Car Care Center

In 1969, Car Care Center began as a small auto service center on Fulton Avenue, Sacramento. In 1974 Bill Cardwell, a Master Technician with dealer service management experience and a passion for motor sports, came to Car Care Center as shop foreman. In 1983 Bill began buying out the retiring founders of the company, but before the buy-out could be completed, Bill was in a car accident in 1986 and was hospitalized in a body cast for several months. Lynne left her career to keep the buy-out alive and ran the company with their young son Duke Cardwell who brought to the party his own love for cars and people. Business was slow, undercapitalized, and the Cardwells had used all their reserves during Bill’s lengthy hospitalization. So they prayed, worked long hours, and got creative. Together, family and friends scrubbed and painted to bring a clean professional image. Framed licenses and certificates were displayed, soft lighting, music and gourmet coffees added comfort to the waiting area. Lynne regained lost accounts, began a retention program, hired techs, and developed marketing strategies. Duke brought a fresh friendly approach to customer service, and when Bill returned to work, he supervised the jobs and quality control in the shop. Growth was immediate. Bill and Duke are definitely the 'car guys' since Lynne’s business background is law, not auto repair. But Lynne says this helps her to keep thinking like a customer. Bill asked Lynne to stay on as CEO because it was more fun that way. As a family, the Cardwells follow the Bible in their company policies, reflected in their motto, “Finally, auto repair people you can trust”--a safe place for people and their cars. Duke Cardwell hosted the popular radio talk show, “Duke’s Garage”, featuring guest experts, racing news, and on-air repair advice. Multiple industry and educational awards have acknowledged the Car Care Center family’s efforts to make a difference in a tough industry and in their community.