A-1 Custom Car Care benefits from reliable, clean and dry compressed air
Compressed Air Best Practices® Magazine sat down with Richard Compton, Owner of Abundant Air Compressor of Springfield, MO, and one of his clients, Kenny Schulte, Owner of A-1 Custom Car Care, to talk about why this regional air compressor installation and maintenance company is known for its excellent service.
Compton, a fixture in Springfield compressed air systems for more than two decades, has worked to build his reputation as a dependable partner. Compton started his company two years ago after many years working in the compressed air industry.
A Reputation Built on Solid Service
Compton has completed multiple compressed air projects for A-1 Custom Car Care, which has two locations in Springfield, and three others in Republic, MO, Rogers, AR, and Fayetteville, AR.
Kenny Schulte, A-1 Custom Car Care, and Richard Compton, Abundant Air Compressor (left to right).
“Rick did all of our air compressor work,” Schulte said. “Since we’ve owned the business, we've opened up two locations and he came in on the very first one we opened up. It opened in January and was quite a deal. It was probably a 10,000-square-foot area, and we have seven lifts in the building. Equipping all that was an ordeal. We were very happy with the end result.”
At this location, Compton installed a two-stage, five-horsepower (hp), lubricated reciprocating air compressor, mounted to an 80 gallon wet storage tank, as well as much of the piping. He chose a reciprocating air compressor for its lower purchase and maintenance costs.
A-1 Custom Car Care uses compressed air to power the mechanics’ hand tools, control the locks on its four-post vehicle lifts and control part of the ADAS alignment machine used to calibrate vehicles with collision avoidance features. The mechanics also use compressed air to separate tires from their rims, balance tires and remount them.
The 5-hp, lubricated, reciprocating air compressor installed at A-1’s new Springfield location.
The partnership between Abundant Air Compressor and A-1 Custom Car Care was solidified when A-1 had an urgent request, and Abundant was ready to assist. OSHA regulations demanded the facility’s hoses be properly collared or the company could be fined. Compton provided the hose banding tool Schulte and his team needed to band and crimp all their hoses for quick disconnects at all five locations.
“In order for the hose to be up to standards, it has to have a collar,” Compton explained. “Slide that hose bar in, you have a clamping device. Clamp that collar down around there to hold it on the hose bar. Do it the wrong way and they actually pop off.” That meant A-1 had several hoses out of compliance, as each lift at every A-1 location had them. “We got rid of the old, and got it all done right.”
Over time, chemicals can speed the deterioration of the ends of hoses and wear them down. Because of OSHA regulations, cutting the existing hoses off and replacing them was not an option, so Schulte turned to Compton for help.
“He had the tool, he loaned it to me for three weeks. That’s how our relationship has been,” Schulte said. Providing quick help – and refusing to take any payment for it – cemented a long-term relationship that continues today.
Black iron piping installed at A-1 Custom Car Care’s new Springfield location.
Compressed Air Tools, Fittings and Hoses Always On-Hand
For the compressed air systems in his shops, reliability is a top priority, Schulte said. When those compressed air systems power lifts holding two-ton vehicles, it stands to reason. He also looks for reliability in partners.
“If I call Rick with a problem, he’s there if at all possible because he knows how important this stuff is,” Schulte said. “We had a fitting leaking horribly not long ago. It was late in the morning when I called him, and he was there before 2 p.m. and had the stuff good to go. You just don’t get that everywhere.” The issue was with a half-inch impact wrench, an expensive tool that can warp if the problem isn’t repaired.
Compton credits forward-thinking for making this, and many more examples like it, happen. When Compton leaves his shop, his truck is stocked with items many other technicians don’t carry.
“Compressed air piping, any kind of hose and things of that nature, those parts – most guys don't carry that kind of stuff,” Compton said. “When I leave there, I want to be able to say I'm done with the job and anything that comes up, and I want to be prepared to have it. Most things I normally see out there, I will be able to fix them on the spot.”
All the A-1 Custom Car Care facilities in Schulte’s portfolio have now benefitted from Compton’s upgrades. A-1 is rolling ahead thanks to its partnership, helping to keep safety at a maximum, downtime at a minimum and productivity at optimum levels.
For more on Abundant Air Compressor, visit https://aircompressorrepairspringfield.com.
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