Unique Network Of Independent Repair Shops Celebrates Five Years Of Automotive Excellence In Az

Oct. 28, 2009 - PRLog -- Neighborhood Auto Repair Professionals (NARPRO.com) is celebrating five years in the Valley this month.  Launched by Valley entrepreneurs Jay Jennings and Alan Tarr, NARPRO has overhauled the image of mechanics and auto repair throughout the Valley, gaining recognition as the top auto repair referral site in the market.  

NARPRO is a network of locally-owned, independent auto repair shops that have banded together because of their shared commitment to providing guaranteed service at reasonable prices.

NARPRO.com launched in 2004 with four local repair facilities; today, the association represents 26 independent Valley shops (about 2.7% of the market). In the past five years more than 93,000 users have visited NARPRO.com and some 14,500 happy car owners have found a mechanic they can trust in the Valley.  Customer response for NARPRO mechanics is an impressive 98% satisfaction rate.

“We launched NARPRO because we saw a need for reliable, quality auto repair in the Valley and knew there were a lot of smaller, independent shops who didn’t have the opportunities to promote themselves like the big chains,” said Alan Tarr, NARPRO’s Executive Director.  “We are thrilled that the NARPRO model has been successful and provided great value for members.”

Repair shops are hand-selected by Jennings and Tarr, who evaluate potential members with a 26-point scale of standards.  They do credit and reference checks, verify certifications and licenses, and on-site inspections for a variety of criteria- including a clean restroom and customer waiting area.  In addition, previous customers are surveyed about their experience with potential members.  The success of the network has been reflected in Phoenix Magazine’s naming NARPRO.com to it’s coveted “Best of the Valley” list.

“Unlike other associations, you can’t just join or sign up to be a part of NARPRO,” said Jay Jennings, GM of NARPRO.  “We go to great lengths to ensure that our recommended repair professionals practice good business and have high customer satisfaction. NARPRO members go above and beyond to help customers and care about the community.”

Two NARPRO shops were Better Business Bureau Ethics Awards winners this year and numerous shops win AAA Top Shop awards every year. NARPRO members are active with community causes such as St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance, Helping Hands for Single Moms, Packages from Home and Water Watchers with Phoenix with Phoenix Childrens Hospital.

As part of the 5th anniversary celebration, NARPRO is offering vehicle owners in the Valley a special thank you from now until the end of the year; if you sign up for a free NARPRO.com VIP card- which gives you 10% off on all new parts and a two year, 24,000 miles warranty- you'll also receive a free standard oil change (up to $35 value).  Visit NARPRO.com for details.