2002 Torch Award Winners

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Pittman's Garage
1442 Poplar

Pittman's Garage is a family business owned and operated by Gail and Robert Pittman. Next year will mark the company's 20th year serving customers in Abilene. Their Mission Statement sums up their customer service philosophy: "To serve all individuals with respect and at all times on a personal basis in such a way that these persons might call us friend and be able to say that we did well by them."
 
Photo of Mr. & Mrs. Robert Pittman
The embodiment of this mission is very apparent in Pittman's customers. "What can we say about the service you provided us! You guys were the greatest…. You saved our vacation."
The company's high ethical standards became apparent from the customer that nominated them. His car was diagnosed as needing an oil pump, an $800 repair. The customer sought a second opinion from Robert Pittman, who discovered there was only a minor problem and repairs would cost under $100. Ethical, fair treatment teamed with great service is a potent mixture that results in customer comments like this post card sent in 1998. "Car doing great. Used no oil from Abilene to Pendleton, Oregon… Quincy Ensley, 64 Falcon."

Pittman's Garage has grown over the years largely on the recommendations of their many faithful customers. The company is well regarded within the automotive industry. One of their competitors had this to say: "Robert and his wife Gail apply old time standards in today's world. They pay bills on time, treat customers like family and uphold high standards of honesty with everyone they serve."

TeleCom Unlimited
2094 Industrial Blvd.
 
TeleCom Unlimited is a technology company that specializes in the sale, installation and support of telephone and data communication systems. Professional Engineer John Brogan, who has 20+ years experience in telecommunications and data networking, heads the company.
 
Owners TeleCom Unlimited
TeleCom Unlimited has experienced some significant growth in recent years and has earned a reputation for customer service. The person who nominated the company said, "John Brogan is one of the finest business persons I have ever known. He has excellent work ethics and truly cares about his customers and employees."

Making the sale is just the beginning in a good customer relationship. Making sure the product meets the needs of the customer is equally important. TeleCom Unlimited recently upgraded software for a customer at no charge when they discovered the original product didn't meet the customer's needs. Other customers say, "We had a very good experience with your company - The smoothest telephone installation I have ever been involved with. Thanks for everything."

TeleCom's industry peers also recognize their quest for excellence. Lucent Technologies awarded TeleCom the Customer First Award, presented to only five dealers nationwide. At least 90% of customers rated this company's overall service as excellent or good. The company has a policy of community involvement for their employees where many volunteer for a number of non-profit agencies. 

Harris Acoustics
4266 S Treadaway

Name a big construction project in Abilene and it's likely that Harris Acoustics had a hand in it. The family owned business has served West Texas for 42 years. They specialize in general contracting services, material supply, and property development projects. The company's commitment to ethics starts with their Mission Statement, "Offer high quality construction services at a competitive and honest price."
 
Owners Harris Accoustics
The company's customers appreciate this attitude. Homer Taylor, President of TSTC West Texas, had this to say about the recent completion of a 48-bed dormitory, " We especially appreciate the ethical manner with which you conduct your business. This is reflected in your employees' attitude and the pride they take in their craft."

Another customer had this to say: "We knew immediately that we were lost in a maze of technicalities and problems that we couldn't begin to understand. Your quick action and understanding of the problem was such a relief to us. And we are deeply appreciative." Harris Acoustics is involved with a number of civic and charitable organizations, including Rescue the Animals, Hendrick Home for Children, and Ben Richey Boys Ranch. The company has donated materials to countless non-profit building projects and most recently to the Taylor-Jones County disaster recovery initiative that provided help during the recent flooding.