SHOP STATS: Graham Auto Repair Location: Graham, Wash. Operators: Troy and Kori Vaninetti Average Monthly Car Count: 200-250 Staff Size: 11 Shop Size: just under 10,000 square feet ARO: $797 Annual Revenue: $1.9 million
Geared For Growth
When Graham Auto Repair owner and CEO Troy Vaninetti originally designed the shop’s sleek current location, he made sure there was room to spare.
With a nearly 10,000-square-foot footprint, the state-of-the-art shop with a covered service drop features multiple offices, a lunchroom, and bays and lifts for each technician.
“Everything was strategically designed to create extra space so we’ve got room to grow and expand through the years,” says Vaninetti.
Active Upgrades
Vaninetti doesn’t waste time upgrading tools or equipment either.
“There’s no wishlist for us,” he says.
Over the last few years the shop acquired a brand-new Snap-on A/C machine, a new alignment machine and rack, a new tire machine, and an on-car brake lathe.
“We’re buying as the need comes up to keep the shop flowing and up to speed. Investing in that latest tech is part of what keeps us growing and maximizes our potential,” he says.
Get Cozy
From the get-go, Vaninetti set out to create a relaxing shop retreat with a welcoming atmosphere, so he hired a professional designer to create a warm, neutral lounge that looks and feels more like home than a waiting room.
Customers find the lounge has a soothing spa-feel and appreciate the comfortable seating, a fully-stocked refreshment bar and charging stations for computers and phones. Pre-pandemic perks like the shop’s play area, baked cookies and customer gifts that were left in vehicles have been paused temporarily as a COVID-19 safety measure, but Vaninetti’s team has rolled out new amenities and perks including complimentary Lyft and Uber rides and customer appreciation gift card giveaways.
A Bright Future
The shop has big plans for the year ahead. Vaninetti is working to open a second location and is currently renovating a second-floor storage space at the original shop, incorporating drop ceilings as well as a projector and screen to create an educational space where the team can learn and grow with on-site training.
