Can Auto Mechanic = Great Service?

I have never liked taking my car to the mechanic. Who does? I always think I am going to get ripped off only to discover later that I didn't need what I just paid for. I must say I really like my mechanic. Why? Because I trust him.

A few years ago we moved from Ohio to Richmond, Virginia. I took my car to an auto shop across the street from where I work for the required state inspection. To make a long story short, I got a quote for $850 of work that needed to be done in order to pass inspection and was told I couldn't drive my inspection failed car or I could risk getting a sizable fine. I drove it anyway and found Richmond Imports in the same area. I told this mechanic (Marty) the long version of the story and said I just need a mechanic I can trust. He said I could trust him. After looking at my car, Marty told me some work needed to be done in order to pass but it was more like $200 to fix. He went through the list with me and I knew about everything he listed.

Eventually I started taking my car to Richmond Imports just for oil changes when a national oil change company forgot to tighten the drain plug. Oil spilled all over my garage. Richmond Imports has never failed me.

A recent great experience made me think about why I continue to take my car to Marty.

• Marty knows me by name (every time I call or walk in)
• Marty knows my cars (what was done last time and what they need)
• Richmond Imports' goals are the same as mine (keep me driving my car as long as possible)
• Marty never recommends more than I need (any recommendations for additional work is specific and clear)
• Marty provides me with options (I know how long he believes the part will last - Marty always lets me know exactly what each job will cost)
• Richmond Imports always over delivers (sets expectations but always over delivers - additional work is always less than the quote)
• Richmond Imports will do the extra work when necessary (if they find something while working on my car, Marty always calls to give me options - if the extra work is minor there is no charge)
  
• Because of all of this Marty has my trust (I believe everything he tells me because of the reputation he has built with me)

It must be fun to work at a place that is so honest and truly appreciates it's customers. Result is that I will be a life long customer. If you live in Richmond, consider this my full endorsement for Richmond Imports.

Ignore Everybody

Knocked off my 4th book this year "Ignore Everybody: And 39 Other Keys to Creativity". I am disappointed with how long it took me to read this one because it is an easy read and I enjoyed it. I will forewarn you that the author Hugh MacLeod does not filter his thoughts. His thoughts are written raw and communicate just what he intends without apology. Hugh is way above average intelligence. He is the world leader in cartoons drawn on the back of business cards.

This book is focused on keys to creativity but it is also packed full of life lessons. I agree with many of them but haven't taken time to articulate most of them. As I did last time, I will share with you some quotes from the book that connected with me in some way. I hope you enjoy and I am interested in your comments.

• "The sovereignty you have over your work will inspire far more people than the actual content ever will."
• Being good at anything is like figure-skating - the definition of being good at it is being able to make it look easy. But it never is easy. Ever."
• ". . . if and when you finally come up with the "Big Idea", . . . how do you know whether or not it is "The One"? "Answer: You don't".
• "Everyone has their own private Mount Everest." "You may never reach the summit; for that you will be forgiven. But if you don't make at least one serious attempt to get above the snowline, years later you will find yourself lying on your deathbed, and all you will feel is emptiness."
• ". . . when you know full well you have had the opportunity [but didn't take it] - that hurts far more than any failure."
• "Don't worry about finding inspiration." "Inspiration precedes the desire to create, not the other way around."
• "A lot of people in business say they have 20 years' experience, when in fact they really have one years' experience, repeated 20 times."
• "If you are successful, it'll never come form the direction you predicted. Same is true if you fail."