For Craig, tinkering came naturally.
“Tearing things apart and putting them back together ... Craig’s always enjoyed working with his hands,” said Jacquie Tracy, his wife.
Together, the Tracys own and operate Ethridge Auto Center in Colleyville.
Founded in July 1980 by former owner Butch Ethridge, Craig said he believes the auto center has become an important part of the Colleyville community.
Cars waiting to be repaired fill the lot and garage of the auto center at all times. Well-wishes and thank-you notes don the shop’s walls, including half a dozen awards for best auto repair shop in town, according to customers in Colleyville and Grapevine.
“We wanted to keep the name to honor the legacy that Butch had built,” Craig said. “EAC is a Colleyville staple, and we want to keep it that way.”
Officially running the shop since the mid-2000s, the Tracys have focused on consistency and have leaned on Butch’s knowledge and Craig’s experience—he worked as an Ethridge Auto Center technician for 25 years prior to becoming an owner.
“Few customers are having a good day when they come by, and it’s our job to try to give them a smile and assurance that we are here to help them solve the problem,” Craig said.
With a foundation instilled by its original owner, the Tracys have continued to build and sustain Ethridge Auto Center by focusing on their customers. The goal at the shop is not to up-sell customers but to fix the problem and identify any future concerns, Craig said.
“Butch believes and taught his employees that we are not here to repair vehicles; we are here to work with people who have vehicle problems,” Craig said.
Still found around Ethridge Auto Center from time to time, Butch continues to impart words of wisdom unto his former employees so that they remain focused on the task at hand.
“‘Don’t worry about tomorrow’s manna,’” Butch said he tells them. “‘Take care of today.’”
Ethridge Auto Center
6007 Colleyville Blvd., Colleyville
817-488-0361
www.facebook.com/ethridge-auto-center-125550890831281
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Sat.-Sun.
