|
The vision began in 1927 when Elmer Drew opened Drew's Garage on the corner of La Mesa Boulevard and Allison Avenue. Two generations later, Drew Auto Center is still family owned and operated and has grown to become the largest Ford dealership in San Diego County.
 |
| Robert Dixon and Ernie Ruf have been working at Drew for a combined total of 43 years. |
Such a large dealership requires a large collision repair center. "30,000 square feet of organized chaos," is how Ted Stein, Collision Center Manager, describes it. Stein, who recently became president of the San Diego Chapter of the California Autobody Association, has seen many changes over the past ten years. When he was hired from an independent shop in 1992, Drew Collision employed only 20 workers, repairing on average 150 cars a month. Today he oversees more than 49 employees who repair 600 cars per month. Ted credits this tremendously rapid growth to his "awesome work force" and the backing of the Drew Family. "Joe [Drew] has supported us 100%. Whenever the collision center needs something, the Drews come in and provide it for us," says Stein. "We truly are like a family. This family closeness is why Drew Collision is such a great place to work."
 |
|
Robert Martinez wipes off smudges before a car is detailed
|
Both Joe and his son Bill Drew are very active in the operations of the dealership. "Joe still comes in every day," says Stein and "Bill is always present at body-shop dinners with his wife and daughter."
30 years on the job
Walking through the shop, signs posted at every stall tell who works there and how long they have been a Drew employee. Instead of seeing 2-4 years as expected due to rapid turnover, the signs boast 15, 20 and even 30 years of experience and job loyalty to the center. To promote this loyalty, Stein gives every body technician and painter personalized business cards. "This gives each worker a better sense of pride and even a little ego boost," says Stein.
Outside of the shop, Ted Stein and his crew are buddies. They "hang together" after work and play on the Drew Softball Team together. Their friendships outside of the shop contribute to the team atmosphere during work hours and ultimately affects the efficiency of the shop. "Without this great group of guys, what we do would not be possible," says Stein.
Recently, Drew Collision joined the FIX Network, a national network of large independent collision repairers. Stein expressed confidence that the FIX alliance will enable his shop to withstand the market pressures exerted by consolidators such as Caliber and M2, both of which have a large presence in San Diego county.
The little touchesare what makes Drew Collision Center successful. They are able to keep their customers coming back because of the quality assurance made possible by the long time employees. These returning customers are also at the core of the marketing strategy for the collision center. Drew's business is based on referrals and DRP contacts - the shop does not advertise.
At a glance
Drew Collision Center
8970 La Mesa Boulevard
La Mesa, CA 91941
(619) 464-7777
www.drewauto.com
Owners: Joe and Bill Drew
Manager: Ted Stein
Square Feet: 30,000
Annual Sales: $7 Million
Employees: 49
Paint Sprayed: DuPont
Frame Racks: Chief
Alignment: Hunter
Welding: ProSpot
Air Cleaners: Eurovac
DRP Contracts:
Farmers, State Farm, Wawanesa, AAA, Hartford
|
Stein also notes that the "office girls" - Sandy Gaian, Heidie Howie, Gretchen Oslie and Barbara Barton -- are the backbone of the day-to-day operations. "They keep everything flowing administratively. Without them, we would be lost." Stein also credits his mentors in the industry, consultant Dale Delmege, Akzo's Tim Carmack, and shop owners Phil Thearle, Gary Beardsley and Tony Carillo, for teaching himhow to run and grow a successful shop.
|
