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Kellenberger Auto Service has been able to stay in business since 1939 because we treat our customers how we would like to be treated. It's as simple as that. And it works. We constantly score near 100% on the NAPA Customer Satisfaction Index. Nobody is perfect and we do make mistakes or get defective parts, but we always do our best to solve any problems in a fair and equitable manner. That is why our customers keep coming back. Below is a sample of what others are saying about us.
I just wanted you to know how well the repairs to my truck worked out. Everything is great. It's like new again. Thank you.
For the second year in a row, Chicago Consumer Checkbook magazine has ranked Kellenberger Auto top rating for price. 90% of their respondents ranked us for doing the repair properly. 97% for letting you know the cost early and 93% fo advice on service options and cost. Thank you to our loyal customers. Be sure to check out the summer/fall issue of Checkbook magazine.
Thank you for your good works. I will continue to see you on a regular basis for as long as I drive which I hope if for a chunk of years.
Ann P
Ann P
Dave & Jack,
I wanted to thank you for helping out a friend of mine(Angie ___) with her Durango Heater core. I think Jack's kid went to school with her daughter or something. It was just before Christmas, and I've been meaning to thank you guys since then. This is what she sent me in an email
Hey also..............thanks for the tip on Kellenberger's for the Durango. They gave me $750.00 opposed to B___'s $1100-$1200.
I have many friends that use the other guy, and when they moan of a bend-over quote they got, I steer them your way. Keep up the good work.
Angie S
I wanted to thank you for helping out a friend of mine(Angie ___) with her Durango Heater core. I think Jack's kid went to school with her daughter or something. It was just before Christmas, and I've been meaning to thank you guys since then. This is what she sent me in an email
Hey also..............thanks for the tip on Kellenberger's for the Durango. They gave me $750.00 opposed to B___'s $1100-$1200.
I have many friends that use the other guy, and when they moan of a bend-over quote they got, I steer them your way. Keep up the good work.
Angie S
I didn't realize how the performance of my car had deteriorated. It must have been such a gradual thing. Now, I feel like I'm driving a new car again. It runs great. Thank you so much. I really rely on you guys to take care of me. Thanks for not letting me down.
Joan T
Joan T
Thank you for all your kindness. We really appreciate having someone we can trust with our car.
Margaret F
Margaret F
Thank you both and your company for taking such good care of my car. I do appreciate it.
Ruby A.
Ruby A.
Thanks for the great job. It was not too much and not to little. It was just right and afforable!
Bill P
Bill P
Thank you for taking such good care of my car.
Maria P
Maria P
I just wanted to let you know my car is still running good, and the service engine light has stayed off. Wow you don't know how nice it is to see that gone!
Thanks for the good quality work guys! And honesty!
Annette B
Thanks for the good quality work guys! And honesty!
Annette B
Great article in the Daily Herald last Sunday, July 30, 2006. You guys are fantatic.
Michael B.
Michael B.
Thank you for taking such good care of us.
Dorothy C.
Dorothy C.
Congratulatoins on being named to the "44 Top Rated Auto repair Shops" by Chicago Magazine!
You should take pride in the fact that your company was added to this fine list because of two things; high customer satisfaction ratings and charging comparatively low prices.
Leslie P
You should take pride in the fact that your company was added to this fine list because of two things; high customer satisfaction ratings and charging comparatively low prices.
Leslie P
Congratulations on this fine honor !
Thanks for your good work on the Volkswagon,
Jerry C
Thanks for your good work on the Volkswagon,
Jerry C
Hi, Dave, Jack & Staff,
Congratulations on your business "ratings" to you and your employees. Mother and I enjoyed the article and thought you might want want another copy for your collection.
Again, congratulations and keep up the great work and service.
Jimmy Mc
Congratulations on your business "ratings" to you and your employees. Mother and I enjoyed the article and thought you might want want another copy for your collection.
Again, congratulations and keep up the great work and service.
Jimmy Mc
Courier News
Auto-matic Success
It's been all in the family for the Kellenbergers for 66 years now
By Mike Sullivan
staff writer
ELGIN — The first time Herman Kellenberger checked under the hood of a vehicle, he could easily have been working on a 1939 LaSalle touring car — although the Hotchkiss Grand Sport Cabriolet also was the rage that year as well.
Those cars may not have stood the test of time. But the shop that opened 66 years ago by the founder and patriarch, Kellenberger Auto Service Center at 217 Symphony Way, has survived — some would say thrived — owing to an iron-clad policy the elder Kellenberger adopted and passed down through generations to his grandsons Dave and Jack: Be fair in your dealings with customers.
Dave had been kicking around the idea of following in his grandfather's footsteps as early as 1967. At the tender age of 14, he made up his mind to work in the family-owned business.
A few years down the road, Dave's brother, Jack, decided he, too, would remain in the family business.
Both longtime mechanics say going by the golden rule has paid off. "I think from day one, my grandfather, who was an elder at his church, stressed 'trust' and urged us to do the right thing," Dave said. "I think it's worked."
Both men say communication between the customer and the mechanic is essential in order to find out the source of the problem and present an accurate estimate for repairs.
The Kellenbergers offer a 12-month warranty on every job they undertake. "If there is a problem, we'll repair it," Dave said.
Unlike some competitors who attempt to ring up big sales on each repair job, the Kellenbergers pride themselves in doing only the needed repairs at a fair price.
"We're in it for the long haul," Dave added. "If a car needs repairs, we'll let the customer know — we're not going to tell him it needs something it doesn't."
The Kellenbergers' straightforward approach to car repair recently caught the attention of Chicago magazine.
In the publication's May issue, editors ranked the shop in the top 44 among 538 in the area for both high customer satisfaction ratings and comparatively low prices.
Jack and Dave have had a harmonious relationship on and off the job. "Besides work, our families get together — we go to the same church," Jack said. "We do a lot of stuff together."
Both men agree that the cost of staying current with technology represents a considerable expense for the Kellenbergers. "You buy a piece of equipment and a few years later, it's either obsolete or needs to be updated using the latest software," Dave said.
In addition, the Kellenbergers have to foot the bill for ongoing training for themselves and their technicians. "We pay our technicians to attend after-hour seminars, and we pay the cost of tuition," Dave said. "It's the cost of doing business."
The auto repair center, he said, employs 12 technicians, most of whom stay put once they are hired. "We have very little turnover here," Dave said, noting that his shop has all the desired benefits for employees including 401(k) and medical insurance plans.
From a tiny two-bay shop in the 1930s, the Kellenberger center has ramped up to a 15-bay operation.
The Kellenbergers handle a broad scope of repairs, with the exception of internal transmission and body work.
"Otherwise, we do it all," Dave said.
Most of the work is fairly predictable and routine, but the Kellenbergers recall one customer whose auto had an unusual passenger: a pet snake.
The man's son, who owned the snake, thought it had simply slithered away on the grass near the family home, the Kellenbergers recalled. They were surprised when it turned up on the undercarriage of the man's car.
There was no danger, however, since the roving reptile was dead, Jack said.
04/27/06
Auto-matic Success
It's been all in the family for the Kellenbergers for 66 years now
By Mike Sullivan
staff writer
ELGIN — The first time Herman Kellenberger checked under the hood of a vehicle, he could easily have been working on a 1939 LaSalle touring car — although the Hotchkiss Grand Sport Cabriolet also was the rage that year as well.
Those cars may not have stood the test of time. But the shop that opened 66 years ago by the founder and patriarch, Kellenberger Auto Service Center at 217 Symphony Way, has survived — some would say thrived — owing to an iron-clad policy the elder Kellenberger adopted and passed down through generations to his grandsons Dave and Jack: Be fair in your dealings with customers.
Dave had been kicking around the idea of following in his grandfather's footsteps as early as 1967. At the tender age of 14, he made up his mind to work in the family-owned business.
A few years down the road, Dave's brother, Jack, decided he, too, would remain in the family business.
Both longtime mechanics say going by the golden rule has paid off. "I think from day one, my grandfather, who was an elder at his church, stressed 'trust' and urged us to do the right thing," Dave said. "I think it's worked."
Both men say communication between the customer and the mechanic is essential in order to find out the source of the problem and present an accurate estimate for repairs.
The Kellenbergers offer a 12-month warranty on every job they undertake. "If there is a problem, we'll repair it," Dave said.
Unlike some competitors who attempt to ring up big sales on each repair job, the Kellenbergers pride themselves in doing only the needed repairs at a fair price.
"We're in it for the long haul," Dave added. "If a car needs repairs, we'll let the customer know — we're not going to tell him it needs something it doesn't."
The Kellenbergers' straightforward approach to car repair recently caught the attention of Chicago magazine.
In the publication's May issue, editors ranked the shop in the top 44 among 538 in the area for both high customer satisfaction ratings and comparatively low prices.
Jack and Dave have had a harmonious relationship on and off the job. "Besides work, our families get together — we go to the same church," Jack said. "We do a lot of stuff together."
Both men agree that the cost of staying current with technology represents a considerable expense for the Kellenbergers. "You buy a piece of equipment and a few years later, it's either obsolete or needs to be updated using the latest software," Dave said.
In addition, the Kellenbergers have to foot the bill for ongoing training for themselves and their technicians. "We pay our technicians to attend after-hour seminars, and we pay the cost of tuition," Dave said. "It's the cost of doing business."
The auto repair center, he said, employs 12 technicians, most of whom stay put once they are hired. "We have very little turnover here," Dave said, noting that his shop has all the desired benefits for employees including 401(k) and medical insurance plans.
From a tiny two-bay shop in the 1930s, the Kellenberger center has ramped up to a 15-bay operation.
The Kellenbergers handle a broad scope of repairs, with the exception of internal transmission and body work.
"Otherwise, we do it all," Dave said.
Most of the work is fairly predictable and routine, but the Kellenbergers recall one customer whose auto had an unusual passenger: a pet snake.
The man's son, who owned the snake, thought it had simply slithered away on the grass near the family home, the Kellenbergers recalled. They were surprised when it turned up on the undercarriage of the man's car.
There was no danger, however, since the roving reptile was dead, Jack said.
04/27/06
I just manted to drop you a quick note to congratulate you on being selected by Chicago Magazine as one of the finest repair shops in the Chicago Area.
As you know, our industry gets a lot of bad press. Kellenberger Auto Service is exactly the kind of shop that NAPA likes to be associated with and I am proud that Kellenberger Auto is a NAPA Autocare Center. Our industry needs more shopslike yours.
Again, my congratulations and keep up the good work.
Sincerely,
Guy K.
NAPA Auto Parts
As you know, our industry gets a lot of bad press. Kellenberger Auto Service is exactly the kind of shop that NAPA likes to be associated with and I am proud that Kellenberger Auto is a NAPA Autocare Center. Our industry needs more shopslike yours.
Again, my congratulations and keep up the good work.
Sincerely,
Guy K.
NAPA Auto Parts
God Bless you guys for taking care of my Cadillac. Happy Easter!
Pearl S.
Pearl S.
Thank you for taking such care of our cars. You are the thread on God's tapestry. God Bless.
Lester H.
Lester H.
Gentlemen;
I would like to express my appreciation for the excellant service afforded the Cadillac Brougham recently. My brother's car had been worked on by "mechanics" of less than expert skill for too long. Since he had no idea how to attack the problem, two of his family who were skilled in mechanics offered to assist. It got to a point where passing the state emissions test was critical. After service the car was washed, warmed up, and run over to the South Elgin facility, a trial test was passed so we applied for a final test and it passed.
Thanks again.
Don G.
I would like to express my appreciation for the excellant service afforded the Cadillac Brougham recently. My brother's car had been worked on by "mechanics" of less than expert skill for too long. Since he had no idea how to attack the problem, two of his family who were skilled in mechanics offered to assist. It got to a point where passing the state emissions test was critical. After service the car was washed, warmed up, and run over to the South Elgin facility, a trial test was passed so we applied for a final test and it passed.
Thanks again.
Don G.
Hey Guys,
Thought you would want to know about the great ratings you received in the 2005 summer issue of Checkbook magazine. You received their top rating for both quality and price with an overall performance satisfaction rating of 90% !!!!! Good job. Bruce
Thought you would want to know about the great ratings you received in the 2005 summer issue of Checkbook magazine. You received their top rating for both quality and price with an overall performance satisfaction rating of 90% !!!!! Good job. Bruce
Dear Dave, Jack and all the other Wonderful Guys at Kellenbergers,
Thank you so much for taking the extra time, and patience to fit us in twice, wait on the Toyota dealer and still get the used car checked out. Thanks for all that extra effort. Kathy did buy the 96 Camry. We appreciate you all, Maggie
Thank you so much for taking the extra time, and patience to fit us in twice, wait on the Toyota dealer and still get the used car checked out. Thanks for all that extra effort. Kathy did buy the 96 Camry. We appreciate you all, Maggie
Thanks for your good work throughout the year. Homer and Sandy
Dear Jack & Dave,
Thank you so much for all you've done for me & my family. You've been patient & kind & supportive when we needed it most. You two make a terrific team. We wish you all God's blessings in the years ahead.
Thank you so much for all you've done for me & my family. You've been patient & kind & supportive when we needed it most. You two make a terrific team. We wish you all God's blessings in the years ahead.
Hi,
Thank you for being so good to me.
Pearl S.
Thank you for being so good to me.
Pearl S.
Dear Jack,
Just a note to let you know that my Buick is running very well, thanks to you, Dave, Larry, and all the great team at Kellenberger Auto Repair Center. In spite of some challenging diagnosis problems, you guys stuck with it until solved. I have now over 143,000 miles and it is running like a kitten.
I'm not so naive to think their won't be any more problems in the future, but I do know Kellenberger is my choice for excellent, honest and professional auto repair.
Merry Christmas to all of you and God bless you.
Sincerely,
Don M.
Just a note to let you know that my Buick is running very well, thanks to you, Dave, Larry, and all the great team at Kellenberger Auto Repair Center. In spite of some challenging diagnosis problems, you guys stuck with it until solved. I have now over 143,000 miles and it is running like a kitten.
I'm not so naive to think their won't be any more problems in the future, but I do know Kellenberger is my choice for excellent, honest and professional auto repair.
Merry Christmas to all of you and God bless you.
Sincerely,
Don M.
Dear Kellenberger Automotive,
I just wanted to thank-you for taking care of my tire problem. I was extremely impressed how you did not settle for an easy solution, but went the distance to do it right. I am sure you realize that is the reason you have been successful for all these years. I have a small business myself and I found your commitment to quality inspiring.
Sincerely,
Bruce R.
I just wanted to thank-you for taking care of my tire problem. I was extremely impressed how you did not settle for an easy solution, but went the distance to do it right. I am sure you realize that is the reason you have been successful for all these years. I have a small business myself and I found your commitment to quality inspiring.
Sincerely,
Bruce R.
Larry, Jack and the rest of the Mechanics:
Thank you for taking care of the 94 Grand Marquis (the Green Beast). Usually I'm in a bit of a rush to get the car and go somewhere, but this time I wanted to spend the time to let you know how much we appreciate your service, professionalism and cost conscious efforts. We at the H----'s never worry when we have to bring a car into your facilities for service - it's always politeness on the telephone, honest appraisal of the situation and on time delivery.
Elgin is very fortunate to have people of your character and mechanical ability,
Respectively,
Joseph H.
Thank you for taking care of the 94 Grand Marquis (the Green Beast). Usually I'm in a bit of a rush to get the car and go somewhere, but this time I wanted to spend the time to let you know how much we appreciate your service, professionalism and cost conscious efforts. We at the H----'s never worry when we have to bring a car into your facilities for service - it's always politeness on the telephone, honest appraisal of the situation and on time delivery.
Elgin is very fortunate to have people of your character and mechanical ability,
Respectively,
Joseph H.
To Whom it May Concern,
I understand that Kellenberger Auto Repair has been nominated to win the Excel lance in Automotive Award. I am President of L---- and Kellenberger Auto does most of the repairs needed on our cars. They are always very thorough, courteous, and will work us in as needed. Their work has always been very satisfactory.
Donald E. L.
I understand that Kellenberger Auto Repair has been nominated to win the Excel lance in Automotive Award. I am President of L---- and Kellenberger Auto does most of the repairs needed on our cars. They are always very thorough, courteous, and will work us in as needed. Their work has always been very satisfactory.
Donald E. L.
To Whom it May concern;
I'm writing to recommend Kellenberger Auto Repair for the Excellence in Automotive Service Award. This firm has had an excellent relationship with our church for many years and we have always found them to be people of integrity and character. They have repaired and maintained vans and other vehicles owned by the church, frequently donating time and materials to this worthy cause, and always helped us keep them safe and operating efficiently. Our relationship with their staff is always most cordial and we've never failed to be satisfied with their work.
Personally, I have three adult children who all own automobiles and between their three cars, my own vehicle and my wife's vehicles, we've had five different automobiles which we've taken to Kellenberger's for repairs and maintenance. The have done a good job of helping me and my family drive safe and well-maintained vehicles. In some situations they were willing to make repairs at odd hours or come to us when we could not go to them. My daughter recently moved to Las Vegas, and they thoroughly examined and repaired her car before the trip. Kellenberger's technician even suggested some repairs which could wait until after she had found employment in her new home. Their service, attitude and assistance has always been of the highest caliber. It's a pleasure to do business with them and I feel fortunate to have an automotive repair dealer whom I can trust, not only with my own safety, but that of my family.
Grace and Peace
Dr. Thomas J P.
I'm writing to recommend Kellenberger Auto Repair for the Excellence in Automotive Service Award. This firm has had an excellent relationship with our church for many years and we have always found them to be people of integrity and character. They have repaired and maintained vans and other vehicles owned by the church, frequently donating time and materials to this worthy cause, and always helped us keep them safe and operating efficiently. Our relationship with their staff is always most cordial and we've never failed to be satisfied with their work.
Personally, I have three adult children who all own automobiles and between their three cars, my own vehicle and my wife's vehicles, we've had five different automobiles which we've taken to Kellenberger's for repairs and maintenance. The have done a good job of helping me and my family drive safe and well-maintained vehicles. In some situations they were willing to make repairs at odd hours or come to us when we could not go to them. My daughter recently moved to Las Vegas, and they thoroughly examined and repaired her car before the trip. Kellenberger's technician even suggested some repairs which could wait until after she had found employment in her new home. Their service, attitude and assistance has always been of the highest caliber. It's a pleasure to do business with them and I feel fortunate to have an automotive repair dealer whom I can trust, not only with my own safety, but that of my family.
Grace and Peace
Dr. Thomas J P.
Dear Dave
I Just wanted to share with you a few thoughts after you fixed the engine on my 1991 Lincoln. I have been using your facilities for at least the past ten years and never in that time period have I ever thought that I had not received excellent service. As a matter of fact, I have never even given a thought to using someone else. I keep telling my son, Brian, who is in California, that he should use you as the base line standard for an auto shop out there.
When you returned my Lincoln after fixing the engine, you had washed it. I thought that was a nice touch. You did something nice that wasn't necessarily required and I liked that.
Over the years your hourly rates have been competitive but most of all you have earned my trust. If you say it needs to be done, then it needs to be done. I don't feel that I'm being ripped off. There are too many horror stories in the industry.
Well, I just wanted to take a few words to express my appreciation and I hope the relationship continues.
Sincerely,
Maurice F B.
I Just wanted to share with you a few thoughts after you fixed the engine on my 1991 Lincoln. I have been using your facilities for at least the past ten years and never in that time period have I ever thought that I had not received excellent service. As a matter of fact, I have never even given a thought to using someone else. I keep telling my son, Brian, who is in California, that he should use you as the base line standard for an auto shop out there.
When you returned my Lincoln after fixing the engine, you had washed it. I thought that was a nice touch. You did something nice that wasn't necessarily required and I liked that.
Over the years your hourly rates have been competitive but most of all you have earned my trust. If you say it needs to be done, then it needs to be done. I don't feel that I'm being ripped off. There are too many horror stories in the industry.
Well, I just wanted to take a few words to express my appreciation and I hope the relationship continues.
Sincerely,
Maurice F B.
To Whom it May Concern;
Ever since I have been old enough to drive (and unfortunately that's 22 years now) I have relied on Kellenberger Automotive in Elgin as my exclusive auto repair shop. Choosing an auto repair shop is like choosing a doctor. They should be based on the age of their clients. Obviously, the olded the better! It's not uncommon to find vehicles at Kellenberger's that have racked up the years and the miles and are still going strong.
For all my repair work, big and small, I have never been disappointed with the quality of workmanship and professionalism of Kellenberger's staff. Add to that Kellenberger's proud history of support to our community in both money and volunteer energies, and Kellenberger's is uniquely qualified for the "Excellence in Automotive" Award.
Sincerely,
Mark S S.
Ever since I have been old enough to drive (and unfortunately that's 22 years now) I have relied on Kellenberger Automotive in Elgin as my exclusive auto repair shop. Choosing an auto repair shop is like choosing a doctor. They should be based on the age of their clients. Obviously, the olded the better! It's not uncommon to find vehicles at Kellenberger's that have racked up the years and the miles and are still going strong.
For all my repair work, big and small, I have never been disappointed with the quality of workmanship and professionalism of Kellenberger's staff. Add to that Kellenberger's proud history of support to our community in both money and volunteer energies, and Kellenberger's is uniquely qualified for the "Excellence in Automotive" Award.
Sincerely,
Mark S S.
Gentlemen:
I just wanted to thank you again for the fine treatment I received recently on the repair of my car.
You had originally quoted me a price and when it appeared that price would not be accurate, immediately called me to advise to the anticipated difficulty. Once you did proceed with the anticipated additional repairs, you discovered, that in fact, the problem was not as serious as it appeared, and billed me for only the actual work incurred, which was substantially less than your phone call anticipated.
Over the past 20 years, I have received nothing but honest and fair treatment from your business and that is something I am sure you take great pride in. The extras you provide me with on occasion are also greatly appreciated, such as the occasional loaner auto and tow truck service. There was one occasion that you even took my car in and had it washed and cleaned at your expense.
I look forward to many more years of doing business with you, and thank you again for your recent fine service.
Very truly yours,
Jay K F.
I just wanted to thank you again for the fine treatment I received recently on the repair of my car.
You had originally quoted me a price and when it appeared that price would not be accurate, immediately called me to advise to the anticipated difficulty. Once you did proceed with the anticipated additional repairs, you discovered, that in fact, the problem was not as serious as it appeared, and billed me for only the actual work incurred, which was substantially less than your phone call anticipated.
Over the past 20 years, I have received nothing but honest and fair treatment from your business and that is something I am sure you take great pride in. The extras you provide me with on occasion are also greatly appreciated, such as the occasional loaner auto and tow truck service. There was one occasion that you even took my car in and had it washed and cleaned at your expense.
I look forward to many more years of doing business with you, and thank you again for your recent fine service.
Very truly yours,
Jay K F.
