Truth In Detailing has been my cyber-home for the last two years and it was the first 'victim' I thought of when I learned the doors at Proper Auto Care would be closing. When I reference Truth In Detailing and the forementioned victims I am not referring to a some rented disk space on some computer in some far away land accessed by an URL... I am referring to the members of this community who have made it such a unique and helpful forum. Truth In Detailing was never, and will likely never, be the largest or grandest forum related to detailing, nor did it ever rely on hi jinx or drama to drive up membership. Instead it was on the richest, most dense sources of detailing related information on the internet. It was (and hopefully will continue to be) a place for people to increase there detailing knowledge, whether the beginner who is not sure what a two bucket method is, or the experienced pro more interested in how a particular solvent will affect a polymer cross linking. Thank you to the forum members who made this humble community so unique.
The second victims I thought of were the customers of Proper Auto Care. As it has been documented Proper Auto Care has been in business in for over 20 years and had built a reputation based on customer service. Many of you have expressed your gratitude and thanks to employees or former employees of Proper Auto Care including myself and it is appreciated. To think in this age of huge business and impersonal 'screen names' a small business of no more than eight employees could have have such a huge impact while maintaining a personal feel is amazing. While not ever possible it was always the goal to treat every customer with the same care we would expect if we walked into a mom and pop corner store. I am saddened more by the prospect that Proper Auto Care and the humble style of business it had built its reputation on will no longer exist than I am upset that I no longer have a job.
The employees of Proper Auto Care are obviously victims of a terrible economy and several unseen circumstances that piled up into a literal perfect storm. The dedication to customer service and drive to maintain integrity are two lessons that will guide me for the rest of my life. I understand that the business closing has had several effects and in combination with a server crash of epic proportions, have tarnished the sterling reputation Proper Auto Care has long enjoyed. The attitude and commitment that has the been the historic 'North Star' of PAC still burns bright, only it has been crippled by circumstance. Until the last light flickers out I believe that the remaining employees of Proper Auto Care will continue to fight the good fight for customer service and hope that each and every issue with the sudden closing is resolved.
Thank you to each and everybody who has been part of this community, has ordered from this company, or show your support through phone, email, or text. For the employees of PAC a new chapter will open, perhaps in a novel with more opportunity. For me a new and exciting chapter of my life is going to begin. And while an unknown future is always unsettling, it is the journey that defines the destination!
Best wishes
Todd
DC
