Why We keep our shop open on Sundays
It’s Sunday, and yes, we’re working. But this isn’t because we’re trying to prove anything, and it’s not because we think working weekends makes us heroes, but because cars don’t break on a schedule and customers don’t stop needing help just because it’s the weekend.
The shop is open because storms happen, things fail, and people still need to get to work on Monday, and today was a perfect example of that.
We had two cars towed in, both damaged from the storm earlier this week, one with a broken ball joint and another where the entire exhaust system had fallen completely onto the ground. These weren’t optional repairs or things that could wait a few days; these were real safety issues that needed to be addressed right away so people could move forward with their lives.
Taking Care of the Customer Means Removing Stress
Our job in moments like this isn’t just to turn wrenches, it’s to remove stress wherever we can — whether that means setting someone up with a loaner car, arranging an Uber ride, or simply giving them a clear plan so they know they’re taken care of and not left scrambling at the last minute.
When people walk into the shop in situations like this, they’re already overwhelmed, and part of our responsibility is to steady things, slow the moment down, and make it clear that they’re not alone in figuring it out.
When the Shop Hits a Problem of Its Own
While all of that was happening, something else came up inside the shop that reminded me why responsiveness matters just as much as technical skill. One of our lifts failed while we were working on it, and the motor let go completely, which immediately brought everything to a stop because that piece of equipment is essential to how we operate.
Without it, we can’t safely do the work our customers depend on us to do, and suddenly the problem wasn’t just a customer emergency — it was ours too.
One Text Message Changed the Outcome
I didn’t have a replacement motor sitting in inventory, and since it was Sunday, it would’ve been easy to say we’d deal with it tomorrow, but instead I sent a quick text to my equipment repair guy, Bill, letting him know what happened and asking for help the next day.
I didn’t call him because it was the weekend, but I wanted him to be aware of the situation as soon as possible, and he responded within a minute.
That one response changed everything.
Responsiveness Is a Leadership Skill
Instead of losing a full day waiting for a callback, we already had a plan in place, we knew what the next steps were, and we could move forward knowing the lift would be back up and running in a couple of days. That kind of responsiveness may seem small, but in a business like this, it prevents delays from stacking up and keeps customers from paying the price for problems they didn’t create.
Being available, answering quickly, and taking ownership isn’t about chasing extra dollars — it’s about understanding that when someone reaches out, it’s usually because they’re in the middle of a problem that can’t wait.
Showing Up Is Part of the Job
The cars I mentioned earlier needed immediate attention, and if no one had been here to answer the phone or open the doors, those customers would’ve been stuck, stressed, and without options. Showing up, especially when it would be easier not to, is part of what defines a reliable shop.
I want to say thank you to Bill for responding the way he did, because that level of professionalism is rare and incredibly valuable, and thank you to my team for showing up every Sunday with the same consistency and care they bring the rest of the week.
That kind of reliability doesn’t happen by accident — it’s built through standards, trust, and doing the right thing even when no one is watching.
This is what running a shop really looks like when service comes first.
Want to Build a Shop That Operates Like This?
If you’re a shop owner who wants systems, structure, and consistency without burning yourself out, check out Auto Shop Answers, where we help owners build businesses that take care of customers, teams, and owners at the same time.
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