We’ve been talking with Sheryl Brown, co-owner of InC Auto Repair Center in Parker, Colorado about what it takes to run an auto repair shop in our recent articles. Today we hear from her Service Advisor, Ron Thrall about how he got hooked on cars & trucks, and what it takes to be a top notch automotive Service Advisor.
Ron Thrall:
Q: Did you grow up around family or friends who worked on cars/trucks/jeeps, or did this interest develop through other life experiences? In short: what inspired you to become a service advisor?
Ron: My whole family has always been interested in cars. My mom owned and restored several Corvettes. In fact, she raced them at Bandimere Speedway in Morrison, Colorado.
Q: Did you ever consider becoming a mechanic? If not, why? Would you ever consider going in that direction now?
Ron: I was actually a Technician for 33 years before I made the transition to Service Advisor.
Q: Tell us what a Service Advisor is and what your job entails at the shop.
Ron: The Service Advisor (sometimes also referred to as a Service Technician or Writer) interfaces with the customers to assess what’s going on with their car or truck. I then set the appointments, bring the cars and trucks into the shop, and generally keep the shop running smoothly. Once the Technicians determine what repairs are needed on a vehicle, I am responsible for ordering the necessary parts.
Q: How has today’s technology played into your role as a Service Advisor? How do you keep up with the ever-evolving technology (classes, workshops, reading manuals, etc)?
Ron: I am pretty up-to-date on technology due to my experience as a Technician, but it’s constantly changing and we use several outlets to keep up.
Q: What brings you the most satisfaction at the end of a typical work day?
Ron: Knowing we have happy customers due to the honest, transparent, accurate, and quality work we deliver here at InC Auto Repair Center.
We’re proud to have Ron Thrall taking charge of the front desk at InC Auto Repair Center here in Parker, Colorado. When your car or truck needs maintenance or service, give Ron a call at the shop or stop by and we’ll get you on the work schedule.
In case you missed them, here are the 2 previous conversations we had with Sheryl Brown about her boss roll at InC Auto Repair Center in Parker, Colorado.
If you missed our previous conversations with co-owner Sheryl Brown, these links will lead you to her story.
Keeping Pace with Automotive Technology – Convo #3
Women in the Auto Repair Industry – Convo #2
Conversation with Sheryl Brown – Convo #1
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