What Your Repair Shops Are Saying

Let's Find Out What Your Shops Are Saying!

The automotive aftermarket is dependent on people fixing cars. To understand what’s truly happening in the industry we must ask our shops!

I was happy to interview Andrew Lakkis, manager of Chico’s Sunoco in Boston, MA. 

Describe your repair facility.

Our repair facility is Chico's Sunoco USC. We’re an auto repair shop in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It was founded in 1996 by my father, Nadim Lakkis. We have four service bays. We also have a gas station and convenience store connected with the shop.

Tell us about your community. 

We’re right outside of downtown Boston. We’re located at a crossroad, you could say, to get into Boston. It’s really a hub for college students as we’re right next to Harvard and other universities, and everyone from workers to tourists coming to the city. We see a ton of traffic during game days and typical rush hour. It’s also a very multicultural and progressive city that supports small businesses and immigrants. We have a very busy location that really feels the energy of the city. 

Is new vehicle technology viewed as a hindrance or an opportunity?

An opportunity; with new technology comes new opportunities for learning and new vehicles to work on. We are looking at training for EV’s as they become more prevalent. 

What impact are supply chain issues having on your shop?

We’re experiencing longer wait times on parts deliveries. Some customers are frustrated but most are understanding since we’re definitely not the only industry facing supply issues.

What is the biggest challenge your shop faces on a day-to-day basis?

The biggest challenge we’re facing is finding enough employees to handle the amount of business we get. 

How can distributors and manufacturers help shops navigate new vehicle technologies?

Training videos are really useful tools to watch and learn quick tips during vehicle servicing. Any digital content that can be accessed quickly is invaluable. Our schedules aren’t often flexible enough where we can pause for too long, so quick content access is key. 

What brings you the most joy in your shop?

It feels great to have the connections that we do, and to help our community when they have nowhere else to turn. Especially in the cold Boston winters, people need quick turnaround time and good service fast. From towing stranded customers to working on their cars, it feels good to give back to the community that we’ve called home for so many years. 

What is the most important aspect of your shop that you’d like to share with YANG?

The most important aspect of our shop is that we’re family owned, and we have been for over 25 years. 

Looking for more opportunities to hear what your repair shops are saying? Save the date: shop attendees are taking AAPEX by force this November 1-3, 2022. 


This interview is brought to you by

Young Auto Care Network Group

Home for the auto care industry’s dynamic and vibrant community of under-40 professionals.

YANG provides its members with the opportunity to network with industry peers, develop new skill sets and improve leadership capabilities. See what we are talking about