CARQUEST - Testing the Mettle of Allen Industries Project Management

One of the largest privately held companies in the U.S. was entering a phase of rapid growth. Focused on expanding its network of company-owned consumer outlets, franchisees, and service center affiliates, CARQUEST, an automotive parts leader, turned to us for its North American signage programs.

In 2007, alone, Allen Industries project managers supervised several hundred CARQUEST installations in three categories: new construction, conversions, and updating to a more consumer-friendly look.

Limited lead times

Explosive growth meant CARQUEST new construction was operating on a very tight schedule with tremendous pressure placed on turnaround times.

Project managers met the time crunch challenge with stockpiled signage; flexible, high-capacity production levels; broad experience deciphering local building codes; and dedicated estimating and design personnel.

Managing complexity

The second hurdle to equipping hundreds of CARQUEST sites per year was successfully dealing with the client's complex organization structure and countless contact points - there are five licensing organizations with five sets of procedures and personnel.

What's more, some licensees subdivide into three business segments: CARQUEST Auto Parts; CARQUEST Automotive Finishes, a leading distributor to the automotive collision repair industry; and TECH-NET Professional Auto Service, a CARQUEST-authorized network of thousands of independent automotive service centers.

Avoiding remodeling surprises

The third challenge lay in keeping tabs on hundreds of site remodels-updating old signage often goes hand-in-hand with major or minor remodeling.

Project managers tracked each location closely to avoid surprises when installation day arrived. Unforeseen changes in roof line, wall panels, paint color, all impact a sign program and can add stress, time and expense to the project.

The successful handling of this complex account is further proof of the skill and flexibility of individual project managers as well as the excellence of the company's project management system as a whole.