Originally from
Arkansas, Tracy graduated from Hendrix College with a degree in Business and Economics
followed by attending the University of Central Arkansas where he graduated
with an MBA. After graduating, he moved to Phoenix in 1993 to take a job with
FHP Healthcare, later purchased by PacifiCare Health Systems and finally by
United Healthcare. He stayed there for 17 years, eventually becoming the
director of the provider contract loading department managing 150-plus
employees. His wife, Kristin, originally
from Pennsylvania, graduated with a degree in psychology from Hendrix College
in Arkansas and later went on to get her Elementary Education Teacher
Certificate and Masters in Education. She currently runs an in-home
pre-school.
How did you learn
about the brand?
After working for United Healthcare I was looking for new
opportunities and I met with a franchise consultant. I looked at a number of
different concepts ranging from temporary agencies to senior care but working in the auto
industry really fascinated me.
Why did you choose
an opportunity with Honest-1?
We ended up choosing Honest-1 for a number of reasons.
Coming from the healthcare industry I had a deep root in service and helping
people; Honest-1’s system and their eco-friendly approach to the industry was
very intriguing. The most important thing we liked about this model is the
relationship building and the fact that we have a physical location so we can
be a focal point in the community.
What makes your
business unique in the community?
The reality is that we stick to our morals and we’re
always honest whether the situation is good or bad. We strive to be open and honest with our
customers so they are never surprised. We help our customers make a plan so
they are prepared for any issues with their vehicles. Respect in this industry for the customer and
their car is important to us. In order to build long standing relationships
with our customers we seek to earn that respect through everything we do.
Are you involved
with any charities or do any community outreach with your business?
We feel very strongly that giving back to our community
is not an option but a responsibility. Personally, I enjoy being a part of Cub
Scouts with my boys. I am the treasurer of our local Cub Scout pack and
Pinewood Derby Committee Leader. Unofficially, we’ve partnered with several
community organizations with several donation drives including Arizona Helping
Hands, Packages From Home and the Susan G. Komen Foundation and like being
active with them. We also do a pretty
prominent pajama and children’s book drive through the Pajama Program and have
given away discounts to veterans for Memorial Day in the past.
What challenges
have you overcome to get where you are now?
One of the greatest advantages of purchasing the shop was
that I came in with some really great employees and recently have had added to
that; to us the most important thing is having the right people doing the right
things so that we can continue to build relationships with our customers.
What are your
expansion or development plans? What is your end goal with Honest1?
I have plans to open another shop by 2014 and our end
goal is to be the go-to auto care solution in the community.
Do you have any
other interesting hobbies or passions?
My wife, Kristin, and I have four children and our family
is our true passion.
