CARSTAR Company History
CARSTAR collision repair shops in the Washington area play a vital role in the communities they service. Our Kent location is a prime example of how the CARSTAR franchise helps to provide jobs, careers and franchise opportunities. This is in addition to the high quality service provided by our Kent CARSTAR repair shop, and other CARSTAR locations. Read about the CARSTAR founder and learn some of our company history.
About the Company
CARSTAR was founded in 1989 by Lirel Holt, an employee of the 3M Company. Holt’s expertise in collision management was demonstrated at the 3M Company, and would later benefit the CARSTAR franchise. He also was a former shop owner, so he had a good sense for business and what made customers happy.
The CARSTAR franchise was built on the concepts Holt shared in the numerous workshops he directed. Addressing thousands of managers and shop owners, he spoke about the same smart business practices that CARSTAR uses today
The network of collision repair shops that he would ultimately establish had to be united in their focus. Autobody repair shops that consistently maintain customer satisfaction is what Holt felt was lacking in North America. The CARSTAR franchise today is still dedicated to quality customer care, just like in the beginning.
The Kent CARSTAR services a community of more than 118,000 residents, so we know the value of a satisfied customer. The quality service and care that we demonstrate is exactly what customers expect from a CARSTAR collision repair shop. “Work hard, be honest and provide value.” This is the mantra that our Kent CARSTAR location and the CARSTAR franchise continue to live by. Ongoing improvements are not something our auto collision experts take lightly. On the other hand, consistency in what works is a valuable concept that was also passed on by the founder.
About the Founder
CARSTAR recognizes the importance of respecting safety issues and EPA compliance requirements. Holt made this a priority, especially since he was Chairman of CCAR. CCAR is the United States EPA compliance assistance center. Another prestigious position was Holt’s role as Lifetime Chairman Emeritus for the leading technical organization, ICAR. Other titles and awards were credited to Holt for his success with CARSTAR and his automotive repair expertise.
Other Prestigious Awards Include:
• Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the year
• “Collision Industry’s Top Twenty Five Most Influential Leaders of the 20th Century”
• The 3rd inductee into the Eagles Club, the prestigious automotive industries collision Hall of Fame
Executives & Partners
The Kent CARSTAR joins other Washington CARSTAR collision repair shops in applauding our corporate team of experts. The executives, partners, and those we have professional relationships with are crucial to the CARSTAR franchise. . We especially appreciate the numerous business partners that enable CARSTAR to provide more automotive resources. Like us, our partners consistently offer valuable consumer products and supplies of the highest quality.