Donnie Carr, President of Christian Brothers Automotive, Shares the Brand’s Response to COVID-19
At Christian Brothers Automotive, we are in a unique position. Our shops remain an essential business during the COVID-19 crisis, so we have been able to service clients in communities throughout the country. While franchisees have had to make adjustments to meet the ever-changing needs of our world today, the training and support programs we already had in place set them up for a successful transition. Similarly, our franchisees’ steadfast commitment to community and service has allowed us to thank those on the frontlines for their dedication.
Operational Changes
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, we offered free shuttle services including pick-up and drop-off services at our shops nationwide. Now, many franchisees are taking that offer a step further by having an employee go to a customer’s house, pick up their car and bring it back to the shop. When they are done servicing the vehicle and have properly sanitized it, the employee then returns the car to the customer’s home. While a small change operationally, it has given our clients piece of mind and allows them to continue following social distancing guidelines. At Christian Brothers Automotive, we have always been committed to providing our clients with the most convenient and effective service possible. So, because we already had similar programs in place, it made the change to no-contact service that much easier.
Additional safety measures have also been implemented to reduce the risk of spreading germs include enhanced sanitation efforts in the shops and digital communication and payment options. Also, we implemented a strict protocol to ensure all cars are sanitized properly before and after each service. At the end of the day, our top priority is the health and safety of our guests and employees, so franchisees are doing everything in their power to stand by that commitment.
Give Back Initiatives
At Christian Brothers Automotive, service has always been a part of who we are – our guiding principle is “Love your neighbor as yourself.” We consider ourselves an integral part of the communities we serve and make it a priority to give back whenever possible. Now more than ever, we want to thank the men and women on the frontlines who are putting themselves at risk for the betterment of us all. A few of our shops in the Colorado Springs, San Antonio, Orlando, Dallas, Kansas City and Memphis markets are offering a special program to thank first responders.
We consider ourselves an integral part of the communities we serve and make it a priority to give back whenever possible.
As first responders continue to devote their full attention and support to the community during this trying time, Christian Brothers Automotive shops in those markets aim to ensure that all first responders in need of vehicle repairs and services will be attended to quickly, effectively and safely through streamlined services that prioritize their vehicles first. Through the VIP-style program, first responders can quickly return to their duties of protecting the community without the hassle of having to wait.
Overall, our goal at Christian Brothers is to change the way customers think about auto service by providing knowledgeable, honest and genuine car repairs. Even in the midst of a global pandemic, we are committed to that goal. Whether it be providing additional pick-up services for clients or showing our thanks to those around us, we try to meet everything we do with integrity and compassion. We look forward to the day when we can all come together, but in the meantime, we want to assure our clients that we are here for them and remind them that we’re all in this together.
Donnie Carr is the President of Christian Brothers Automotive. For more information about Christian Brothers Automotive, click here.