They offer valuable education
By Bonny Osterhage
You’re a woman alone, driving down the highway, when suddenly your tire blows. Would you know what to do? How about if you suddenly see smoke rising from under your hood? Would you know the cause of it, or would you have to rely on an auto technician who may — or may not — be taking you for the proverbial ride?
When it comes to cars, most women (and even several men) have come to rely so heavily on computerized systems that few of us would know what to do in case of an emergency. Nor would we be able to tell when a mechanic was making unnecessary and costly recommendations for repairs.
“Our industry has a few bad apples that ruin the perception of this business,” says Darla Pundt, who, together with her husband, Gary, owns and operates Alamo Heights Garage. This family business boasts 55 years under its hood and strives not only to repair and maintain vehicles, but also to educate vehicle owners, especially women.
“It is important for women to know more about their cars and make educated and informed decisions,” explains Darla. That is why Alamo Heights Garage offers twice yearly women’s auto classes. Participants can view an informative slideshow from AC Delco, and then it’s off to the garage for an up-close look under the hood. Women of all ages and from all walks of life have attended the classes. From members of the San Antonio Charity League to high school students, what they have in common is the desire to feel more confident behind the wheel.
“This class offers a thorough and basic understanding of a vehicle and how it works,” says Darla, who adds that the classes are open to anyone, not just women. “There is not a lot of technical jargon.”
These classes are a prime example of the Pundts’ commitment to going above and beyond for their customers. It is a commitment that was established with the original owners, John and Lee Pundt, whose reputation for honesty and integrity has resulted in generations of devoted customers who wouldn’t dream of trusting their vehicles to anyone else.
“We try to explain to the customer everything that we are doing to his or her vehicle,” says Gary, who has been known to text photos to customers of the work that is being done, or that needs to be done. “It establishes trust,” he says. “Explaining and visually showing the customer what you are doing removes any suspicion and helps the customer understand the procedure more clearly.”
Gary, who got his start in the family business by sweeping floors, took over the daily responsibilities when his father passed away in 1986. He and his mother continued to run the business until her retirement in 1997, at which point Darla stepped in to work side by side with her husband. Together, the Pundts strive to maintain the level of excellence set forth by the elder Pundts. Both Gary and Darla are active in the Texas Independent Auto Association, with Gary serving as president of the San Antonio Alamo chapter from 1991 to 1994, as well as serving two terms as president at the state level. Additionally, the couple have held numerous positions on several auto boards, and Gary has assisted in strengthening the curriculum for up-and-coming technicians at his alma mater, St. Philip’s College. Helping to produce a generation of technicians that are properly trained and skilled is something that the ASE Certified Master Technician is passionate about.
“This is a difficult business to stay in from a technical side,” he says, adding that it is mandatory for his employees to attend continuing education classes. “Vehicles change yearly, and it is too easy to fall behind.”
The Pundts have also enjoyed a long and active relationship with the Alamo Heights Chamber of Commerce. In fact, it was Gary and his father who were responsible for the hanging, testing and storing of the thousands of Christmas lights that grace Broadway during the holiday season. “My dad started that tradition, and he started dragging me out of bed to help when I was 17,” laughs this father of three boys.
While he may not have realized it then, Gary was learning what it means to go above and beyond for customers and the community. He continues to practice and uphold his parents’ successful business model of offering a fair price for good service and then standing behind it. It is how he has retained the devoted long-term customers of Alamo Heights Garage and built a following of new customers who appreciate his straightforward and personal approach to customer service.
“You should know your mechanic,” Gary Pundt says, recalling how customers still regale him with stories of doing business with his father. “It’s like finding a physician you trust. When you find one you love, you stay with him.”
