Milton Native Goes from Auto Technician to Successful Shop Owner, Consultant

JB Auto C.A.R.E. in North Weymouth has been providing exceptional service for over 10 years at its 291 Bridge Street location. In May, business owner Bill Brusard plans to double the shop's capacity, increasing from four service bays to eight.

JB Auto provides service to foreign and domestic vehicles, covering everything from oil changes and tune-ups to larger scale repairs. Brusard said they also stand out in the marketplace with Saturday hours, free loaner vehicles, a customer shuttle and a 36 month/36,000 mile pro rated nationwide warranty.

Brusard, a Hingham resident and Milton native, is a certified master technician that has been in the vehicle maintenance business since age 18. He worked for eight years as a Lexus dealership technician, before running KB Auto in Weymouth for three years with a partner.

JB Auto C.A.R.E is named after the first initials of Jill and Bill Brusard. Since buying the gas station and shop, Brusard has built a steady customer base, servicing between 500 to 700 cars a month.

The expansion to a more state-of-the-art facility, including brand new equipment and lifts this spring, will allow the business to grow further.

"We can give quicker speed of service," said Brusard of the new bays.

Aside from his responsibilities as president of the company, which entails customer service, book keeping and working the front counter, Brusard works as a consultant to other auto repair garages around the country.

Like many shop owners, Brusard bought his first garage with the technical know-how, but little business experience. Through taking classes, seeking mentors and networking, Brusard built up his knowledge and now helps owners in similar situations.

"I took training classes myself and I have a desire to train other business owners," Brusard said.

For the past five years, Brusard has done consulting for a company called Shop Owner Answers. The company was started by Todd Hayes, the former owner of a very successful chain of automotive repair centers in Texas. Unlike Brusard, Hayes has the business knowledge, but lacks repair skills.

"He mentored me on running a professional-style business," Brusard said of Hayes.

Now, the Weymouth shop owner shares those philosophies with others, giving insight into how to staff a garage, how to build a business plan and how to provide the best customer service.

Brusard, who usually spends a weekend with his consulting clients, has worked across the country including Tennessee, Ohio, Florida, Missouri, Illinois, Georgia, Texas and others. While he won't consult in his business area, Brusard helped a shop owner in Watertown grow his three-bay garage to an operation making over a million dollars in sales.

While consulting is currently just a part-time practice for Brusard, he said he'll likely pick up more work over time.

The shop at JB Auto C.A.R.E. is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 7:30 to 4 p.m.To learn more about the JB Auto, visit jbautomotive.com or call 781-331-6068.