Is Your Car Sick? See The Doctor For No-Hassle Auto Care.
Business Spotlight: The Car Doctor
Written by Patti Jo Brooks | Photos by Laurel Bice
Is your car sick? Or maybe just under the weather? Visit The Car Doctor on Northeast Polk Station Road for a complete check up. The Car Doctor’s state-of-the-art diagnostics, and specialized technicians, team up to cure and maintain your vehicle’s overall health and well-being.
Rick Young, owner of The Car Doctor, “Polk County’s Source for Complete Automotive Repair,” started in the auto business at age 19 washing cars at the Ford dealership in Medford. He attended college on Ford’s behalf, graduating in 2001 with an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science and Automotive Technology. He then began working at the Ford Service Department in Dallas for several years before starting his own car repair business from his gravel driveway in April 2007. Moving locations twice to better serve the growing needs of the community, Rick came full circle, landing back at the old Ford dealership location where he got his start.
The Car Doctor (a nickname bestowed by Rick’s nurse-friend) is a specialized shop that has “really dialed it in,” where each person has a specialty. “Instead of having everybody do everything, we’ve broken it down to 3 different specialty areas,” Rick explains. A Drivability/Electronics specialist; 3 Line-techs, good-naturedly called “the fixers,” as they’re “the ones out there fixing the cars;” and a Maintenance specialist, responsible for all fluids, oil changes, transmission services, and more. Techs regularly complete continued education, staying up-to-date on training and the ever-improving technology in vehicles. Completing the team are Service Advisors/Customer Relations specialists, and the Parts Manager, who provides the “best quality parts” at the most reasonable price. Services include digital vehicle inspections and health reports complete with digital photos—aka “Show and Tell.” Work is backed by a Nationwide 2 year warranty. Free loaner cars and shuttle services are available to customers as needed.
Celebrating 15+ years of business, Rick admits to still developing company culture. “We’re just a big family that spends 5 days a week together.” Thursdays, the “family” is treated to a free lunch from different local restaurants each week, “so that we’re giving back to the community,” Rick says. He also gives back to the community through donations, fundraisers, and sponsorships to local organizations, churches, and schools. For Dallas HS Seniors Night, The Car Doctor gives away 2 certificates for service to ensure a “safe and reliable journey off to college.” Rick is a board member of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) for foster children, and his wife is an Advocate. He’s also donated cars to women in need through CASA and Titus House.
Lastly, there’s Gnomey, The Car Doctor’s Public Relations guy. A hit with the kids, you’ll find him poised out front between the plants. “Oh, I see you’re hanging with my Gnomey,” Rick says warmly to his future clients.
The Car Doctor is located at 201 NE Polk Station Rd., Dallas. Give them a ring at (503) 623-8570, or visit their website, cardoctordallas.com.
