When Ronnie Falkner noticed his customer base was becoming more women and businessmen, he started to reevaluate his store design.
“A lot of ladies and businessmen like to have a clean and nice shop. Looking around I could see I needed some improvements,” he says.
The owner of Hill County Radiator in Hillsboro, Texas, had already started planning his renovation when he teamed up with his Hunter Engineering sales rep Tim Prater.
While Falkner’s shop features several buildings, he chose to look at redesigning his customer waiting area, lube bays, and an outdoor space.
Prater, using the EC Design software, helped bring Falkner’s plans to life. Having a 3-D rendering of the building helped Falkner visualize the proposed renovation, he shares.
Falkner hopes to make his renovation dreams become a reality this fall or next. He is currently working with a contractor on a building plan.
1-To provide privacy for nursing mothers the dealership added seating in the women’s restroom.
2- Hill County Radiator plans on doing away with the traditional service counter. Service stations provide a more customer-friendly interaction, Falkner says.
3-Falkner noticed that it is not uncommon for families to bring several children into the shop at once. He decided to add a children’s play area to help entertain these kids while the family vehicle is being serviced. A glass window allows parents to watch their children without having to sit inside the playroom. The shop is also thinking about adding an outdoor playground for children as well, Falkner says.
4-Large windows looking into the service area allow customers to see their vehicle being serviced.
5-Outside the shop, Hill County Radiator is adding a covered awning workspace. The space not only keeps customers dry as they enter the shop, but allows the technicians to more efficiently service vehicles. Hunter’s Quick Check system helps the dealership evaluate a vehicle’s brakes, tires and alignment. This saves time on performing state inspections, Falkner shares.
For more design photos, click here.