In this episode of Take 5 with Tracie, presented by Community Impact, I sat down with Kelly Sullivan McGriff of Sullivan's Truck, Auto & Collision to celebrate a major milestone — 40 years of serving our community — and to dig into what makes this family-owned collision and auto shop stand out. Kelly’s passion for people and for doing right by customers shines through, and I wanted to share the highlights here for anyone who prefers reading to watching.

Who Sullivan's Truck, Auto & Collision Is

Sullivan's isn't just a body shop. As Kelly put it, "We're in the business of people. We just happen to fix cars." That people-first mindset guides everything they do — from how they write estimates to the hospitality you receive at the front desk.

For 40 years, Sullivan's has prioritized:

• Transparent, fair estimates
• Competitive pricing
• Acting as an advocate for the customer when working with insurance companies

Busting Two Big Myths About Body Shops

Kelly wanted to clear up two misconceptions that often leave customers uncertain after an accident.

Myth 1 — Body shops work for insurance companies

Many consumers assume body shops are on the insurer’s side. Sullivan's philosophy is different: they work for the customer. When an adjuster suggests shortcuts or parts that won’t properly repair the vehicle, Sullivan's goes to bat for what the vehicle truly needs — not what’s easiest for the adjuster to approve.

"We work for you — we work for the customer."

Myth 2 — The insurance company can tell you where to take your car

This one’s important: in Texas, you have the right to choose where your vehicle is repaired. Insurance companies may try to steer you to certain shops, but steering is illegal. Kelly emphasized educating customers so they know they can take their vehicle to any repair facility they choose after an accident.

Our Promise: Community, Trust, and Quality

After four decades, Sullivan's hasn't forgotten what built their reputation — investing back into the community and protecting their customers' investments. Kelly shared that much of their success comes from giving back to local schools, nonprofits, and churches. That community commitment is paired with a promise to deliver repairs and service you can trust.

Because a vehicle is often someone's second-largest investment after their home, Sullivan’s focuses on:

• Quality repairs you can depend on
• Systems and consistency that remove guesswork
• Exceptional hospitality from check-in to pickup

How Sullivan's Has Thrived for 40 Years

Running a business for four decades takes more than luck — it takes intentional systems and consistent standards. Kelly shared several concrete reasons Sullivan's has lasted and grown, including being family-owned with multiple generations involved, and a clear tagline they live by: "We go the extra mile to make you smile."

What that looks like in practice:

1. Well-defined customer processes at every touchpoint so expectations are clear.
2. Highly skilled technicians and clean, organized shop spaces.
3. Putting the customer's best interest first when dealing with insurance adjusters.

Final Thoughts and How to Connect

It was a pleasure to highlight a hometown business that truly values people and community. If you're in need of collision, truck, or auto services and want a shop that advocates for you — or if you simply want to support a local, multi-generational family business — Sullivan's Truck, Auto & Collision is worth considering.

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Until next time, keep adding value and making a difference.

— Tracie Kamenoff