How do you measure success? At Black’s Auto Parts & Salvage, it’s tallied in relationships made since the business began in 1968. Not only do employees stay with Black’s Auto for 15 - 20 years, but repeat customers stay because the welcoming atmosphere is "like family."

"That’s because we treat [customers] like family," said Roger Black, manager, who is part of the second generation in this family-owned business. "It’s the main difference between us and the competition. Both our employees and our customers are an extension of our family."

In fact, Lucille Black, Roger’s mother and co-founder of the business, still keeps up those important relationships. "She’s on the phone all day with customers she’s had for years," explained Roger. "They don’t want to deal with anyone else."
 
A Growing Family
The business has grown substantially since Lucille and Ronald first opened it as an extension of their body shop business. The recycling facility did well enough for them to close the body shop.

"We were just shy of three acres for the first thirty years," revealed Roger. "About eight years ago, we acquired 15 acres and built a new warehouse. We added a modern dismantling facility, car lifts and a closed-loop water system to extract oil and reusable fluids, which is advanced even by EPA standards."

Black’s Auto handles both domestic and import from about 1995 to 2005. It delivers daily all over Baton Rouge and covers about a 150 mile radius through a Hot Shot delivery service. It also ships with UPS and LTL Freight across the country.

The business has a mix of about 50 percent retail and 50 percent wholesale. "We have an enormous walk-in retail business," said Roger. "We sell new parts such as headlights, taillights and rebuilt cylinder heads. The biggest addition in the last six months is a large inventory of new radiators."

There is a 90-day warranty on parts. "We haven’t got to extended warranties yet," he acknowledged.
 
Online Expansion
Black’s Auto also does significant business via the Internet. Its current state-of-the-art system is a far cry from the original Tandy 1200 which was its first computer in 1982. While the Tandy was used primarily for accounts receivables, Black’s Auto has moved on to Fast Parts and then the Hollander system to manage its ever growing business. Cars and parts are also advertised via Internet sites such as Car-Part.com and Hotlines.

"I definitely believe the Internet is the salesperson of tomorrow," said Roger. "It’s always working. It’s selling parts for us in the middle of the night. And our web site has become an integral part of our business. We’re able to link to supplier’s web sites and sell more parts than ever before."

The Internet is just part of staying competitive, according to Roger. "It’s become such a global marketplace. You can open up the phone book and find a salvage yard in Idaho that’s right next to your listing. You really have to be on your game because they’re there to take it."

Black’s Auto keeps its advertising local and supports area schools with supplies and Little League teams with uniforms. The family is well connected with the industry and is a longtime member of ARA and LADRA, the state association. In fact, Roger currently serves as the regional director for ARA Region 9 which covers Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma.

"It is important to work on behalf of recyclers if we plan on protecting our industry," he said.

As to what he likes best about the business, Roger doesn’t hesitate. "I like to hear customers when they come in, that they’re happy that they’ve gotten a good deal and were treated well. And I like working with my family most of all."

Owners:  Ronald and Lucille Black
_________________________

Location: Brusly, La.
_________________________

Years In Business: 38
_________________________

URL: BlacksAutoParts.com