A well-running car needs an oil change every three months or 3,000 miles, which means you might visit your local auto repair shop on average four times a year — and not necessarily look forward to it. But Edmonds Automotive Service is a little different: People go there even when their car is running great.
Edmonds Automotive owner Chaz Verrall has a business philosophy that has changed the way people feel about going to the auto shop.
“I love coming to work, and I want to make sure we are all having a good time,” he said.
His philosophy revolves around working harder to have more fun. He doesn’t want people to dread coming to his shop. He tries to build relationships with all his customers to make the experience more enjoyable.
Take the testimonial from Edmonds resident Doug Loftstrom: “I’ve been a customer of Edmonds Automotive for 25 years and I must say, every single transaction with them has been a joy. How often can you say that about getting your car fixed?” Loftstrom said.
The original shop opened in 1946 at the Westgate Shopping Center. In 1968, it moved to its current location on 3rd Avenue North. Verrall’s dad worked at the auto shop, then bought it in 1989, at which point Chaz started working there too. After 11 years, Chaz bought it from his dad and started changing the focus of the business, which has led to long-time customer loyalty.
“It’s cool to see three generations of a family come to this shop to get their car fixed,” Verrall said.
He has three other employees, all of whom have worked in the shop for more than 12 years. They all enjoy each other’s company and even cook their meals there. Once or twice a week, they will cook lunch at the shop and have a barbecue. They ride motorcycles and spend time together outside of work.
“I like having co-workers I like to spend time with. I couldn’t do it if it wasn’t this family of guys; I’d do anything for them,” Verrall said.
Verrall spoke at the Rotary Noon Club of Edmonds in February about his business philosophy and his relationships with his customers.
He told the story of how elderly people occasionally get lost while on walks but recognize the shop as a safe haven. Chaz and his employees will then contact the family to let them know that their loved ones are safe. Customers also frequently bring their new babies in to introduce them to the Edmonds Automotive Family.
“His presentation touched the hearts of the Rotarian audience,” said Carol Kinney, public relations chair of the Noon Rotary Club.
“If you’re not careful, business can turn into work and that’s not fun,” Verrall said.
The level of trust the customers have with Edmonds Automotive is important to Verrall. He says if you tell the truth, then you don’t have to remember all the lies you made up to get someone to repair something on their car that doesn’t need to be repaired.
“It’s not all about commerce,” Verrall said. ”It’s about having a good time.”
— By Damon Netz
Chaz and crew have serviced many of our autos. I echo the comments above that each visit was made with trust of the crew, an honest deal and a working car as we drove out. I was first attracted to Edmonds Auto by the always full parking lot, the busy staff and the throw-back uniforms that stood out. Our family recommends Chaz and Edmonds Auto to everyone in Edmonds and the South County.
We agree. For the 19 years that we have lived here, we have taken our cars to Edmonds Auto after feeling ripped off by other local and larger auto repair places. Chaz and his team are open, honest and we always feel that we, along with our vehicles, are being treated well. We cannot recommend them highly enough.
Edmonds Automotive is the ONLY place we will have our cars serviced. They are totally honest, extremely knowledgeable and incredibly friendly. When we call to make an appointment, they even beat us to the punch asking whether it’s for the Saturn or the Windstar. We’ve been taking our cars there since before Chuck’s dad bought the shop (Merlyn was the owner). John and Chuck have simply made a great place better and best! This place is an Edmonds institution.
Never have had a reason to go anywhere else. Moved out of the Edmonds area two years ago and still make the trip to have my vehicle serviced there. Friendly guys with a good sense of humor.