AUTOINC. ONLINE - Shop Profile

Exterior of Accurate Auto Clinic Inc.

There are those who believe that at birth, a guardian angel is sent to watch over you; to guide you; to help you accomplish what you never thought possible. There are others who believe a good friend is actually your guardian angel in disguise - making miracles out of everyday tasks. Mike Charewicz, owner of Accurate Auto Clinic in Des Plaines, Ill., is one such angel, literally taking flight to help sick children and adults get treatment for their illnesses.

Charewicz participates in Angel Flight, a program that recruits private pilots to fly people in need of medical attention, or family members of those who are sick, to far-reaching destinations. Because medical insurance usually doesn't pay for travel expenses, pilots such as Charewicz volunteer their time, fuel and plane to help those in need reach their final destination.

In spite of the expense, he sees the program as a win-win situation for all involved. "A lot of reward comes from helping less fortunate people while doing what I enjoy," he said. "I'm proud to be part of such a worthwhile cause." He also recommends that others interested in this outreach program visit the Angel Flight Web site at www.angelflightcentral.org.

Mike Charewica, owner of Accurate Auto Clinic Inc.

His passion for helping people can be seen in his business practices as well. Established in 1977, Accurate Auto Clinic takes on approximately 65 repairs a week. In order to establish overall trust with his clientele, Charewicz successfully tailors his shop and his employees to meet the individual needs of each customer who walks into his facility. His business philosophy consists of honesty, courtesy and reliability.

"Vehicles have no doubt changed dramatically since 1977, but customer service hasn't changed much since then," Charewicz said. "Customer satisfaction is still linked to communication. It takes a little longer to explain today's repairs, but a customer who understands the process will be a happy customer." He attributes his personnel's communication skills to valuable Automotive Management Institute (AMI) courses. Charewicz received his Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation from AMI in 2001.

Technician Andy Chodnicki examines the undercarriage of a vehicle.

Charewicz's love for the automotive repair industry stems from his childhood. "I always loved taking stuff apart as a kid," he said. "Two years after graduating from Southern Illinois University with an automotive technology degree, I was fired for trying to tell the shop owner how to run his business. It was then I decided to start my own."

And just as that love has evolved, so has his repair facility. His mechanical repair facility started in a rented 3,000-square-foot warehouse building. In 1981, he moved to the shop's present location, adding a few hundred square feet. And after remodeling two years later, the facility now incorporates 7,800 square feet and 12 service bays.

Maciej Grzebieluch prepares a customer's vehicle for delivery.

Charewicz's staff also has grown since the shop opened 26 years ago. Now at seven employees, the shop started with only three and peaked at 13 during the 1980s. As owner of Accurate Auto Clinic, Charewicz's primary job function is to set up operating systems and standard procedures for his employees.

"Learning to delegate responsibilities was a very difficult thing for me to learn. But having dedicated employees who enjoy their job has helped a lot in developing a working 'chain of command,'" he said.

Charewicz currently serves as president of ASA-Illinois Mechanical Division, but his membership in ASA dates back to 1992. He believes the most valuable tool ASA offers is the ability to network and share common problems and solutions with other shop owners. "Many of the procedures I use in my business come from sharing ideas at ASA chapter meetings. I enjoy hosting an ASA-ILMD northside chapter meeting every other month," he said. "I get something out of every meeting. It may not always be a new idea, but something I used to do but haven't necessarily kept up with."

Pictured are Dennis deBell (left) and Steve Roux in the customer waiting area of Accurate Auto Clinic.

Accurate Auto Clinic relies on direct mail for its advertising and marketing. In addition, Charewicz recently joined the ASA/NASCAR Performance Network to better expose his shop to his community. "I joined the NASCAR program because I believe this program will get ASA the kind of national advertising its members have asked for," he said. "It would take literally millions of dollars to buy the kind of exposure ASA will get. That alone is worth $200 to me. If I get a few new customers, that will just be a bonus."

To add to Charewicz's busy schedule, he is also active in his son's Cub Scout troop and the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce. Being a member of the Chamber of Commerce has helped him see how other businesses work. "Staying active in the community not only gives me a break from the sometimes stressful automotive industry, but also is a good source of new customers," he said.

Running a successful automotive repair business is not an easy task. But with Charewicz's experience, community outreach efforts and customer service priorities, it's no wonder Accurate Auto Clinic has flourished for more than 25 years. Charewicz says, "No two days are ever the same. That's what I like best about this business." And taking one day at a time has truly benefited this Illinois shop.

Shop Stats

Name: Accurate Auto Clinic Inc.
Location: Des Plaines, Ill.
Square Footage: 7,800
No. of Bays: 12
No. of Employees: 7
Web site: www.accurateautoclinic.com
On customer service: “Customer satisfaction is still linked to communication. It takes a little longer to explain today's repairs, but a customer who understands the process will be a happy customer.” - Mike Charewicz

Illinois Shop Owner Earns His Wings In More Ways Than One

Shop Stats

Illinois Shop Owner Earns His Wings
In More Ways Than One