The owners and team at Quality Automotive Servicing are proud of a commitment to the community and the impact that is made when business partners with non-profits and organizations. When submitting your donation request, please be prepared with how your fundraiser or event will fit in with the mission of Full Circle Community Support.
At Quality Automotive Servicing in Truckee, California the owners and team have a genuine commitment to the community. Under the banner of Full Circle Community Support, the business is dedicated to making a difference in Truckee in three key areas.
1. Mentoring and challenge opportunities for young people.
2. Addressing local issues affecting Truckee's workforce, namely the housing crisis.
3. Involvement and support of local non-profits in ways that allow them to not simply raise money, but have a bigger impact on the community.
Apprenticeship & Internships
The QAS apprentice/internship program is a vital outreach program that provides mentorship and training for young technicians and service advisors. Over the past four years, the ownership and team have mentored two interns who worked at the shop while exploring their interest in the industry. One of those interns is pursuing a career and is currently in technical school.
The QAS apprenticeship program includes attending Truckee Meadows Community College and earning a degree in Automotive Technologies while mentoring under the QAS master mechanics. Two graduates of this program have gone on to work for Quality Automotive Servicing and become accomplished technicians. One of these graduates is a woman who is getting further education and experience with electric cars.
To further the commitment to introducing youth to careers in the industry, General Manager and THS graduate Gary Gunter speaks with high school students about his path to a career in the industry. He has also hosted "Don't Blow Up Your Motor" free classes for new drivers to introduce them to car care.
Housing Issues in Truckee
Addressing the housing shortage for workers has been on the radar of Quality Automotive Servicing ownership for a decade. As homes were being bought up by wealthy individuals, rental properties for the town workforce became scarce. To contribute to a solution, the owners built two apartments during the construction of the new shop. Each apartment is rented exclusively to local workers. Additionally, a four-bedroom home was purchased that housed a mechanic and his large family. Although the employee has moved on from the shop, the property continues to be rented to local workers at a "workforce" rate.
Non-Profit and Sports Team Fundraising
The theme of Full Circle Community Support aims to empower non-profits that are fundraising to think beyond just monetary donations. For example, when the local high school senior class approached the shop for a donation for "Safe & Sober Grad Night" they were challenged to think about how they could make a bigger impact on the message. The discussion led to an appeal to their parents and other adults to not drink and drive. They took to the airwaves and recorded a Public Service Announcement with 10 alternatives to drinking while making an appeal for their Grad Night funding.
Another example of using the power of the business to support those in need occurred after a tragic fire that destroyed much of Paradise, CA. Customers received an email that allowed them to donate their “shop dividends” to help the victims. Annually, during the holiday season, the shop ran a promotion that highlighted local non-profits and their work in the community. Radio advertising was donated for these non-profits to talk about their work, and the community was asked to vote for the non-profit that would receive the seasonal donation. This allowed the non-profits to spread their message and encouraged community participation.
Lastly, the owners of Quality Automotive Servicing, Bill and Sheila Greeno, are well-known in the community for their involvement. Bill serves as a Nevada County Commissioner, addressing issues in Nevada County. He has been on the board of the Chamber of Commerce for five years and currently serves as chairman, leading the organization in a new direction to support businesses amidst the challenges of our growing town. He has also volunteered as a coach for AYSO soccer and the local youth sport shooting team. Sheila has been a driver for Meals on Wheels and has served as a volunteer and board member of the KidZone Children's Museum for decades. She has also been a dedicated Girl Scout leader, leading a troop of five girls all the way through high school graduation.
Full Circle Community Support at Quality Automotive Servicing is making an impact in the community and setting the stage for other small business to do more.