Today we’d like to introduce you to Paul Breton.
Paul, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
It was 1978, I had been working for a company called Yipes stripes who outfitted new car dealerships with stripes and body side moldings. I would travel from dealership to dealership as an installer. I had an acquaintance whose father owned an auto glass business and was ready to retire. I convinced them to start our own business which would essentially be the same concept but we added more accessories and we catered to the retail customers instead of the dealers. We were limited on advertising but as word of mouth started Customers would enter our establishment and question if we would install certain parts we slowly added more products to what we could install.
So our concept was conceived, now it was put the plan to work, We needed a name and we needed a location. For the name I wanted a word that signified quality and the word charisma came to play with a little twist on the spelling the word charisma has a lot of meanings but the one I was interested in was quality and since our conception that has been our main target quality.
Now that we had a name and concept next was location. We were lucky enough to find new industrial condos being built and we acquired a 2 stall bay there was enough room for 4 cars supplies a small show room and an office at the time it was perfect! Three years later we had grown so much that we needed a larger location everyday to and from work I would drive by an abandon car dealership and I always dreamt that would be a perfect location. One day I jotted down the phone number that was on the billboard that was in front of the property I called and talked to the lovely owner and her name was Mary. Her husband had recently passed away the building had fallen in to disrepair with many meetings she was willing to spend money to revamp the building enough for us to move in. We went from a 600sqft 2 bay to a 5500 sq. ft. building on 4 acres. The plan was the same now we had exposure and plenty of room to expand so we continued with our concept as customers came in with requests of different items we would find suppliers in order to purchase them and install them. To this day we have an 1100 page catalog we sell over 300,000 different parts. Still in the very same location. Now that we are approaching our 40th anniversary we’ve remodel our show room we have state of the art installation bays we’ve leased part of the open property to a car dealership and we are still doing business the same way we did in 1978 if you need it we will find it and install it for our customers with the highest of quality.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not been a smooth road the partnership lasted until 1995. We have been through 3 recessions. We have gone through foreclosure but with perseverance we have struggled and survived.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Car-risma story. Tell us more about the business.
We accessorize any type of vehicle with exterior or interior after market parts. We are not a speed shop or mechanic. We take your vehicle and we do the final touch giving it charisma.
I am most proud of our reputation for great service, standing behind our products and quality of work.
20 years ago I may have had 12 competitors from the big block and motor to the small individual shops today in my area I practically stand alone. I believe what sets us apart is our commitment to treating customers as what they are, essential to your success to give them respect, listen to what they are asking for, and then delivering in a manner that is hassle free, quality, and pride in the finish product. Price is not always the difference between one shop and another there are lot of different emotions that go into the mix that make people want to shop in your establishment.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I was lucky enough that when the partnership dissolved in 1995 that one of the brothers, Ron stepped up and took over and was willing to help and eventually become my new partner. I was also lucky enough to have a family who stepped in, mainly my wife, Barbara and daughter, Jessy they both were willing to do whatever needed to be done to keep Car-risma thriving. I don’t believe in bad luck. Luck is what you make of a situation.
Pricing:
- Remote Car Starters starting at $299 installed
- Automotive Window Tinting Starting at $100
- Set of 4 Wheels starting at $300/set
- Alpine or Kenwood Stereo’s $149
- Stereo Installs starting at $80
- Sans-Zo Waterless Car Wash 24oz. Bottle $16.97
Contact Info:
- Address: 1418 Middlesex Street, Lowell, MA 01851
- Website: www.car-risma.com
- Phone: 978-458-9200
- Email: carrismagirl@yahoo.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carrisma01851/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
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