How Campus Automotive Increased Revenue by $300K in 6 Months
Campus Automotive in Blacksburg, Virginia, increased its revenue by $300,000 within six months without servicing more vehicles by replacing its outdated R.O. Writer system with Tekmetric, which enhanced operational efficiency through features like custom repair order labels, streamlined parts ordering, digital vehicle inspection with video integration, and improved appointment management, thereby supporting ambitious growth and better customer transparency.
About Campus Automotive
Campus Automotive, located in Blacksburg, Virginia, has evolved from a towing business into a full-service auto repair center under the leadership of Matt McMurray since 2003. With 9 bays and plans for expansion, the shop increased its revenue by $300,000 within six months of implementing Tekmetric, without increasing the number of vehicles serviced.
General Manager Johnnie Self, with a background in the Army, law enforcement, and organizational management, played a key role in this transformation. Recognizing the need for a robust shop management system, Johnnie sought a solution that could support ambitious growth without raising fixed costs.
The Challenge
Campus Automotive previously used R.O. Writer, a point of sale system that lacked updates, flexibility, and robust accounting and business overview features. The inability to access the system from multiple computers limited business visibility and strategic decision-making. Johnnie found the system not user-friendly.
Finding a Solution
Johnnie discovered Tekmetric through a Service Manager's coaching group in mid-2023. After discussing with his technicians and receiving a recommendation, he investigated further and involved Matt McMurray. Matt quickly decided to switch to Tekmetric after seeing its capabilities. Within the first six months, the shop saw a $300,000 increase in revenue with the same vehicle count.
Tekmetric provided an all-in-one experience, likened to a superstore for car repairs. Features such as custom repair order labels, streamlined parts ordering, and digital vehicle inspection mapping with video integration improved efficiency and organization.
Getting to a Result
The implementation of Tekmetric transformed Campus Automotive's operations. Automation and integrated systems improved appointment setting and transparency throughout the repair process, which was especially important for their college student clientele and their parents. The shop achieved a 49% increase in average repair order (RO) amount while maintaining the same weekly vehicle count.
Transitioning to Tekmetric was smooth, with the team adapting within a week. The move away from paper-based processes improved job assignment clarity and technician accountability. Johnnie established a “Command Center” with a large display to monitor real-time shop activities, fostering team alignment and efficient workflow.
Daily morning meetings around the command center ensured everyone was on the same page, reviewing all repair orders and addressing questions as a group. Punctuality was enforced, with consequences for lateness applying to everyone, including management.
The Takeaway
Campus Automotive’s experience highlights Tekmetric’s ease of use and positive impact on shop operations. Johnnie advises other shop managers and owners that Tekmetric makes organization and daily management extremely easy for everyone involved.
“The biggest change that we made last year that got us to this point is Tekmetric. It allowed us to be more organized on a daily basis – it’s up in front of me all the time, even right now!”