Ackerman's Turns Twenty

Ackerman'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 Ackerman's customers. They come from miles around to Bruce's cheery San Pablo Avenue shop, driving Volvos of all vintages: from sparkling-new SUVs still under warrantee, to '80s wagons that are still safely on the road at the 300,000 mile mark. (Bruce's personal collection includes a 1962 P1800 Volvo racecar .)

The mission of Ackerman's is to promote safety and the environment by providing excellent Volvo repair and maintenance services in a setting that benefits customers, employees, and the community.

On 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 are a great team: three highly-skilled and experienced mechanics who love to help customers keep their Volvos running smooth and safe.

While Eric and Adam work on the cars, Bruce is up in front welcoming customers, scheduling appointments, discussing options, making recommendations, and answering questions. Adrian , the shop assistant, assists Bruce at the front desk, gives customers rides, works on marketing projects, and keeps the shop and front area clean. The customer area features an exotic fish tank, Peets 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 commitment to giving customers a pleasant experience.

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:

SAFETY
Purchasing a Volvo expresses a commitment to safety on the road, and so does becoming an Ackerman's customer. Ackerman's uses only top-quality tools, parts and equipment, and does everything possible to help customers stick to their preventative maintenance schedules. As Kim Moriwaki of El Cerrito says, "When I drive away from Ackerman's after a scheduled service, I think what a great car this is!' I like how well Bruce and the staff keep our Volvo running ."

HONESTY
Ask 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 felt 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 shadetree," Charles comments, "and 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 knowing that you don't have to worry about being scammed. Customer Larry Hanover, a Contra Costa County psychologist, explains, "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 (and professor of urban studies/environmental studies, and West Berkeley resident) Raquel Pinderhughes, "but Bruce is an environmental role model who shows that shops can take proactive measures to be good neighbors." In 1997, Ackerman's became the first certified Green auto repair facility in Berkeley. In 1999, Bruce began donating 5% of each customer's bill to the school or community group of his or her choice. 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, Raquel speaks for Ackerman's socially-aware customers when she says, "What I really like about Bruce is that he as an individual and his shop as an extension of himself really complement all the values that I think are important: equity, diversity, caring, family-friendliness and environmental consciousness."

For more information about Ackerman's, to schedule an appointment, or to request a copy of our semi-annual newsletter, please email us or call 510. 549.9330. Thank you, and enjoy the ride!