November 2008, Fleet Financials - Cover Story
Fleet Helps Safelite Foster Profitable Growth and Satisfaction
By Cheryl Knight
Tom Feeney, president and CEO of Belron US, the parent company of Safelite AutoGlass.
Founded in 1947, Safelite AutoGlass has served fleets across the country for more than 60 years. The company has grown from a single store in Wichita, Kan., to a national vehicle glass provider that serves more than 3.5 million customers per year with a focus on constant improvement.
Safelite's primary goal is to be America's "natural choice" for vehicle glass repair and replacement services. Through 24-hour instant scheduling, in-shop or mobile service, top-of-the-line materials, well-branded vehicles ("mobile billboards"), and SafeTech certified technicians, Safelite AutoGlass strives to maintain a leadership role in offering superior customer service, value, and quality.
The company's fleet of 5,100 vehicles, as well as its bailment pool of 200 units, are primary tools to achieve its service goals.
The fleet is comprised of cargo and express vans (80 percent) used for vehicle glass replacement, repair, and delivery; delivery trucks (5 percent) for large capacity windshield deliveries to company and wholesale locations; and sedans (15 percent) for field associates in the areas of sales, operations, and windshield repair. In the repair and distribution segment, the company also has a small percentage of compact pickups.
"Our culture is one that fosters teamwork and collaboration among all associates at every level to achieve goals," said Tom Feeney, president and CEO of Belron US, the parent company of Safelite AutoGlass. "Associates understand company goals and their part in achieving them."
Management support is evident at Safelite, beginning with an open-door policy and a willingness to listen to all associate ideas. All associates are treated with dignity and respect. Safelite promotes from within, and the company encourages associates to try new things to expand job knowledge and satisfaction.