Small business successes: Scott Shawver’s Auto and RV Repair

“It’s not unusual for us to be mistaken for an RV sales or used car center,” says Tracy Christopherson, owner of Scott Shawver’s Auto and RV Repair Center.

The parking lot of the Post Falls business is packed full of cars while RVs line the adjacent lot. It may not be much to look at from the road — but it’s a full realization of Scott’s vision just six short years ago.

Starting over

The business began as a fresh start for Tracy’s brother, Scott Shawver, after a separation from his former business partner.

He assembled a team he could count on to see his vision and help him carry it out. He purchased an old, empty warehouse — bare from floor to ceiling. While you could hear the echo throughout, the end product was harder to imagine.

Scott’s enthusiasm was contagious — and work began. After a whirlwind five months of building offices and securing equipment from around the country, they were ready to open their doors.

Not part of the plan

Just three months after opening, a tragedy at the lake left the future of the business uncertain. When Scott dove in the water to recover gear and failed to resurface, friends searched and feared the worst.

The search continued through the weekend. Monday morning, with heavy hearts, the team did what Scott would have done: They went to work. They finished cars and got them back to the customers who were depending on them.

As bookkeeper, Tracy knew that employees counted on their paychecks and Scott wasn’t one to let them down. So, she headed to work and processed payroll.

The next few months were full of challenges, the estate in probate and the business ownership uncertain. Tracy wondered how they would survive, but knew she wasn’t ready to let go of Scott or his vision.

From bookkeeper to business owner

Scott’s will designated Tracy as the new owner. She had worked for her brother for over 10 years and had been grateful to know that they could always count on each other. But this role was not one she wanted, and didn’t feel qualified for.

She had to do some deep soul searching. She wanted to honor her brother's wishes, but didn’t want the responsibility or the burdens she saw that weighed on him as a business owner.

She knew she had a team she could count on. They had rallied together through this most difficult time and she didn’t want to let them down, either.

Scott had contacted the Small Business Development Center when he needed help in the past, so Tracy did the same.

Of the ‘Intro to Business’ core class series Tracy says, “It was incredibly helpful. I learned how to read a Profit & Loss statement, and what questions I really needed to ask.”

She credits her Idaho SBDC business coach with helping make that mental shift from employee to employer, to not just working IN the business but ON the business.

When asked, “How did you do it? How did you turn this tragedy into a triumph?” she matter-of-factly replies, “I didn’t. We have an amazing team here; each member is an integral part. I can’t do their job. I rely on them to do it and they do.”

Tracy still meets regularly with her SBDC coach. She sets annual goals and has been able to meet those each year.

“Early on, I was hoping just to survive,” says Tracy. “Today, we’ve been able to make significant improvements to the business each year.”

Earlier this year, they added a second paint booth, which has already paid for itself.

The vision continues

Tracy’s vision is a bit different than her brother's. She hopes to retire one day. But until that time, she and her team will continue serving customers as one of the top collision repair centers in North Idaho.

“Personally, what keeps me in business is that I like working with and meeting community members, so many who knew Scotty. It keeps his memory alive in me,” she says.

Tracy has loved making his dream a reality, providing jobs and caring for the people that Scotty cared about.

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Katrina Boyer is the marketing assistant for the Idaho Small Business Development Center at North Idaho College.