By Edita McQuary
Our full-service repair and maintenance shop has seen an uptick in local families who appreciate our locally-owned and operated business,” according to owner Marc Spoorenberg’s son, Kyle.
Thirty-one-year old Kyle is a graduate of Arizona State University with two degrees and has been working with his dad at Big O Tires for six years.
Kyle and Marc Spoorenberg
Although Big O is a franchise, they are a local mom-and-pop, or rather, son-and-pop store with long-time customers who refer their college-age kids to them for servicing their automobiles.
Big O Tires has the buying power of the national brand but the personal service of a local family-owned business.
Even during the Covid pandemic with many people working from home, people still needed cars to travel. The shop was disinfected, all doors were left open for cross-ventilation, car seat-covers were wiped down before and after use, and Clorox wipes were readily available.
“We did not lose any employees and were full-staffed. Our employees benefit from a family-owned and -operated business environment and do not work on commission. We do not push customers for repairs unless not doing the repair would make the vehicle unsafe to drive,” says Kyle.
“Our business feels almost like a family and reflects how all of our employees treat our customers and welcome them to our shop. We feel everyone is our friendly neighbor and we are an open garage to help anyone we can.”
Big O Tires, locally-owned but affiliated with the national chain, has a good employee-retention record. Of their 15 employees, two have been with the business for 15 years and three for more than 10 years. The work environment can be hectic but is usually not too stressful.
According to Kyle, “Sometimes it is hectic because everyone wants to come see us at Big O Tires and it is just sheer volume ━ organized and efficient chaos!”
While the name would lead one to think they only sell tires, their business is a fully-licensed auto repair facility with 15 employees and five service bays. They do complete owners’ manual scheduled maintenance services and oil change options with free top-off service. Big O is a full-service shop authorized to perform factory-scheduled maintenance for all major automobile brands.
Kyle’s dad, Marc says, “There is no need to drive to the dealership for service. We do a better job for less money with far less hassle. Instead of sitting in traffic and waiting in lines, our customers get to walk across the street, have a cup of coffee at Staff of Life or go to The Buttery and get in trouble with a few pastries while we take care of their car and send them on their way with a big smile on their face.”
Some of their free services are: Free brake inspection (no appointment needed); free 22-point vehicle inspection (no appointment needed), free battery and charging system check, free 5-minute wiper blade/bulb inspection; and free local shuttle service.
Insofar as tire services, they provide a free alignment check with printout and free air pressure checks every day (no appointments needed). With new tire purchase, there is free rotation and free balance with every rotation. With any tire purchase, there is free flat repair and a low price tire guarantee. A Big O credit card is available with 6-month, no-interest financing.
With their emphasis on exceptional customer service, it is no surprise that the Big O motto is “The team you trust.”
Marc understands that to truly build a trustworthy team, it requires being thoughtful about who is hired and going the extra mile to show their appreciation. “We know that to build a great team, we need to take great care of people. That’s why we have fun mixed in with hard work,” he adds.
“Of course, we also support local charities like the Christmas coat drive, breast cancer support, buy sports equipment for local schools, and provide scholarships for students.” Their most recent local participation has been donating to the Omega Nu organization for their Ducky Derby event.
When asked how it was to work with his dad, Kyle responded, “We both think logically and blend Dad’s “Old School” and my “New School” thinking very well. In fact, we make a great team!”
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Big O Tires is open Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1219 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, telephone 831.429.9989. Email store005240@bigostores.com; www.BIGOTIRES.com