The Muffler Shoppe
1141 South Treadaway
The Muffler Shoppe is a family business owned and operated by Karen and Terry St. Pierre. This year the company is celebrating its 25th anniversary. One reason is Terry's insistence: "I will not sell the customer something they don't need." The company's customers respond to this type of treatment. One customer letter said: "Just a quick note to let you know how much I enjoyed doing business with y'all.
Being one of the managers of a major department store, I know how important good customer service is." Another customer wrote: "It truly renews one's faith in his fellow man to run into someone such as you that goes to such extreme lengths for a total stranger."
The Muffler Shoppe's ethical conduct extends to their suppliers. One supplier wrote: "We have had the privilege of supplying Terry St. Pierre for 19 years… He is a good business manager and pays on time." Terry leads his employees by example. "I treat them as I would want to be treated. I don't ask them to do something I wouldn't do myself. I try to make work enjoyable."
Terry St. Pierre is involved in many community projects. He is the past President of the Chili Superbowl for three years. He is currently serving as the Vice President of the Automotive Service Providers of Texas, an organization that promotes high standards of service and honesty in the auto repair industry.
Beal Appliance
2009 Industrial
Beal Appliance is a two-generation family owned business that started 31 years ago with Sylvia Beal selling appliance parts. Six months later in a leap faith characteristic of business people, Freddie Beal, quit his job and invested his young family's savings in eight Hotpoint appliances, and as they say the rest is history.
From the beginning the company's policy has been to treat the customer as they would like to be treated. "A happy customer is a repeat customer and the best form of advertising."
Ethical, honest treatment of customers extends to the company's employees as well. In 1971, Beal Appliance moved to 1017 Butternut, and the first employee was hired who worked for the company 24 years until retirement. Today the company employs 15-full time and 2-part time employees. One customer wrote: "In today's impersonal world, it has been a pleasure shopping in your store with two very knowledgeable sales people…"
The mission statement of Beal Appliance sums up the company's ethical philosophy "Offer the best product, with the best service, at the best price for the best value. Our commitment is to build a fair and honest business in the community with integrity and respect."