Lloyd's Automotive and Transmission Service Inc. was founded by Lloyd DeBoer in 1963 in Olympia, Wash. The shop provided quality automotive and transmission repair service to a growing community.

After earning an Associate of Science degree from Centralia College, Neil DeBoer, Lloyd's son, went to work in the shop. The year was 1969 and Neil learned the automotive trade from his father. At the same time, Lloyd's brother, Dwight, also began working in the shop. The three family members continued to provide top-quality repairs to the downtown area of Olympia.

In 1982, Lloyd retired and sold the business to Neil and Dwight. Neil is the general manager and president of Lloyd's Automotive, while Dwight, until recently, ran the in-house parts department and worked as a technician in the shop. Dwight is in the process of retiring, however, he will remain a co-owner and continue to help in the shop when needed.

The shop began a major expansion in 1989 with the purchase of a larger downtown lot located only blocks from the original location. Neil's vision of a brand new facility was realized in 1991 when Lloyd's Automotive moved into its newly built location. The expanded shop space enabled Lloyd's Automotive to better serve its loyal, growing customer base.

Customer service
Lloyd's Automotive makes every attempt to satisfy its customers. By providing free local shuttle service, a clean customer waiting area and a convenient "early bird/night owl" key drop, the shop takes each customer's situation into account when servicing their vehicle. Customers have the option of normal payment methods or the shop also offers 90-day same as cash financing.

Another customer convenience is the 24-hour towing service available. With approximately 150 repair orders per month, customer service and convenience are real concerns for the Washington shop.

This year, Neil will get worldwide exposure for Lloyd's Automotive through the Internet. Lloyd's Automotive Web Site will provide detailed information of the services offered by the shop. In addition, motorists will be able to learn about their vehicles through the automotive-related tips to be included on the site. In an effort to offer customers the most for their money, the site will also provide discounts on transmission services, oil and filter changes and vehicle winterizing. The site is expected to open later this winter.

Employees
Neil is a dedicated professional of the automotive service industry and employs top-notch people. This is evident by the percentage of his technicians who are certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), which is 100 percent. "Perhaps years ago, a shade-tree mechanic, whose only credentials were a tool box and busted knuckles, was enough. But today's vehicles need more and today's quality-conscious consumers demand more," said Neil.

Lloyd's Automotive employs three technicians, one service advisor and one apprentice technician. Neil also performs technician work when it is needed.

Sallie Butler is the service advisor and customer service specialist and has worked for the business since 1996. Her background is in the machinist trade. Brian Stephens, the transmission technical specialist, has worked at the shop for more than six years. He holds a vocational degree from Wyoming Technical Institute. With an extensive background in the service and repair of General Motors vehicles, Wayne Campbell brings more than 25 years of experience to Lloyd's Automotive. Campbell has worked for Neil for more than six years.

Ron Schmitz is the shop's engine, electrical systems, computer, fuel system, driveability and Mazda models specialist. Schmitz has more than 11 years of experience and has been with Lloyd's Automotive for more than two years. Eric Bagley, apprentice and vehicle inspection and maintenance specialist, is currently enrolled in the South Puget Sound Automotive Vocational Skills program and works in the shop part time.

Neil is dedicated to providing his employees with a positive, quality-driven, fun place of employment. His employees are not just a number, they are part of a team. Neil strongly believes that each of his employees deserves his respect.

"We want each work day at Lloyd's to be interesting, productive and an enjoyable experience. We respect our employees as individuals and also for their personal contributions to each facet of the business," said Neil.

Association involvement
In addition to being devoted to his employees, Neil is also committed to the professionalism of the industry. He demonstrates this through his participation in various programs, projects and leadership roles.

Lloyd's Automotive has been an ASA member since 1987. According to Neil, the reason he joined ASA was to gain knowledge about the industry and take advantage of the benefit of meeting others in the industry.

Neil has served on the association's Mechanical Division Operations Committee for the past two years. As a committee member, Neil currently sits on the Sub-Committee for Phase Two of the School-To-Work program and the Non-Emission Information Committee.

In addition to his service on the national level, Neil has served his local chapter as president. He has also held the position of the chairman of the annual "Lights-On" campaign at the local level.

Neil maintains his ASE certification in several categories of vehicle maintenance and repair. He also attends many shop management and technical courses to keep abreast of the ever-changing technology.

Neil is currently working on his Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation from the Automotive Management Institute (AMI).

The team at Lloyd's Automotive strives for professionalism in everything they do. Future plans for the business include increasing sales and growing into the larger facility.

"The thing I like most about my job is that there is always a challenge and it's never boring," said Neil.

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