Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1506076
59 B U S I N E S S P RO F I L E S especially through classroom learning, hands-on training, and industry certification – which VIP provides to all its team members at no cost. VIP's career path programs are evidence that careers in the trades are changing families and communities for the better. Transparency is one of the company's core values. VIP Service Advisors will show customers under their vehicle so they can see for themselves the things that the technicians see. VIP wants cus- tomers to feel knowledgeable and empowered to make the best decisions about their service – putting the customer in total control. In addition to the services that VIP provides, the company also offers a wide range of warranties that give customers peace of mind regarding the investments they make into their vehicle. Especially in today's economy, people need to think through their daily spending, and VIP makes that process easier by working with customers to make the best possible investments. at means talking to customers, listening to their concerns, educating them about their vehicle, and helping customers prioritize. rough collaboration and cooperation, VIP helps solve problems for its customers every day. Saving money is important. In an inflationary economy, every dollar counts. VIP ensures the lowest tire prices available and backs that up with a 200% lowest tire price guarantee. ey also provide exceptional service, including many free services – from tire safety and brake inspections to alignment checks. Just because VIP is a for-profit company doesn't mean that it's in the business of nickel-and-diming customers; it is in the business of earning customers' trust, even if it happens to be free-of-charge. From tuning up a car to properly inflating tires and oil changes, it's clear that a well-maintained, tuned-up vehicle is a much more efficient and cost-effective machine. Affordability and Convenience Consumers are always looking for affordability and convenience. Whatever the outcome, whether it's service or a new set of tires, customers want the process to be hassle-free. People don't want barriers and roadblocks; they want smooth sailing. To that end, accessibility is everything – being "there" means having locations pretty much everywhere. And that is certainly true for VIP. While the company is based in Auburn, Maine, VIP operates almost 70 locations in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. For example, VIP opened a new location in Seabrook, N.H. last year, making sure that people in Southern New Hampshire have every bit as much access to auto service and tires as everyone else in New England. More recently, VIP acquired a business in Marshfield, Mass., expanding their Massachusetts footprint south to the Cape. Again, VIP's mission is to earn automotive customers for life. at does not begin with a sale. It begins with building a relationship and earning the customer's trust. ey want to be there for the life of the vehicle, not just one sale. Earning lifelong customers comes down to earning their trust, and people trust companies that go above and beyond. e bottom line obviously matters, but there's much, much more to business than the financials. It is one of VIP's guiding principles: To do right by others and the broader commu- nity. With people's trust, companies like VIP have a responsibility to make the world a better place, leveraging its time and money to engage in philanthropic endeavors. Philanthropy matters. Under John Quirk's leadership, VIP has become the largest corporate partner for Make-A-Wish® Maine, donating more than $1 million to grant wishes for children facing life-threatening medical conditions across New England. e company also sup- ports hundreds of local community organizations, partnering with any VIP team member who wishes to get involved in their community. e company also contributes to a clean and green environment by recycling many auto parts, used antifreeze, motor oil, and other fluids free of charge. Education is another one of VIP's top priorities. Increasing access to learning opportunities requires action. VIP actively promotes education and training opportunities for all its employees. In addi- tion to advocating for the trades, VIP is also known for directly helping students learn new skills and expand their horizons. After a new location opens, for instance, VIP offer $10 oil changes for its first six weeks in operation, with 100% of those proceeds donated to local schools through VIP's "Oil Changes for Education" initiative. VIP Tires & Service has achieved many goals over the years, but the company can still accomplish so much more. Inspired by its long, illustrious history, the VIP team continues to look forward to a future that's never been brighter. e best days for VIP – and its customers –lie ahead. l VIP Tires & Service 24 Harriman Drive Auburn, ME 04210 (207) 784-5423 Sector: Automotive Tires & Service John Quirk, Owner and Executive Chairman Tim Winkeler, President and CEO Locations: 70 throughout Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont Employees: Over 600 company- wide, 346 in Maine www.vipauto.com S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T B U S I N E S S P R O F I L E P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F V I P T I R E S & S E R V I C E P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F V I P T I R E S & S E R V I C E Below right: VIP Service Managers who received 2022 Compliance and Safety awards for their stores Below left: President & CEO Tim Winkeler leads discussion at a VIP Leadership training session.