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Restyling Magazine Digital Editions
Copyright © 2008 National Business Media, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
Use FAST #71 here. A lot of customers told me that they like our shop best because of the quality of product and how they are treated. This type of quality assurance also helps with new business. James recounts a recent scenario, in which a new customer wan dered in to the shop after living in Odessa for nearly 60 years. He never needed to the shop s expertise because he never owned a truck. He bought his rst pickup a few weeks prior and he wanted something new. Good word of mouth and fully stocked showroom led this man to James Handlin s business. West Texas Off-Road Center lures many of its rst-time customers by showcasing a variety of product in a 10,000 square foot business showroom. On one side of the show room there are over 40 grille guards at any given time. They are assembled and many of themareaweldedone-piece.Theothersideis primarily toolboxes. R&K, United Welding Service, Delta Consolidated, among others, account for over a hundred toolboxes that are ready for immediate installation. If we can t get it out there on the oor where people can see it, a lot of times they don t know that we have it, says Handlin. If you don t see what you need on the showroom oor, chances are the com pany will have it in their 20,000 square foot warehouse. West Texas Off-Road is able to accom modate ve to six vehicles at any given time and promises complete satisfaction for every customer. We are still small enough to basically be a family away from home, says James. Customers will always feel that sense of family in my shop because that is how it is with my employees. I always tell my work ers from day one, just like my dad did: if they show up to work and they help take care of me and my business, I will do every thing in my power to take care of them. James would rather hire workers with the responsibility of family because they really understand this business model. He claims that this job is not for everyone and he sees a lot of turnaround in the younger genera-CONTINUED 26 APRIL 2008 RE April.indd 26 3/11/08 2:46:58 PM