Customers getting a car repair at Christian Brothers Automotive get the typical 3-year, 36,000-mile guarantee, but in reverse.

Instead of whatever comes first, Chris and Juli Tibbets, co-owners of the Berthoud auto repair shop, give what’s last, whether it’s mileage or the timeframe through the Nice Difference Warranty.

Photo by Don Ashcraft – Chris and Juli Tibbets in their waiting room for Christian Brothers Automotive. The photo behind the couple is by Don Ashcraft. The Tibbet’s have featured several Berthoud artists in their new location.

“We apply it in a way that benefits the customer the most,” said Chris Tibbets, who lives in unincorporated Larimer County with Juli and their four children.

The Tibbets are opening the 266^th Christian Brothers Automotive franchise nationwide on Jan. 9 at 1161 Mountain Ave. to offer a full range of auto repair services on all makes and models of American and foreign cars. They purchased the franchise in June 2021 and broke ground in May 2022, finishing construction over the past two weeks. Theirs will be the 34^th franchise in the state.

“I just retired from a long career in law enforcement, and we were looking for a business opportunity as I was stepping away from law enforcement,” said Tibbets, who suffered injuries during his 15-year career in law enforcement but wasn’t ready to completely retire. “We did a bunch of research on different franchises and landed on Christian Brothers.”

The Tibbets liked the company’s way of doing business, as well as its mission statement as a faith-based operation—it was founded in 1982 in Houston, Texas, by two members of a Bible study group who wanted to go into business together. The mission statement says, “We seek to glorify God by providing ethical and excellent automotive repair services for our guests.”

“The main thing that makes us special is our customer service. “Tibbets said. “Our business model is built on the premise that the customer comes first. We like to say people-first auto repair.”

Oftentimes, the auto repair industry isn’t looked upon too favorably, with customers saying they find it hard to find a business they trust. Tibbets wants to change that stigma by providing top-tier customer service and turning what can be a stressful situation—an auto needing repairs—into a “highlight of the day,” he said.

“What I enjoy is the idea we can make an impact in the community and be a light in a space where people necessarily wouldn’t expect to find it,” Tibbets said.

The lobby and waiting areas in the 5,800-square-foot building are clean and welcoming with complimentary drinks and free shuttle rides. The shop area consists of nine service bays, staffed by three ASE-certified technicians, plus a service manager and former technician, who in total have more than 100 years of experience.

“We can do all types of repairs, anything from tires to brakes to changing the windshield to rebuilding the engine,” Tibbets said.

The list of services is extensive and includes transmission work, suspension or chassis repair, fluid services and flushes like oil changes, and regularly scheduled maintenance with pricing in the midrange.

“We are very transparent about our pricing and technician experience. We work through each estimate with each customer,” Tibbets said.

The technicians make recommendations based on safety, reliability and efficiency. Customers can get detailing, too, while their car is getting a repair—Christian Brothers Automotive works with a subcontractor to offer the add-on service, but does not do any body or collision work.

The equipment is top-tier, such as a state-of-the-art digital Hunter alignment rack and an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) level scanning and programming tool, allowing for all dealer services.

“I’ve always been a car guy. I’ve always loved cars, rebuilding cars and fixing cars,” Tibbets said. “It’s a business I understand and am passionate about.”

For additional details about Christian Brothers Automotive in Berthoud, visit cbac.com/Berthoud or call 970-746-9220.