TREASURE COAST’S ONLY THE MERCEDES & BMW

DEALER ALTERNATIVE FOR AUTO SERVICE & REPAIR

By Gabby Gregory

Premier, Concierge-Level Customer Service

Ryan Giddings, the owner/operator of and Master Automotive Technician at Church Street Garage, prides himself on raising the bar within the automotive service industry. On-site each and every day to ensure the shop delivers an exceptional customer experience, Ryan possesses two qualities that have become rare to nd not only among auto mechanics, but also among people in general nowadays: honesty and integrity.

Frustrated by the common tricks frequently used by dishonest (and o en untrained) representatives, Ryan has blazed a trail by operating his shop like none other. “ ere’s no sales pitch,” Ryan a rms, saying, “I’m the owner, and I care about retaining my clients. erefore.. I’m looking out for you.” He continues to explain that there is no one “over [his] shoulder telling [him] that this job is taking too long… I’m o on labor hours, or I’m not making enough money.” As a result, he’s not working too fast or carelessly, and he’s not motivated by sales quotas and the incentive to upsell you on repairs or products you don’t need. As the shop’s owner, he doesn’t work on commission.

None of the Church Street Garage employees work on commission either. “My mechanics are salaried,” Ryan proudly states, continuing, “Plus, they get paid holidays, get paid vacations… so there’s never a worry about rushing the vehicle out or unnecessary upselling.”

EXCITING NEWS at Church Street Garage

Let’s face it – the value of your car depreciates over time, and the technology in newer cars continues to advance. Suddenly, your 2010 vehicle is now considered an older model, and parts can be expensive. Of course, Church Street Garage uses high-quality factory spec parts in all repairs; however, some parts, like control modules for these “older” vehicles, can cost thousands of dollars. Based on the age of a vehicle, it does not always warrant that level of investment.

Ryan was determined to come up with a solution to this problem. He did not want to sacri ce the quality of his repairs, and he was intent on keeping his customers in the vehicles they love. Ryan, therefore, did some due diligence and thoroughly vetted suppliers. Now, he is able to source expensive parts and electronic modules that have been refurbished!

Church Street Garage works exclusively with high-quality suppliers whose parts have been meticulously repaired and tested. e best part is that these materials are covered under a warranty. Sometimes, certain parts may even qualify for Church Street Garage’s incredible, unprecedented 3-year, 36,000 mile warranty! Clients, as a result, receive highquality service at a much more reasonable cost.

ough Ryan is able to o er more a ordable options for parts and electronic modules at CSG, he explains that his shop has not been and will not ever be a “discount center.” He assures that clients can still expect the same premier, concierge level of quality and service that they have come to know, love, and respect. In fact, the reason Ryan decided to begin o ering refurbished parts is to support his valued clients even more, because, as their cars age, they “need more a ordable options than a new unit from the dealer.”

Ryan from Church Street Garage Explains… Red Flags in the Automotive Industry

Ryan Giddings is a Master Automotive Technician and the owner/operator of the Treasure Coast’s only Mercedes and BMW alternative for service and repair, Church Street Garage. With years of automotive experience and knowledge, Ryan breaks down some of the most common red ags to look for whenever you’re in need of car repairs, service, or maintenance:

1.) Blanket Pricing for Oil Changes

If there’s set pricing for oil changes, then Ryan says to raise a red ag. “Vehicles are so speci c, every make, model, and manufacturer,” he explains, adding, “they have very exact specs on the oil, the lter, the quantity, and what needs to be done.” us, any blanket pricing means that “ ey’re usually using the most inexpensive uids and lters, then upselling on parts and labor to make a pro t,” expounds Ryan, continuing, “Church Street does not work this way.”

2.) Discounts & Specials

With the information from red ag #1 in mind, think about the idea behind “discounts” and “special pricing” for repair services. ese “special” prices are, usually, blanket ones too. Are you really getting a deal on your service? ink about it — if a service can be discounted by $20 and the business is still making a pro t, then they’re, once again, planning an upsell. At CSG, on the other hand, your speci c vehicle gets a speci c price based on two simple factors: the time it takes to service the vehicle and the materials needed to service it.

3.) Non-Itemized Billing

Watch out for anyone who doesn’t give you an itemized estimate or bill! If you go into a shop and ask for a speci c service or repair, raise a red ag “if they can just throw a number out,” warns Ryan. Not only is every vehicle incredibly speci c, but also, as Ryan explains, “there is labor, warranty, parts, taxes, and shop supplies… it’s like a medical bill. It’s not a general number.”

At CSG, Ryan even welcomes his clients to take a look at things for themselves, if they are interested. He’s happy to walk them through his assessment, o ering complete honesty and transparency.

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, Ryan warns you of these red ags not only to save you from wasting your money on substandard materials and service, but also to keep you from driving an unsafe vehicle. A er all, when you work with a mechanic or service advisor (or both) who is more concerned with pro t than quality, you are not receiving the proper level of care and attention to detail. us, your car is not being adequately serviced, and any lurking issues may become ever more expensive to repair, dangerous to continue to drive around with, or both.

Church Street Garage is located at 320 SE Church Street in Stuart and is open Mondays-Fridays from 7:30AM-4:30PM. For more information, please call 772-220-2255, email ryan@churchstreetgarage.com, or visit churchstreetgarage.com.

THE MECHANIC SHOP INCLUDING SEALS & GASKETS AT

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OFFERING 3 YEAR 36K MILE WARRANTY

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Hudson’s on the River is located on the St. Lucie River at 351 SW Flager Avenue in Stuart. e restaurant is open Sunday- ursday from 11AM to 9PM and Friday-Saturday from 11AM to 10PM. Brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday from 11AM to 3PM. For more information or to make a reservation, call 772-247-6062 or visit hudsonontheriver.com.