Phil Webster knows if you treat people right, they’ll keep coming back. And that’s just what has happened over his 14 years in business as owner of Webster Tire & Auto Service in Teutopolis, Illinois.
The DRIVE Shop Spotlight for December, Webster’s business has grown from a small car lot in 2006 to a thriving 11,000-square-foot business with a footprint that includes Webster Tire & Auto Service and Teutopolis Auto Sales.
With more than 10 employees, Webster is proud to have created a workplace that’s great to come to every day. Everyone takes pride in caring for each customer and their vehicle. In fact, the Webster Tire & Auto Service motto is “We Care About YOU And Your Car!” Both service advisors and technicians take the time to explain the needed repairs in a way that anyone can understand. And to sweeten the deal, the shop even provides free loaner cars and pick-up/delivery.
Webster grew up on a small farm as the youngest in a family of 12 brothers and sisters. There never was a time he wasn’t helping someone with something mechanical. As a teen, Webster worked in his first repair shop – and wound up marrying the boss’s daughter, Although he always gravitated to auto repair, he continued on to business school. Owning his own shop is the perfect mix of both.
Family continues to be part of the business. Webster and his wife, Shannon, have two daughters, Sidney and Becca, each of whom has worked at the shop as teens and are currently attending college. Shannon works part-time at the shop as well.
Of course, you can’t continue helping customers without making some money along the way. Webster learned early on that charging fair prices includes making a profit.
Without that, he wouldn’t be in a position to employ anyone or to contribute to his community. For 2019, Webster Tire & Auto Service is on target to bring in $1.1 million and Teutopolis Auto Sales is going to come in at $4 million.
Webster has been a DRIVE client since 2015. In that time, Webster has become a true leader with a great team on board. As a member of the DRIVE Top 20, he’s able to reach out to fellow shop owners for advice and support. “Helping other shop owners and watching them grow helps me push my shop to its fullest potential every day. I could not have done this without DRIVE,” says Webster.
In his free time, traveling is a priority for Webster, who recently enjoyed opportunities to visit Oman and Alaska – both trips to visit fellow DRIVE shop owners. When he started out 14 years ago, Webster couldn’t have dreamed he’d have the time to travel.
The future holds even greater success. “I am excited about the team I have in place at my shop and I’m excited to grow into multiple locations in the near future,” adds Webster.
DRIVE agrees and we couldn’t be prouder to call Webster Tire & Auto Service a client. Congratulations Phil Webster on being the December DRIVE Shop Spotlight for December 2019.
DRIVE, a Monrovia, California-based consulting group, provided this article.
