Street view of Spear's Automotive taken during its grand opening celebrations.

In 1975, Gary Spear was working in the electrical engineering industry when, as a hobby, he began working on vehicles. Due to an unfortunate chain of events, the company Spear worked for laid him off. Faced with no job or income, Spear turned to his hobby and began his career in the automotive repair industry. “I began working on cars out of necessity to support my family,” said Spear.

When he opened his business, he employed himself and one helper. Over the years, the number of employees at one time has been as high as 13. Many changes have taken place in the 27 years Spear has been in the industry, including eight location changes.

Today, Spear's Automotive Repair is located in its 1-year-old, 3,978-square-foot facility, housed in two buildings in Cedar Crest, N.M. Spear has three generations of family members employed by the business: his father, Howard; wife, Sue; sons, Scott and Chris; and daughter-in-law, Michelle. Spear's role in the business is that of shop supervisor, trainer and technician.

Pictured (l to r) is the Spear family: Scott, Michelle, Sue, Chris and Gary.

“The satisfaction of completing repairs or service the best way possible, spending time with my family and working in a great shop in God's country, surrounded by beautiful mountains, is the best part of my job,” said Spear.

The family-owned facility performs 45 to 60 repairs per week. “The advantages of having a family-owned and -operated business are the trust factor, dedication to good service, the success of the business and there is no need to find or retain good technicians,” said Spear. “We have a very special, very close and supportive family. I am lucky to have both sons, my wife and daughter-in-law all working together and enjoying what they do and they are very talented in this business.” The entire family has the same objectives and works diligently to obtain the objectives. This is apparent in the bottom line - the projected sales volume for this year is more than $650,000.

Understanding and knowing one's customers is a large part of any business' success. Spear and his staff are well aware of who their customers are and how to best provide top-notch services. “We do our best to treat our customers and suppliers as we would like to be treated if we were in their positions. Because we are a family operation, if any problem arises, we all pitch in to make sure it is properly resolved in a very personal and professional manner,” said Spear.

Due to Cedar Crest's rural location and because it is a small community, Spear Automotive provides its customers with a small-town feel and small-town services. Such services include taking customers home from the shop and picking them up to retrieve their repaired vehicles. “We will also take our customers on errands, if needed. We do whatever needs to be done to make doing business with us very easy and personally friendly,” said Spear. This detail to the customers' needs is definitely paying off. According to Spear, the facility has more business than it can handle, even though other automotive-related businesses in the area are in a slump.

Inside the shop.

Spear Automotive has steadily grown and profited. Because of the quality and personal services offered, customers regularly refer family and friends. Additionally, Spear advertises the business through various media including the local telephone book, newspaper, community bulletin boards, local stores and RV parks.

The shop also takes an active role in community events. “We support our local schools' sports activities, charity drives, youth organizations and 4-H club in our area,” said Spear. According to Spear, his business philosophy has always been, “Treat everyone the way you would want to be treated.”

Ongoing education and training also attributes to the success of Spear Automotive. Spear, who holds an applied science degree in electronic engineering, was one of the first industry members to earn the Automotive Management Institute's Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation in 1993. Currently, Spear's sons are earning the required credits to receive their AAMs. “Getting them their AAMs and involved in their industry through ASA will see to it that the business remains successful,” said Spear. In addition, Spear and his staff take advantage of several technical training opportunities, including seminars and courses offered at the Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) and the Automotive Service Association (ASA) Annual Convention.

Inside the shop.

Since becoming an ASA member in 1977, Spear has been an active part of ASA's success and growth. His association involvement has benefited his business as well. “The more I got involved, the easier and more profitable my business became. I learned about all aspects of the automotive business from the friends I made through ASA,” said Spear. As he became more involved with the association, he began serving in leadership positions including chapter president.

Spear took his talents as a leader to the national level. In 1986, the Independent Automotive Service Association (IASA) and the Automotive Service Councils merged to form ASA. At the time, Spear was serving as IASA secretary and was instrumental in the merging of the two associations. Following the merger, Spear served on the charter board of directors for ASA. Remaining on the ASA board of directors for the next four years, holding the positions of general director and chairman-elect, Spear ultimately served as ASA board chairman from 1991-1992.

He also served as a trustee for the Automotive Management Institute from 1990-1992. Other industry activities have included serving as a board member of the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), a trustee for the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation Inc. (NATEF), and as a member of the Albuquerque TV-I advisory committee.

With more than 27 years in the automotive repair and service industry and countless hours of volunteerism under his belt, Spear now looks to the future. “Sue and I plan to retire in three to five years, leaving the business to our sons,” he said.

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