Ackerman's Turns Twenty SixVolvo-Only Repair shop, Berkeley CA since 1983Ackerman's, a Volvo-only repair shop in Berkeley, CA, was founded in 1983 by Bruce Ackerman, a Volvo enthusiast who has been working on cars since before he was old enough to get a driver's license. In the two decades since, hundreds of Bay Area Volvo drivers have become loyal customers. They come from miles around to Bruce's welcoming San Pablo Avenue shop, driving Volvos of all vintages: from sparkling-new SUVs still under warranty, to '80s wagons that are still road safe at the 300,000 mile mark. (Bruce's personal collection of Volvos includes a 1962 P1800 race car.) This is one VERY clean shop!
School Donations, Green Business Practices, Community involvementAckerman's mission is to promote car safety and reliability, by providing excellent Volvo repair and maintenance in a shop committed to green business practices. In addition Ackerman’s sustained commitment to the community includes donating a portion of his income to schools, participating in school auctions, and showcasing artistic and social endeavors that enhance the East Bay. Master Technicians, Environmentally responsible equipmentOn a typical day at Ackerman's, you'll find master ASE-certified technicians Adam and Eric in the shop, skillfully employing the most up-to-date and environmentally-responsible equipment available. Eric (hired 1993), Adam (hired 1995), and Bruce form a great team: three highly-skilled and experienced mechanics devoted to keeping customers vehicles running hitch free. Shuttle Rides, Peets Coffee, Biscotti, art, orchids -- service and comfortWhile Eric and Adam work on cars, Bruce is up in front welcoming customers, scheduling appointments, discussing repair options, making recommendations, and answering questions. Ingrid, the shop assistant, assists Bruce at the front desk, gives customers rides in the shuttle, works on marketing projects, and keeps the shop and front area clean. The lobby features an exotic fish tank, Peet’s coffee, biscotti, potted orchids, framed photographs, and a wide range of current magazines. These creative and comforting touches reflect Bruce's personal interests as well as his genuine hospitality aimed at giving customers a pleasant experience at the shop. Bruce's customers come from all walks of life, but when they talk about why they bring their Volvos to Ackerman's, certain themes come up over and over again: EXPERTISEBruce hires and retains the best mechanics around. “Best of all is the excellent service from the technical team,” says long-time customer Cynthia Bonta. “When I found out that Bruce raced a Volvo, I felt even better about my decision to go with Ackerman’s because I realized he knew Volvos inside and out, and would have very high standards when hiring mechanics.” Even ASE-Certified Master Technician Adam Anderson attests to the fact that his technical skills and those of fellow ASE-Certified Master Technician Eric Bjorklund’s dovetail seamlessly. “We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Together there is no problem that Eric and I can’t solve. I like the challenge of diagnostics and electrical, and Eric has no problem tearing the car down to nothing. Nothing scares Eric. He’s the best mechanic I’ve ever seen in my life and I’ve met lots of them.” INTEGRITY-- What our customers love about ackermansAsk Bruce's customers what's special about coming to Ackerman's, and they're likely to mention the trust factor. For example, El Cerrito's Aarin Harris reflects, "I feel safe dealing with someone I know and trust. A lot of women feel like they have a hard time getting honesty from a mechanic, but Bruce is honest and he tries to do the right thing." On the opposite end of the spectrum from "hands-off" customers like Aarin are Volvo drivers like Charles L. Robinson of Berkeley, who knows how to work on his own car and enjoys discussing mechanical concerns with Adam, Eric and Bruce. "I've done plenty of shade tree, Charles comments. "I still like to work on my car from time to time. But I bring our Volvos to Bruce because I know I can trust him and the guys he hires." VALUE“One of the benefits of going to a mechanic you can trust is the knowledge that you don't have to worry about being scammed, explains customer Larry Hanover, a Contra Costa County psychologist. "Bruce's prices are fair and he explains things clearly. If you compare Ackerman's to another shop, the prices may be about the same, but the trust level is a lot higher at Ackerman's." COMMUNITY"Many automotive businesses are seen as undesirable neighbors," observes customer Raquel Pinderhughes, a West Berkeley resident who is also a professor of urban studies/environmental studies. "Bruce is an environmental role model who shows that shops can take proactive measures to be good neighbors," noted Pinderhughes. In 1997, Ackerman's became the first certified Green auto repair facility in Berkeley. To further show his loyalty to the community, Bruce began donating 5% of each customer's repair charges to schools or community groups upon customer request. In its first four years, this program put over $20,000 back into the community, and current donations are well over $750 per month. Again, Pinderhuges speaks for Ackerman's socially-aware customers when she says, "What I really like about Bruce is that he as an ethical individual whose business practices are an extension of his beliefs. Also, we are on the same page as far as what’s important is concerned: equity, diversity, caring, family-friendliness, and environmental consciousness."
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Ackerman's offers Shuttle ServiceIngrid takes you
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Or make faces at the fish while you relax!