Bill Jacobs Chevrolet in Joliet, IL - Auto Technician of 44 Years Fondly Says Goodbye

Oct. 3, 2011 - PRLog -- JOLIET, ILLINOIS – To say quite a few things have changed in the last 44 years would be an understatement. And in his 44 years at Bill Jacobs Chevrolet Joliet, Auto Service Technician Doug Smith, as he retires Oct. 12, has witnessed more than his share of changes.
To start with, gone are the terms “Grease Monkey” and “Auto Mechanic,” now replaced with  “Auto Technician.” More than a mere name change, these terms have come to not only define, reflect and concede something much more far-reaching--our ever-evolving, computer-driven society, but, bid a fond farewell to the lost art of fixing a car with simple tools in our own garage.
The way vehicles are manufactured is constantly evolving, Smith and Bill Jacobs Joliet General Manager Brad Wise acknowledge. ”Cars are a lot more sophisticated these days,” says Wise. Smith adds, even if people who used to fix their own vehicles want to now, “a lot of times they can’t afford the equipment. (Technicians) have to have knowledge, with computers and wiring--Our guys are in class constantly,” training and learning. Replacing a part also means programming it as well, he says.
An anomaly in today’s workplace, Smith has spent his entire career with just one employer, Bill Jacobs. “I never wanted to look anywhere else,” Smith admits. “Even in trying economic times,” Bill Jacobs has always “made their employees feel secure.”
At Bill Jacobs dealerships, it is not unusual for employees to stay 20, 30 or more years, Wise says. “We have a lot of people who have been here a long time.” He and Smith attribute employee longevity to an employee centered environment. Wise says high turnover equals higher costs for the dealership for training and in potentially lost customers.
Smith has enjoyed his stay so much at Bill Jacobs, three generations of his family have worked for the dealership, including his son (Parts), and grandson, who works in the Detailing Department.
He says, “It’s a unique bunch of people here. They’re all special to me.” General Manager Wise and Smith credit a team-oriented environment. “From the owner to the porter, they come over and help you,” Smith says.
Wise has worked for Bill Jacobs for 23 years. He has witnessed changes at the dealership also.  “We’ve expanded our commercial (large delivery) truck service area,” he says, noting that many service dealers cannot accommodate these larger vehicles. Bill Jacobs is also expanding its Parts and Body Shop.
Wise says, “There’s no barrier between Parts, Service and Sales. Doug’s a friendly person…very social. I would always seek him out to get some nostalgic information about (the late founder) Bill Jacobs Sr.”
Smith was hired by the senior Jacobs. Bill Jacobs Jr. now owns the dealerships. Smith says, “Mr. Jacobs Sr. was very employee-oriented. He was like a second father to me…He always had time to check on his employees.” Smith recalls a time when Jacobs Sr. called him into his office and closed the door. Scared he was in trouble, Smith muses Jacobs merely wanted to inquire about Smith’s wife’s health after she had suffered a bout of the flu a couple of months prior.
That caring attitude towards employees prevails today, according to both men, as auto techs clamor to limited open apprenticeship opportunities at Bill Jacobs. Many employees tend to stay once they realize “how (well) things are run. There are no unimportant people at Bill Jacobs,” Smith says. Brad Wise ponders, “He (Smith) appreciates that he was lucky enough to be invited into our organization. And we feel lucky to have him. It goes both ways…”
Smith’s last day at the dealership is Oct. 12, claiming that date because he started on Oct. 12, 1967. He and his wife Bonnie have two children and four grandchildren. Smith says he doesn’t plan on fixing any more cars after retiring; he won’t have time. “I’m sure I have a long ‘honey-do’ list at home,” he laughs.
For more information about the Bill Jacobs dealerships, new or used vehicles, Service or other departments, customers can contact them at 800-696-9129, or online at BillJacobsJoliet.com.