Today we’d like to introduce you to Su Lam.
Su, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My father, Kap Yol Shin, started this business as a South Korean immigrant in 1987. He came to America with $900 in his pocket with only one goal: to provide for his wife and (at the time) three little girls. Kap started with a 2 car garage as a one man show, doing all his body and mechanical work. As his business grew, Kap had to figure out a succession plan. Since none of my sisters wanted to take over the family business, and my little brother was too young to even consider, I promised my father that I would take over.
Ever since I was in high school, taking over the shop was always the plan. After receiving my bachelors in business, and studying Automotive Technology afterwards, I received ASE Certifications and I-CAR Certifications, the most recognized in the industry.
As a woman in a predominately male industry, it took a lot of hard work, knowledge and experience to be able to get to where I am today. There was a lot to prove not only to the sizable Korean community that my father had nurtured for over 20 years, but also to the customers who would walk through the door expecting a male estimator or to speak with a male regarding “car repair.” With a little humor, a lot of understanding, and even more patience I’ve stuck around long enough to make this story a notable one for our books.
What started out with one man’s dream to provide for his family in a small 2-car bay has now grown to a 30,000 sq. ft. facility servicing all kinds of vehicles, ranging from everyday cars to Maseratis, Lamborghinis, and Aston Martins.
Has it been a smooth road?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. In 1991, a fire ignited by our neighbors building broke out and caught fire to our building causing extensive damage to our property, equipment, and all of our clients vehicles trapped inside. No one was injured, but it was devastating nonetheless. With the support of all of our vendors, clients and employees, some remarkable things happened.
1) All of our vendors floated our debt for the months we were rebuilding, without a single problem
2) All off our employees were temporarily employed at a friend’s shop during the rebuilding process, in which ALL of them chose to come back to work for us (2 of whom is still with the company today)
3) All of our clients vehicles were damaged inside the building, NONE of them filed a claim with our insurance company. They all were able to file claims through their own insurance in support for our loss.
After overcoming this obstacle, we moved to a 3rd location to rebuild and start again. This time, North Side Preparatory School took the whole city block through Eminent Domain, which forced us to move yet again.
However, we are in our 4th and final location which we can NOW call our home.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Royal Automotive story. Tell us more about the business.
We are Royal Automotive LLC. We provide the ultimate automotive repair experience. We specialize in Automotive BODY and MECHANICAL repair. We are known for our excellent customer service, high quality repairs and our honest prices. We are known for our down-to-earth best customer service. No matter what kind of vehicle you drive, we don’t discriminate, because at the end of the day, we are only here to help.
We are proud of being in business for 30 years (this year marks our 30th!) We are proud of employing genuinely good people, who love what they do and have a passion for cars. We are proud of being an honest business that serves the community with the highest regard.
What sets us apart is not that we are extraordinary by any means. We just do ordinary things, extraordinarily well.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
We have great plans for our business. The industry is moving fast with technology. In 5-10 years, it will be shops like us that do all the estimating for insurance companies. No more adjusters, no more waiting. Just processing claims and get your car back on the road.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5675 N. Elston Ave
Chicago, IL 60646 - Website: www.RoyalAutomotiveChicago.com
- Phone: 773-467-1150
- Email: su@RoyalAutomotiveChicago.com
- Instagram: RoyalAutomotiveChicago
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Royal-Automotive-103100476412035/?pnref=lhc
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/royal-automotive-chicago-2
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