Stephens Automotive is a 6,000 sq. ft facility located in Palatine , Illinois , which doubled in size last year. Joe Stephens is the owner/master technician and has been in the automotive repair business for 20 years. Joe has owned this shop for the last 8 years and they specialize in Toyota , Lexus and Honda automobiles.

Joe what do you do at your shop?
Most of the time I work on cars and organize the work in the back. I also do the advertising and planning for the company and financial paperwork. I really try to keep the communication between the front and rear flowing smoothly.

Joe what makes your business successful?
Having a top rated shop with all the best high tech equipment helps, but truly it's the people who work here that make us successful. Everyone here gives it his best, from our newest eager technician Ernesto Godinez, to our accountant Joe Bajko, who spends extra time with me setting goals and planning for the future. Dirt track racecar driver, Bleau Cooper is one of our front-end managers and has owned his own service station. Bleau has been in the car business all his life and is also an ASE master technician. The shop foreman and guru is Charlie McMillan, master technician. Charlie has been with me almost from the start and he is highly respected for his over 35 years of auto repair and a work ethic that is unmatched. Batting clean up is motor coach captain Dave Donaldson, who is also a 30 year plus master technician and future world traveler in his recently purchased home on wheels. Dave can usually be found working on a problem car with his diagnostic skills.

Joe how do you find good employees?
That is one of the toughest problems of this industry, finding people who can fix cars who are honest and hardworking. Because when you add high ethics and personal pride it gets almost impossible to find the right people. That is where I got real lucky, the team I have in place now is all of that and more. To answer the question, you have to hire people and make agreements with them and keep those agreements. We want people who are willing to share their knowledge based on their own experiences, that agrees with our good business practices and ethics.

Joe what advice would you give other shop owners?
Well I do consider myself a beginner who is just warming up. But, if someone wanted my opinion, it would be to hire the right people who are hard working, detail orientated with highly toned personalities. People who are experienced and who focus on good communication and write ideas down to implement, monitor and improve the business. Lastly get organized so you can leave early to be with your family. I am never too busy to help or talk to a fellow shop owner.