Front of A.J.'s Auto Repair.

In 1972, a young entrepreneur set out to build a successful automotive repair business. Starting in a small, one-car residential garage, Bob Anderson began repairing automobiles and welding part time for hire. He basically started with a small box of tools, a welder and a vise mounted to a coffee table.

“I believe I was born wondering how mechanical things worked,” Anderson said. And with this instinct, Anderson and his brother-in-law, Glen Jones, established a remarkably successful automotive repair business. A few years later, the one-car garage gave way to a 16-bay facility encompassing 11,500 square feet.

Anderson's first shop - a one-car residential garage.

A.J.'s Auto Repair in Salem, Ore., has evolved into a successful business in its more than 25 years of existence. This past year, the shop was awarded Northwest Automotive Trades Association's (NATA) highest honor: it was named the “Art Morse Shop of the Year.” Recipients of the award are recognized by their peers for their devotion to improving the industry - a commitment Anderson takes very seriously. “If I could change one thing about our industry, I would like to see more shop owners recognize themselves as valuable professionals in their communities,” said Anderson.

The shop offers services ranging from complicated driveability issues to lube services, and it repairs between 100 and 125 automobiles per week. Most import and domestic vehicles are serviced, as well as pickups and light trucks with up to two-ton ratings. In addition, the shop provides fleet repair services.

Every other year, Anderson and Jones reward their crew by sponsoring a raft trip. The three-day trip includes cliff jumping and rafting down the Deschutes River in Oregon.

Employee relations and satisfaction are paramount at A.J.'s Auto Repair. The staff, comprised of 14 employees, collectively has more than 300 years of experience. Of the eight technicians on staff, three are ASE L-1 advanced master technicians. All technicians have their own computer at their workstation, which is connected to the Internet to obtain the latest repair procedures at any time. As an incentive, Anderson and Jones give employees a weekly employee barbecue every Friday. “Our employees have a moment to relax and also use the time to communicate about issues that are pertinent to the company,” Anderson said.

In addition to his employees, Anderson attributes the success of the business to his customers. His commitment to customers is the pinnacle of success for the facility. “We never charge one penny more than what we told our customer it would cost to repair their car,” he said. “If there is overage, we absorb the cost. As a result, our customers sell our service to their family and friends.”

Little things make a big difference to the customers of A.J.'s Auto Repair. A customer shuttle is on the road most of the day. The shop also provides customers with pagers to ensure complete communication during the repair process.

Anderson has always been on the forefront of environmental concerns. Solutions to these concerns have been implemented into the everyday operations of A.J.'s Auto Repair. In 2001, A.J.'s became the first Salem EcoLogical Business certified auto repair shop. This certification was awarded by the state Department of Environmental Quality because of the shop's efforts to protect employees and the environment through the elimination of toxic chemicals in the workplace, safely managing hazardous wastes, and implementing pollution prevention work practices. The shop was also awarded the Marion County Solid Waste Recycler of the Year Award.

“Our company embraces the philosophy that for any business to be successful, it must first provide the very highest level of customer service while being environmentally responsible to the community as well,” Anderson said.

A.J.'s Auto Repair has a nine-passenger customer shuttle that is on the road most of the day.

Anderson and Jones continually promote community service. Both successfully reach out to the young people of the community. Donating to several youth-oriented programs in the area, A.J.'s Auto Repair has received recognition from many groups for its support. Jones and his wife, Linda, deliver birthday cakes to children involved in the Children of Domestic Violence program at Oregon State Hospital. During the holiday season, they also provide gifts to these children through generous donations from various businesses in the community.

In addition, the company sponsors an event to help young people become interested in the automotive industry. A.J.'s Auto Repair exhibits a racecar and allows “hands-on” examination for members of the community. “The young folks get to sit in the car and listen to 850 horsepower rip out through the exhaust pipes. It's a feeling they usually don't forget,” Anderson said. More than 500 people attended A.J.'s Auto Repair's last event.

But community service does not end with the young people in the area. A.J.'s Auto Repair also participates in a free leaf-hauling program for handicapped and elderly individuals.

This car is a highlight of one of A.J.'s Auto Repair's events. More than 500 people stopped by the last event.

Anderson and Jones have both been actively involved with the Automotive Service Association (ASA) for a number of years. A.J.'s Auto Repair has been an ASA member shop since 1988. Anderson is currently the mechanical and environment chairman for NATA, an ASA affiliate. Jones has served as vice president and secretary/treasurer for the group's local chapter. “I joined ASA because I am very proud of the service our industry delivers the nation,” Anderson said. “My goal is to help everyone in our organization understand why we have a good reason to be proud of what we do.”

The efforts of Anderson and Jones have not gone unrewarded. Recently, AJ's was selected as the No. 1 auto repair shop in the nation by the editors of several automotive trade magazines and as part of the process was named CARQUEST's Excellence Award winner. The award is given based on industry involvement, number of ASE certifications, community involvement, training, shop appearance and customer service.

“I love my job,” Anderson said. “Every day I have another idea about how we can improve our work environment, deliver better service, or just make the whole process of auto repair work better.”

Future plans for A.J.'s Auto Repair include adding a separate auto lube facility this year. In addition, Anderson will look for ways to face challenges of environmental compliance and special technical education - two challenges that will ultimately affect the entire automotive repair industry.

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