Mission:“To provide the most convenient, courteous and cost-effective auto repairs possible. Recognizing that reliable transportation is a necessity and not a luxury, we will continue to strive for fast, reliable auto repairs at an affordable price.”

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Shop Stats