Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Cloutier.
Chris, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My brother, Patrick, and I began our journey 14 years ago by seizing an opportunity to purchase a local, struggling shop called Lonestar Auto Repair. My brother knew how to fix cars, and I thought I knew how to run a business since I had done so previously with several internet companies. I can admit that I was WRONG. I knew nothing about serving customers and their transportation needs. We have since learned and seen firsthand how automotive repair is frustrating for consumers and want to do our best to create a transparent, interactive customer experience. After several years of being in business, we changed our name to Golden Rule Auto Care to better reflect our core value of treating others the way we would like to be treated.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
We absolutely struggled in a lot of ways: understanding our people, understanding our customers, and understanding what it truly meant to serve our community. Added to those struggles were the workflow delays and bottlenecks we experienced, which presented a big problem that I wanted to solve. One such example that stands out is how we would loose cars in the chaos too easily. When I reference loosing cars, I mean that within the initial process we had, we would lose track of a vehicle and its status because our system was based off of using a clipboard and keeping up with keys. With a background in software engineering, I set out to solve these problems and developed a product that enabled us to keep track of our workflow and stay connected with our customers throughout the entire vehicle repair process. That software product is called Autoflow (www.autoflow.com) and is now utilized in auto repair shops worldwide. It is rewarding to know that not only did we solve our problems, but we also helped many other shops solve theirs!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Before owning an auto repair shop, I was a software engineer/developer and worked for both big and small companies. Creating Autoflow was a huge accomplishment for me. At the time of writing the first system, it was called autotext.me. This software has helped us create a fantastic, game-changing experience with our customers. Read our reviews, and you will see many who talk about our digital vehicle inspections and efficiency through text communication. Over the years, we have really been able to apply technology with human touch to create a top-notch customer experience.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I have had many mentors, advisors, and supporters over the years and still do. My wife, Amy, and my daughters, Kylie and Krystian, are extremely supportive. Behind every good man there is an even better woman! My brother, Patrick, is absolutely one of my best friends and a great business partner. I also come from a supportive family of a mother, father, brothers, and sister who care. And, I do believe in and follow the Lord, and He has steered my path straight many, many times!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://goldenruleautocare.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoldenRuleAutoCare
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/goldenruleautocarewylie/
