The Studio

It's a feel good story...of refreshing kindness and honesty...in an unexpected context.

Last weekend I took my car in for standard oil change and maintenance. Midas has a package where they change your oil, rotate your tires, top off your fluids, and check the condition of your belts, tires, brakes, etc. Usually after they're done with servicing your car, they make a slew of recommendations of what might need additional attention.

I'm used to recommendations like, your air filter needs changing, want to change it for $30? I typically decline these right off the bat, cuz I can't change my own air filter for $10, thank you very much. This time, the guy said that my brake pads were very low, minimum coverage left. The report said there were 3/32 of padding left. He recommended that I change the front pads and rotor, he could have all the replacements done the same day, costing $380.

The price didn't sound right to me, so I said I'd call him back in a couple minutes, after speaking to my dad. My dad confirmed my suspicions that the work should only run in the mid $200s. So, I called the guy back and declined the work. I spent the next week trying to find a place that would give me a better quote. I called Meineke, they quoted me $379, Larry's Automotive repair said the work could range from $350-$700 depending on the outcome of the $55 brake inspection. On Friday, after having lunch with Eric, we were walking around, and right at the moment I was telling him that I needed my brakes replaced, we walked by a sign advertising brake specials. $69.99 per axle on most cars. "Interesting" I thought to myself, and made a mental note. Eric and I started walking away, but on a whim I turned around and went in to inquire more.

The owner informed me that the manufacturer recommended ceramic brake pads for my car. The total cost of the job would be $280 plus tax -- exactly what I was expecting to pay. Since the price was right, I said I'd come back on the weekend.

On Saturday, I dropped off my car around 3, and the owner promised to have it finished by close of business, which was 8 pm. Jason agreed to pick me up and hang out with me while my car was being repaired, so we headed off to run some errands Jason had. While Jason was getting his hair cut, about an hour and a half after I dropped off my car, I get a call from the repair place. It was the owner, he wanted to understand why I wanted to change my brakes. He assured me that I had about 40% life left on my brakes. He was happy to still replace the pads for me if that's what I wanted, but he didn't think it was necessary. A little baffled, Jason and I headed back to the repair shop. The owner showed me my pads, and sure enough, they were still quite thick.

I profusely thanked the owner. His actions spoke a great deal of his integrity. Since I came in and asked him to specifically replace my front pads and rotor, he had every right to do just that, and I would have been none the wiser. But the fact that he gave me his honest opinion (an opinion that was in direct contrast to his profit margin), it showed that he cared about his customers and not just making money. He demonstrated that he's someone interested in establishing long term relationships with his customers. He definitely has a repeat customer in me.

In fact, I'm going to HIGHLY recommend that all my friends who are looking for mechanics to visit his shop:

All Tune and Lube
2336 El Camino Real
Santa Clara, CA 95050
(right next to Korea House)

They're good people, and the honest independent business owners of the world need a leg up. May we all be greeted with the same honesty and integrity in all other parts of our life.

HAPPY EASTER.

I believe the sun should never set upon an argument
I believe we place our happiness in other people's hands
I believe that junk food tastes so good because it's bad for you
I believe your parents did the best job they knew how to do
I believe that beauty magazines promote low self esteem
I believe I'm loved when I'm completely by myself alone

I believe in Karma what you give is what you get returned
I believe you can't appreciate real love until you've been burned
I believe the grass is no more greener on the other side
I believe you don't know what you've got until you say goodbye

I believe you can't control or choose your sexuality
I believe that trust is more important than monogamy
I believe your most attractive features are your heart and soul
I believe that family is worth more than money or gold

I believe the struggle for financial freedom is unfair
I believe the only ones who disagree are millionaires

I believe in Karma what you give is what you get returned
I believe you can't appreciate real love until you've been burned
I believe the grass is no more greener on the other side
I believe you don't know what you've got until you say goodbye

I believe forgiveness is the key to your unhappiness
I believe that wedded bliss negates the need to be undressed
I believe that God does not endorse TV evangelists
I believe in love surviving death into eternity

I believe in Karma what you give is what you get returned
I believe you can't appreciate real love until you've been burned
I believe the grass is no more greener on the other side
I believe you don't know what you've got until you say goodbye