"Open for Business"
The Story of RPM Automotive

The sixth store opened in as many years, and now there is work being done for the next store’s grand opening. As the brainchild of Colley Stowell, its primary owner, this “car company with integrity” has captured the attention of both venture capitalists and franchise developers. In business for himself for the past 30 years, Colley now has a business model that truly fits an opening. That opening is between the local family owned auto repair shop, known for its plain honest dealings, where Bob and Bob Jr. fix your car and who of course can be trusted “cause they wouldn’t lie, cheat or steal”; and the other end of the spectrum with the dealerships, where there is an obvious advantage in technology, atmosphere and ambiance.  RPM Automotive is nicely positioned in the middle and open for business.

As a business man, Colley has cultivated an open heart toward God. He believes that “everything we do in life should be part of our mission statement.” Therefore he considers the concept of “workplace ministry” a modern cliché. However he is hardly anachronistic in the workplace and his openness has led him to develop some of the very policies that have made RPM so successful. He and his partners offer sweat equity to employees who demonstrate the right heart. Five to fifteen percent goes a long way in developing a sense of ownership for a great employee. Currently RPM is open for business only on weekdays. Two more days a week might get 22% more production, but that’s just not going to happen. Furthermore, unlike other franchise shops, ticket averages don’t determine the way they do business. They make their recommendations based on what the customers need, and not some arbitrary sales goal. And in this industry, that engenders peace of mind.

Having an open mind to input from others has been a lifelong practice for Colley. One offering of this trait, a morning meeting of accountability with some six other men, has been part of his life for nearly 16 years. More than once he has heard “Colley, you’re an idiot. You’re fooling yourself.” He has always recognized the need to have committed men speak into his life. Some are chosen who have business experience, some with marriage, and some with raising children. You might call them his personal ‘board of directors’. An open door policy is also part of the workplace. Employees know that the Colley’s door is open, literally. Because of this openness, he has had the opportunity to lead some of his own employees to the Lord. And heaven opens its doors as well.

When asked what the future holds for RPM Automotive, Colley smiles and says “we are just praying about it.” Believing he has received instruction from the Lord to keep his hand open, God is free to put in or take out.  Colley closes with a blend of astonishment and sincerity, “In my business, who would have ever thought that honesty and integrity and cleanliness would ever be a competitive edge? But it is. People are looking for these things in every aspect of life”. And with a gleam in his eye and an open stance, he nods in the direction of more blueprints….to open yet another store.

About Our Author...
Tom and Roxie McLeod are Director of Member Care for Calvary International. They are enriching that role, which has been primarily pastoral in purpose, to include the development a Crisis Management System for all 170 of their field missionaries working and impacting over 50 countries worldwide. Tom and Roxie love their involvement in elevating all of the First Coast’s awareness to Calvary’s more than a quarter of a century of service, headquartered in Jacksonville. Calvary International, helping the body of Christ reap a global harvest.