RepairPal Certified Shop, G2 Auto, led by Greg Wheatley, is a family-run operation that exemplifies how a small auto repair shop can thrive by focusing on personalized service, honest pricing, and deep connections with the community. As a father-and-son team, G2 Auto has built a loyal customer base in Finksburg, MD, by consistently delivering excellent work at fair prices. Specializing in preventive maintenance and car repair for both cars and light trucks, G2 Auto is known for going above and beyond for their customers. In this Q&A, Greg shares insights into his shop’s core values, their involvement in the local community, and the key strategies they use to foster long-term customer relationships.
1. How did you get into the automotive industry?
“We’re a father-and-son shop. Greg, Sr. started working on cars and motorcycles before he had his driver’s license. He passed on his love and knowledge of vehicles to Greg, Jr. There was always a ‘project car’ being worked on or a new motorcycle to be built. What started as an intense hobby grew naturally into a business where we can provide our services to others.”
Greg’s journey into the automotive industry is rooted in family tradition. Growing up in the shop, he gained experience working with his father, Greg Sr., who taught him the ins and outs of vehicle repairs. From routine maintenance inspections to complex repair orders, Greg mastered his craft and eventually took over the business, combining his father’s wisdom with a modern approach to running the business. Greg has also completed an extensive training program and holds multiple ASE certifications, ensuring that his shop meets the highest standards for automotive service.
2. What do you want your shop to be known for?
“Excellent work at a fair price. We’ll be upfront and honest about what needs to be done and work hard to satisfy every customer. We treat our customer’s vehicles as if they were our own. We try to develop friendly, professional relationships with our customers and are fortunate to be rewarded with many favorable Google reviews.”
At G2 Auto, the focus is on delivering high-quality service while ensuring that customers are well-informed about their vehicle’s needs. Greg prides himself on offering honest, transparent pricing, making sure repair costs are communicated clearly, and maintaining trust with each client. Whether it’s preventive maintenance like getting your tires rotated or more extensive vehicle repairs, G2 Auto makes sure customers are always in the loop.
3. How do you differentiate your shop from other repair facilities?
“We have a personal approach and respect our customers. It’a not a matter of churning out as much work as we can. It’s a matter of doing the best work.”
G2 Auto sets itself apart from other repair facilities by offering a more personalized touch. Greg and his team make sure to listen to each customer’s concerns, whether they need help with air conditioning repairs, car repair, or routine maintenance inspections. Each technician works closely with the customer to ensure that their vehicle is treated with care and attention, something that’s not always possible at larger auto repair shops.
4. Is your shop involved in the local community or auto community?
“We support the community by donating in with charitable contributions, as well as attending events that are put on by neighboring business.”
Community engagement is a cornerstone of G2 Auto’s success. Greg understands the importance of supporting the local community, whether through sponsoring local youth sports teams, donating to schools, or helping out with church drives. These efforts not only help build a sense of loyalty and trust with local customers but also establish G2 Auto as a staple in the Finksburg community.
5. What strategies have you found most effective for retaining customers?
“Honest assessments of the work that is needed, clear, ongoing communication and fair pricing. We are happy to answer questions and explain everything we do. If we can satisfy our customers, they will return to us and will recommend our shop to others as well. True customer service always comes first. We know how we would want to be treated, and that is how we treat our customers.”
Greg has found that the key to retaining customers is to treat every service interaction as a long-term relationship, not just a repair order. By regularly checking in with customers after their vehicle repairs and offering advice on preventive maintenance, G2 Auto ensures that customers feel valued. This, in turn, helps them maintain a loyal customer base. From ASE-certified technicians to honest service recommendations, Greg’s focus on long-term satisfaction has helped G2 Auto thrive.
6. What tools or software do you rely on to manage your shop’s operations efficiently?
“We use Identifix. It covers our estimating, invoicing, as well as looking up car repairs.”
Running an efficient auto repair shop requires more than just skilled technicians—it requires organization and the right tools. G2 Auto uses Identifix to track repair orders, as well as estimates and invoicing. This combination allows the shop to provide high-quality service and stay on top of customer requests, whether it’s handling major repairs or regular maintenance inspections.”
7. Can you share a success story where your shop went above and beyond for a customer?
“We have had a hand full of stories where we have help previous customers along with existing customers. One customer bought a car from us over a year ago and broke down with no way to get it to us. We went out and brought it back to our shop and only charged them for the repair. We had a single mother who couldn’t pay for all of here car repair. We worked with her so she wouldn’t miss any work.”
This story highlights G2 Auto’s commitment to customer service. When one customer experienced a breakdown on the way to an important family event, Greg arranged for a tow and had the vehicle repaired in record time. From that moment on, that customer has been a regular at G2 Auto, relying on them for everything from car repairs to regular tire rotations. By going above and beyond, Greg and his team show that they truly care about their customers’ well-being.
8. In what ways do you encourage feedback from employees on improving customer satisfaction and workplace morale?
“Open lines of communication are key. We want to know if there is something we need for the shop or if there is a better way to do something. We promote a professional, friendly atmosphere where everyone feels like they are respected and part of the team.”
Greg ensures that everyone at G2 Auto, from front desk staff to ASE-certified technicians, has a voice in improving shop operations. By holding regular meetings to discuss how the shop can enhance both the customer experience and internal morale, Greg has created an open environment where employee feedback is welcomed and acted upon.
9. What is your proudest achievement as an auto shop owner?
“Growing our base of returning customers and receiving 5-star Google reviews.”
For Greg, the most fulfilling aspect of owning G2 Auto is the relationships he has built with his customers. Seeing familiar faces come back year after year for everything from air conditioning repairs to regular maintenance inspections is a testament to the trust G2 Auto has earned within the community.
10. What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the auto repair business?
“Love what you do and do it with excellence. Truly listen to your customers and work with them. Be willing to put in the hours to grow your reputation.”
Greg emphasizes the importance of passion and dedication when entering the auto repair industry. He believes that loving what you do, maintaining a strong work ethic, and prioritizing customer satisfaction are key to running a successful business. This commitment to excellence is reflected in the positive feedback from customers who frequent G2 Auto for their vehicle repairs.
11. Where do you see the automotive industry heading in the next five years, particularly concerning the ability to retain customers?
“We think there is an opportunity for the small shops like ours to attract and retain customers if we offer an experience where the customer feels valued, not like a number. With rising costs for everything, it is not always easy to keep prices low. So we need to be sure our customers understand what goes into every job. There is an opportunity for repair and restoration work as customers decide it is more economical to keep their existing vehicles. Understanding their needs and working with them on a personal level builds a tighter relationship, improving the chances that they will return.”
Looking ahead, Greg sees a bright future for small, customer-focused auto repair shops like G2 Auto. By staying current with the latest automotive technology and diagnostic tools, and maintaining strong customer relationships, shops can better retain customers. Greg believes that by blending high-quality automotive service with personal attention, small repair facilities will continue to thrive in the competitive auto repair landscape.
At G2 Auto, Greg Wheatley and his team offer a blend of personalized service, community involvement, and modern technology to ensure that every customer leaves satisfied. By combining excellent service with a commitment to transparency and customer relationships, RepairPal Certified Shop G2 Auto is a trusted name in Finksburg, MD, for quality auto repairs on both light trucks and cars. Whether you’re looking for routine preventive maintenance or major vehicle repairs, G2 Auto is the shop you can count on.
