For some, automotive repair is in the blood — especially when you follow in the footsteps of your dad and his dad before him. Bob Rischbieter, Jr., grew up working at Rischbieter’s Automotive in St. Louis, MO, so it comes as no surprise that he now owns it.
“My grandfather, Ted Rischbieter, first opened the doors in 1941 as a filling station along historical Route 66,” Bob says. “Shortly after opening, he saw the need to service those travelers’ vehicles, and he put in an outside lift. Within two years the shop had two bays, one for repairs and the other for washing vehicles.”
Bob says a third bay was added in the mid-1960s after his father, Bob Rischbieter, Sr., took over. By the end of that decade, Bob Sr. removed the tanks and pumps and transitioned into full-time auto repair.
“In 1996, I purchased the business from my family,” Bob explains. “I grew up at the shop, cutting grass, cleaning the office and assisting the technicians. By the time I was 15, I was working in the shop and did so all through high school and college. I came here full time about two years after I graduated from college.”
And the rest, as they say, is history.
Latest Technologies
Even with a long history of success, Bob knows that staying successful in today’s marketplace means staying current on changing automotive technologies.
“As an independent shop, we have had to stay abreast of all the latest technologies to service a variety of vehicles, whether it’s an oil change and tire rotation on a Chevy Cobalt or a cylinder head replacement on a Volkswagen turbo diesel,” he says.
Bob says techs utilize resources like iATN, Identifix, ALLDATA, the Internet and fellow shop owners for the latest repair information, and they also use Snap-on VERDICT and AUTEL Launch for all engine diagnostics. Also recently replaced was the shop’s tire machine with a new Corghi machine to service low-profile tires or rims up to 30 inches.
“To stay competitive as an independent, it’s imperative to have up-to-date tools and equipment,” Bob says.
Rischbieter’s two ASE-certified technicians also use their combined 20-plus years of automotive repair experience to skillfully fix customer cars. And as an ACDelco PSC shop, Bob says they constantly take advantage of online and classroom training. Fortunately, Rischbieter’s has seen very little turnover in its 73-year history.
“When I purchased the business, I ‘inherited’ two techs that were with my father for 20 years each,” Bob explains. “One retired in 2005, the other in 2007. Although it was difficult, we have found not one but two top techs in Jeff Autery and Beau Douglass.
“Jeff came on board six years ago as a referral from the parts store we use, and the two knew each other from working at the local Honda dealership. Beau moved over to Rischbieter’s almost three years ago.”
Day-to-Day Operations
Any small business owner will tell you that the toughest part of their job is needing to wear so many hats. For Bob, trying to act as owner, service writer, tech, maintenance man and janitor just wasn’t working.
“I decided we needed a change,” he says. “About two or three years ago, I re-examined the direction we were heading and chose to remove myself from the shop — focusing on only running my business and not working at Rischbieter’s.”
When you’ve poured your heart and soul into a business, backing off can be challenging. But Bob saw an immediate change that not only benefited him, but also his customers.
“Although this was difficult at first, I have found it to be not just more profitable, but less stressful as well,” Bob says. “When we were busy and I was turning a wrench in the shop, it was almost inconvenient when the phone would ring or a customer would come in. I’m sure the customers could sense the stress.
“Now, I’m at the service counter to greet my guests when they arrive,” he adds, “and I have time to listen to my customers and then explain the what, how and why of what will be done to their vehicle and answer any questions.”
Customers, though, have always been the focus at Rischbieter’s since its inception so many years ago. That kind of history has allowed the Rischbieters to service vehicles for up to four generations of the same family, proving that even in today’s hectic society, relationships are still important.
“It has been awesome forming relationships with these customers as well as my newer ones,” Bob says. “My customers know that when they walk into the office they will be greeted by me. With the relationships we have formed comes the trust that they will receive the best service and repair.”
Shop Upgrades
After 73 years of quality services, Rischbieter’s received a facelift courtesy of ACDelco’s Enhancement Program. Exterior and interior upgrades have gone a long way in presenting the shop in the best possible light to its valued customers.
“The upgrades included fascia brick removal, tuck-pointing of mortar joints, new windows with supportive lentils, new bay doors, paint and new signage,” Bob says, adding that the office was also “insulated, dry walled, and received a fresh coat of paint.”
In addition to building upgrades, Bob says the shop added ALLDATA Manage as part of the office upgrade, which included a new website that allows for customer testimonials and followup after repairs.
“In just this short period of time, we have moved up in Google search,” he says, “and we receive at least one new customer phone call a day from the improved website.”
In addition to shop improvements, Bob says it’s not just great relationships with customers that drive success at the established independent repair shop. Periodic meetings with fellow shop owners and managers, and the shop’s primary parts supplier, also fuels positive change.
“Our first call for parts is to Lowe Automotive Group in St. Louis since they offer not only high-quality auto parts, but incredible service,” he explains, adding that he has his ACDelco Professional Service Center account through the parts supplier. “About six years ago, the store manager and I started getting together about once every couple months to talk shop. This has grown into a get-together that involves five or six shop owners/managers on any given night.
“This roundtable group has been great,” he concludes. “We have all formed relationships that have helped our businesses, whether it’s been for advice, information or even just to borrow a tool.”
It’s that kind of collaboration that will keep Rischbieter’s going strong for the next 73 years, providing a great atmosphere for employees and customers alike.
