Very demanding job, but also very rewarding!
Pros
The company, and its franchise owners, are very committed to providing exceptional customer service. It's nice to work for a company that you know is honest and is doing everything it can to make everyone involved in the business, on either side of the counter, happy with the outcome. Working with a franchise, or a small business, is great for motivated employees who like to take initiative and make things happen quickly rather than wait for large bureaucracy to catch up. CBA corporate maintains oversight and tries to make sure each store works the same way and stays focused, but the day to day is left in the hands of the owner and employees. I far prefer working in a company where rules can be applied with common sense and bent where a situation would call for it, as long as the rules aren't bent too far or to do something against company values. Lots of opportunity to learn. Fast paced work day, helps the time go by quickly. Customers are generally in a good mood when you interact with them, even in spite of the possible expensive or lengthy repairs. Very seldom is there any awkward or confrontational interactions with customers.
Cons
You will work long hours in this job, be it in the office or in the shop. You will also be expected to keep up with the status on dozens of vehicles at a time and ensure they all are fixed in a reasonable amount of time, which can be stressful. As with any repair shop, you will have upset customers and customers that imply you are being dishonest to them. This is rather seldom for CBA as most of the business is repeat/referral from customers who trust you, but the industry has a reputation and even with as different as CBA is to most shops, it still is an issue that affects us.
