When Daniel Gibson started The Auto Llama six years ago, there was no team to manage. There was just Gibson, his car and the tools he carried in the trunk.
He had an idea that common brake repairs could be easier on customers if someone came to them. As people began using the service, he saw room to build a business around it.
The Auto Llama now has six employees and serves Northern Kentucky, Cincinnati, and Dayton. Its Northern Kentucky mobile brake service reaches communities throughout Boone, Kenton and Campbell counties.
For Gibson, the growth has brought more people into the business, but his expectations for how customers should be treated have stayed the same. We asked him about the early days, expanding the team, and the approach he wants the company to be known for.
Take us back to the beginning. What did a workday look like?
It was me driving around in a car with tools in my trunk. I was doing the repairs myself.
I started because I thought there had to be a better way to handle brake repairs. People were taking their vehicles to a shop for minor work, leaving them there and finding rides. I thought we could make that easier by going to them.
When did you realize this could become something bigger?
Early on, I started to see how much people liked the service. There was a bigger need for it than I had first realized.
Customers were excited that they didn’t have to spend hours going to a shop. Seeing that reaction helped me realize we could expand. It was something people wanted and found useful.
How did you move from working alone to having a team?
First, I hired one guy. Then we grew to teams of two and three. We now have six employees and operate throughout Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, and Dayton.
It happened as we saw the demand for the service. We started small and kept expanding so we could help more customers.
As you’ve grown, what have you wanted to keep the same?
The way we treat people. Do the right thing first and put the customer first.
We don’t recommend parts or repairs the customer doesn’t need. Our technicians carry that same philosophy, and that’s important to me.
Why does that matter so much to you?
I want people to know how we run the business. We’re there to do the repair the right way and the safe way, every time.
When someone calls us, they’re trusting us with their vehicle. I want them to know we take that seriously, whether I’m doing the work or one of our technicians is there.
What would you tell someone who hasn’t used The Auto Llama before?
Some people are still surprised that we’re mobile, and some are a little unsure because it’s different from what they’re used to.
We’ve been open for six years and have hundreds of five-star reviews across the internet. Those reviews let people hear from customers who have used the service. We care about doing the right thing for people, and that’s what I want them to know about us.
The Auto Llama offers brake inspections, pad and rotor replacement, caliper replacement and other common brake services at suitable homes and workplace locations. The company also provides selected mechanical repairs, auto glass services and fleet repair and maintenance for business vehicles.
Northern Kentucky drivers can explore those services or request an estimate at The Auto Llama’s website. Customers can also call or text 859-380-6846 with their vehicle details, location and service needs.
