Finding the Right Repair Shop

Randy Pruitt of Pruitt’s Auto Collision in Owasso offers some tips for finding a quality collision repair shop.

By: Shelly Robinson | Category: Automotive | Issue: March 2010

The staff of Pruitt’s Auto Collision in Owasso promises customer satisfaction. (L to R): Jeff Williamson, Liz Pruitt, Randy Pruitt, Jason Linzy, Aaron Smith and Michael Minton.

Nobody plans to have a car wreck, but accidents happen, and planning ahead can provide peace of mind in a stressful situation. For many people, their automobile is the second largest investment they make, and with today’s modern vehicles, it’s more important than ever to get repairs done right the first time. Randy Pruitt of Pruitt’s Auto Collision in Owasso offers some tips for finding a quality collision repair shop.

Randy says you should be welcomed to take a tour. Look for a clean, well-organized facility, with vehicles in the parking lot that are equal or greater in value to your own. Modern equipment is very important; things such as a three-dimensional measuring system, a paint mixing system and a permanent spray booth show that the business is up-to-date with technology. The staff should be courteous and willing to answer your questions, and be able to provide evidence of properly trained and certified technicians.

You should ask if the repair facility specializes and if the repairs you need are within the scope of their expertise. Look at their business affiliations and their rating with the Better Business Bureau. Most important, however, is always word-of-mouth recommendations from people who have previous experience with the shop. “Our whole business is built on our reputation,” says Randy. “We are members of the Better Business Bureau and the Tulsa and Owasso Chambers of Commerce, but you can’t beat a personal referral from a satisfied customer.”

Randy’s wife and business partner, Liz Pruitt, sends out customer comment cards after each repair, and says they take the feedback seriously. “I have a book full of the cards in the lobby for potential customers to see, and I’m happy to say it is full of positive comments and ratings. We are proud of our very high level of customer satisfaction.”

Of course, the backbone of any business is the employees. The Pruitt’s staff has over 75 years of combined experience in the auto body repair business. Randy has been in the auto repair business for over 20 years, and master technician Jeff Williamson has over 30 years experience and has been with Pruitt's since opening day. Technician Jason Linzy brings more than 15 years of knowledge and all three men are I-Car trained and ASE Certified, as well as being certified on the Chief frame system. Aaron Smith, the Pruitt’s painter, adds 8 additional years of knowledge to the mix. Another friendly face you will see at Pruitt’s is that of Michael Minton, Owasso High School and Tulsa Tech student. Michael is training to do paint and body work, and will join Pruitt’s full time when he graduates in May. “Of course, everyone thinks their technicians are the best, and that’s a personal judgment, but ours really are,” smiles Liz.

Pruitt’s offers free estimates and front door service. Just pull up under the canopy, and Randy will evaluate the damage and give you a written estimate for parts and labor. There is a Hertz Rent-A-Car on site to make it very convenient to rent a vehicle while yours is being repaired. Pruitt’s is happy to work with your insurance provider, while at the same time giving the customer the final say in repairs. “We are a shop that works for our customers, not the insurance company,” explains Liz. “If you’ve ever dealt with a shop that is insurance-oriented, you’ll notice an immediate difference.”

Randy and Liz believe that their connection to their hometown makes all the difference in their approach to business. Liz is a realtor with Keller Williams in Owasso, and their son Caleb is a first grader at Bailey Elementary. “There’s a higher level of accountability when you are a member of the community where your business is located,” says Liz. “We are both from Owasso, our families live here, and we run into our customers around town all the time. We want to make sure they are happy to see us again.”

Pruitt’s Auto Collision is located on the east service road of Highway 169 at 8231 N. Owasso Expressway. Business hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.