A Business Founded Upon Honesty and Loyalty

During these tough economic times, some entrepreneurs and businesses will do whatever they can to meet financial goals. It is becoming more and more difficult for businesses to stand on the foundations of honestly and loyalty in their business practices. 

But Lake Ridge Automotive is proving that it can be done.

Lake Ridge Automotive’s mission statement is “to provide honest, professional auto repairs for a fair and competitive price. In order to accomplish this, we must take a conservative approach in recommending needed repairs and do not sell additional questionable repairs in an effort to increase the amount of business we do. We intend to increase our business by increasing the number of customers we serve, by offering additional ‘needed’ services and by referrals from our satisfied customers. In addition, we must hold ourselves to the highest degree of honesty and integrity and strive for absolute accuracy in our service.” 

Patch had the opportunity to speak with Janet O’Sullivan, who along with her husband, Arthur O’Sullivan, own and operate Lake Ridge Automotive:

What is your background? 

Arthur has been a mechanic all his life. He started tinkering with lawn mowers at 11.  We both worked for the county, and we both had different avenues.  He went to automotive school and worked as a mechanic for the military, and I worked in advertisement.  Arthur worked in the private sector and found out how dishonest some [automotive] shops were.  He worked in the shop for eight years and purchased the shop from Jim, the previous owner.  Arthur always dreamed of having his own shop.  We made a few changes, including the sitting room for people who could not be picked up and had to stay at the shop. We wanted it to feel like home. 

What skills do you feel help you today? 

My people skills and his automotive skills make it a big part of the experience we have to run the business. I have the people skills over the phone and in-person. Also when I was driving the school bus, I took free classes at night at a local school to learn office skills.

How do you feel your business distinguishes itself?

We get word of mouth because we do honest, good work.  We don’t push work on people because we want to be able to go home and sleep at night.  We want honest and integrity. 

What is the most exciting thing?

Working for yourself.  While it is hard work, we like dealing with people and we know that people work hard for their money.  We know that we are doing a good job for the public.    

What is the hardest thing?

Telling people how much the cost of repairs could be.  We go to classes to stay up-to-date on changes, but sometimes it can be expensive. Cars are very technical; the minimum car has up to 13 computers. 

What can you tell us about hybrids. 

Sometimes they are a catch-22 because they are great to have and they save you money in gas and on the insurance, but sometimes the maintenance that you pay is very high.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?  

Live your dream.  Don’t be scared.  Research your dream and jump in it feet first. Check all your financial options out to understand how you might be able to support your start-up.   

Contact

Lake Ridge Automotive

13520 Minnieville Rd.
Woodbridge, Va. 22192  

http://www.lakeridgeautomotive.com

703-680-2685