Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Noll.
Hi Alex, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In 1999, I graduated from Ponderosa High School in Northern California. Throughout my time there, I had the opportunity to explore various classes related to automotive repair, metalwork, woodwork, and ROP autobody, which fueled my passion for working with vehicles. I owe a great deal of gratitude to my shop teacher, Chuck Breault, who recognized my talent and encouraged me to further develop my skills.
After graduation, I made the decision to pursue my passion and enrolled at Universal Technical Institute (U.T.I.) in Houston. At U.T.I., I dedicated myself to my studies and graduated as the top student and valedictorian, earning an associate’s degree in Automotive/Diesel and Industrial. It was during this time that BMW recognized my potential and recruited me before I graduated. I was fortunate enough to participate in the BMW STEP program, which provided specialized training and certification as a factory-trained BMW technician.
In 2000, I achieved the title of Master ASE technician, followed by Master BMW technician in 2002.
While working at a BMW dealership, I had the privilege of being recognized by BMW of North America multiple times for my performance on their internal technician testing procedure, known as the “ACT” test. Additionally, I was honored to receive the “Profiles in Achievement” award from BMW North America for my exceptional skills as a technician. In my role as a team leader, I successfully managed a group of 3-7 technicians, providing training and ensuring efficient operations. In addition, I had the opportunity to serve as an independent BMW technical trainer for four years within my 13-year tenure at the dealership. This role allowed me to share my knowledge and expertise with other technicians, contributing to their professional growth and development.
Eleven years ago, I founded ABR Houston (abrhouston.com), a highly regarded European automotive repair facility specializing in BMW, Rolls-Royce, Mini Cooper, Audi, and Volkswagen vehicles. We have proudly earned over 500 5-star reviews and recently opened our new location in The Woodlands at the beginning of 2023.
To stay ahead in my industry, I am dedicated to continuous learning. I actively seek knowledge through reading business and self-help books and listening to podcasts. Furthermore, I am part of an exclusive mastermind group consisting of the top 5% of automotive shop owners in the United States. This network allows me to foster connections and exchange knowledge, ensuring I remain at the forefront of the industry.
I believe in giving back to the community. As an Eagle scout, it has been engrained into my way of life. Since 2016, I have served as a board member of Klein ISD, where I contribute to the growth and development of the automotive industry. In this role, I oversee the curriculum related to the automotive field, ensuring that Klein high school campuses remain equipped with modern technology and aligned with real-world shop practices.
I take great pride in my career as an automotive expert, from my education and training to my leadership roles and entrepreneurial endeavors. My commitment to expanding my knowledge, improving my employees’ lives, growing my business, and contributing to the advancement of the automotive industry is my passion.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey of building a business is rarely smooth sailing, and smooth seas don’t make good captains. We have faced our fair share of challenges and obstacles along the way. One of the most significant setbacks we encountered was during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many other small businesses, we witnessed the struggles and closures happening around us, which was truly heartbreaking. The lockdowns in our county resulted in a significant decrease in the number of vehicles on the road, impacting our operations significantly.
Despite these difficulties, we managed to recover and bring our business back to pre-COVID levels. However, our decision to move to The Woodlands added another layer of complexity to the situation. While it was undoubtedly the right decision in the long run, establishing ourselves in a new community has presented its own set of challenges.
Being a small business owner requires resilience and determination. It is not an endeavor for the faint-hearted. There will always be struggles that demand our attention and require us to adapt and overcome. We firmly believe that facing and overcoming these challenges is an integral part of the journey, and it is through perseverance and a steadfast commitment that we have been able to navigate these rough waters and continue to grow.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
In essence, our primary goal is to provide assistance and support to you in any way we can. Our team consists of highly skilled professionals who are dedicated to serving you. Whether you need transportation arrangements such as a ride or a loaner car while your vehicle is being repaired, we’ve got you covered.
But it’s not just about the mechanical aspects of our services. We genuinely care about building a relationship with our customers. We want to know about your personal life, whether it’s your child’s football practice or your latest vacation plans. We believe that establishing a connection goes beyond the transactional nature of our services.
Our aim is to earn your trust. We are confident in our ability to fix your vehicle, and we want you to have complete confidence in us as well. Trust is the foundation of any successful customer-provider relationship, and we strive to foster that trust through our expertise, professionalism, and genuine care for your needs.
What makes you happy?
One of the most rewarding aspects of being in business is witnessing the personal growth of my employees. By holding them accountable to their personal and professional goals, we have cultivated a strong relationship that extends beyond the workplace. I take pride in seeing them grow and develop in all areas of their lives, both personally and professionally. This growth not only benefits them individually but also contributes to the overall success of our team and our ability to serve our clients.
On a personal note, raising my two children Molly and Dax, has been a profound experience. It has reminded me that there is still so much to learn in life. Witnessing their growth and development as they evolve into little human beings is truly remarkable and humbling. It reinforces the idea that personal growth is a lifelong journey, and there is always room for learning and improvement.
Contact Info:
- Website: abrhouston.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abrhouston
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmwdoctor
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abr-houston-tx
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/abrhouston
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/abr-houston-the-woodlands-2
