AUTOINC. ONLINE - Shop Profile

Pictured above is the front of the Boulder location.

It was always apparent that John Rush, AAM, would someday own his own automotive repair facility. His grandfather came to Boulder, Colo., in 1942 and opened a new car dealership. His father and two uncles helped with this business until its sale in 1985. In fact, at the age of 14, John worked as a technician's helper and filled in whenever there was a staff shortage, allowing him to learn every aspect of the business.

“I can remember learning my fractions by comparing end wrench sizes,” said Rush. “It has always been my goal from early on to run an automotive facility.”

This goal would be attained in 1986 when John and his father, Richard, purchased an existing repair facility in Boulder. Celebrating a 15-year milestone, John's 4x4 Center has grown from a 2,800-square-foot facility to a two-location facility and an emerging virtual shop on the Internet.

John's 4x4 Center has grown substantially in its 15-year history. In the beginning, the center was run by Rush and his father. Today the two facilities employ 30 staff members and receive approximately 100 repair orders per week. The facility works on most vehicles but specializes in the 4x4/SUV accessory market.

Fort Collins 4x4 Center
The facility has grown from two employees to about 30 between the two locations. Pictured are the staffs at both locations.

Rush expanded his business in 1987, moving to a new location with 4,500 square feet. Another change was made in 1995 when the shop moved to its current location in Boulder, eventually incorporating a total of 11,500 square feet. Another location was purchased in Fort Collins, Colo., this past year. “Our Fort Collins facility has a great location and the difference in customer traffic is huge,” said Rush. “The facility was an existing business with a 15-year history. It had similar demographics to our Boulder location. In fact, it was one of our closest competitors.”

John's 4x4 Center has recently been approved as an Automotive Service Association (ASA) Gold Medallion Repair Center, an honor that Rush is very proud of. In addition, the shop has the distinction of being a National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Blue Seal of Excellence Repair Center, National Automotive Parts Association (NAPA) Autocare Center, American Automobile Association (AAA) Approved Repair Center and sponsoring member of the International Automotive Technicians' Network (iATN).

Rush credits his staff for much of the shop's success. “I hate the word employee and we do our best to never use that word,” he said. “I tell everyone 'I'm just the owner.' They do all the work. They really pour their hearts into the business.”

He also credits his wife, Terri, with the success of the business. She is co-owner of the business and acts as office manager for both locations. In addition to these responsibilities, she raises seven children ranging in age from 8 to 19. “She really deserves all the credit for where our business is today,” said Rush.

Rush designed his shop's Web site with the ability to customize it at any time.

In addition to the two facilities, Rush maintains an online virtual shop. The Web site (http://www.johns4x4.com) was recently selected as one of AutoInc.'s Top 10 Automotive Repair Web Sites for 2001. Customers can schedule appointments and pay for services online. They can also access their records, ask for advice and purchase accessories through the site's secure online store. But what makes the site unique is that the concept can be sold to other shops and can easily be redesigned to cater to another shop's profile. “This took extra development dollars on our part to achieve. We spent the development cost up front so other shops would not have to,” said Rush.

Rush believes the site is an extension of the shop's capabilities. “My feeling is if we can portray a fantastic Web presence, then it gives us more credibility than other repair shops. The more professional our site looks, the better our image looks,” said Rush. But he cautions, “You can't build and maintain a top-notch site unless you have the rest of your business running smoothly.”

Rush and his wife are very involved in their local church. They have expanded their business into their church ministry. Their travels have taken them to a third-world country where they helped local missionaries with their vehicle needs.

“I owe all our success to my Heavenly Father,” said Rush. “I have a strong faith in him and most of my business philosophy comes from his word.”

Rush is the co-host of the “Autocare Show,” a weekly radio program sponsored by NAPA. The hosts field calls about cars and automotive repair.

Rush's primary business philosophy is to change the image of the automotive industry. The Rushes' strong Christian faith has helped them exemplify this philosophy and is apparent in their community relations. They have their own car care ministry where they repair vehicles for people who could not otherwise afford repairs. Each fall, they sponsor an annual car care fair where they give free vehicle inspections to anyone that attends. “It's our way of saying thank you to the community,” said Rush.

In addition, John's 4x4 Center received the Partners for a Cleaner Environment (PACE) Pioneer Award for 2000. Rush is also the co-host for the local NAPA-sponsored Car Care Radio program, “The Autocare Show.” The hosts of the show field calls and answer questions about automotive repair.

Rush says that being involved in the automotive repair industry gives him great satisfaction. He particularly likes the fact that the industry's performance affects the lives of so many people. “Most people in our industry don't realize the impact a vehicle has on someone's life. Without the use of their vehicle, their ability to perform certain tasks is limited,” said Rush. “It gives me great satisfaction in knowing we can and do make a difference in people's lives.”

Rush credits much of the success of his business to his wife, Terri.

Future plans for John's 4x4 Center include the possibility of opening a third location. Rush wants to have both locations run smoothly before undertaking this endeavor.

Joining ASA was important to Rush. “There is strength in numbers. ASA gives the independent repair center a real voice, not just in legislative matters, but in the communities we live in,” he said. His involvement in the association includes being an ASA Educational Council member. He recently received the designation of Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM), completing courses with the Automotive Management Institute (AMI). He is also president of the Boulder County Vo-Tech Advisory Council.

Rush says the automotive industry has been good to him. He is reminded of something that his grandfather told him: “'If you can be successful in the car business, you can be successful in any business.' That one quote has stuck with me over the years,” he said. “Anything worth anything in life takes effort. All of life is a journey. It all comes down to how we travel down life's path that counts.”

Shop Stats

Name: John's 4x4 Center and Fort Collins 4x4 Center
Location: Boulder, Colo., and Fort Collins, Colo.
Square Footage: 11,500 and 9,500
No. of Employees: 30
Web Site: www.johns4x4.com
Business Philosophy:“My dad always taught me if you are going to do something, do it right or don't do it at all. I have taken that belief and instilled it throughout our organization.”

John's 4x4 Center Owner Strives to Change Industry Image

Shop Stats