Case Study
A 105-Year Legacy: How Schimpf’s Garage Found New Momentum With AutoLeap
Discover how a century-old shop overcame slow days, doubled down on marketing and unlocked six-figure growth with the right technology and the right team behind them.
300%+ Increase
in New Customers
4x Increase
in Google Search Visibility
500%+ Increase
in Website Traffic
Region
NJ, United States
Shop Type
Independent Auto Repair
Using AutoLeap since
2024
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Transform your shop like Schimpf's Garage did. Your success story starts here.
Schimpf's Garage’s Story: Built on History, Driven by the Future
Schimpf’s Garage isn’t just another auto repair shop; it’s a legacy. Founded in 1920 in Camden, New Jersey, Schimpf’s Garage began as a suspension and alignment shop. Over the decades, it earned a reputation for honest work and deep mechanical expertise.
When John Rugarber took over operations in 2021, he knew he was stepping into something special, but also something fragile.
“There were times I was making less than $1,000 in sales,” John recalls. “I honestly thought we might go under within two months.”
Why AutoLeap? It Started Before He Even Signed Up
What first caught John’s attention wasn’t software features or pricing. It was education. AutoLeap’s free webinars stood out immediately. Industry experts openly discussed shop management, profitability, and real challenges shop owners face, no fluff, no sales pitch. John started applying what he learned before ever becoming a customer.
Going All In & Seeing the Turnaround
Instead of pulling back, John went all in on AutoLeap: CRM, marketing, website, Google Ads, Facebook campaigns, everything. He knew results wouldn’t be instant. But something surprising happened.
A Truly Collaborative Marketing Experience
One of the biggest differences for John was how hands-on and personalized AutoLeap’s marketing felt. Instead of being asked “what do you want to run?”, the conversation shifted to “here’s what’s working across the industry, let’s apply it to your shop.”
John now works closely with his Media Marketing Manager multiple times a week, reviewing keywords, campaigns, and performance data. From Google Ads to Facebook campaigns to website SEO, everything is tailored to Schimpf’s Garage’s specific goals, seasonality, and customer base.
Day-to-Day Impact at the Shop
AutoLeap didn’t just drive leads; it changed how the shop operates every day.
Customers love:
Online scheduling
Approving estimates from their phones
Viewing invoices digitally
Photo-based digital vehicle inspections
Automated reminders and follow-ups
One standout feature for John? Deferred service follow-ups. A customer who had declined brake service months earlier received an automated reminder and walked back into the shop ready to move forward.
“That job is in my shop right now,” John says. “And I didn’t have to lift a finger.”
Another update that made a massive difference for John: sending review requests directly to Google.
Looking Ahead
With Facebook campaigns only recently launched and more tools on the horizon, John is excited about what a full year and beyond will bring.
After less than two years at their current location, Schimpf’s Garage is thriving again, honoring its 105-year legacy while building a stronger future.
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Modern Shop Management Software Built for Auto Repair
Managing an auto repair shop doesn’t have to be complex. AutoLeap seamlessly connects scheduling, estimates, inspections, parts, work boards, reporting, and more.
