Changing with the times

The Pride Auto Care shops are also certified in electric (EVs) and hybrid vehicles and all diesel cars and light trucks. They added Shop-Ware to their arsenal of tools in 2018 and have never looked back.

Their staff stay abreast of new technologies throughout the year via in-house mentoring and third-party tech training. As a result, many of them on staff for several years.

“Our reputation and attention to customer care is honestly second to none, exceeding peoples’ expectations daily with service and value. Our daily focus is to be #1 in our customers’ minds,” they say. “To this day, their referrals are by and far away our best advertising.”

The founders have seen second and third generations of drivers since their original shops opened in the late 1980s. It should come as no surprise that the shops were voted the “Best of the Best” by Colorado’s Community Media again in 2021.

Giving back in memory of one of their own

“Giving back is a part of our DNA,” the brothers say. Their actions speak louder than their words.

Twenty years ago, Bunny and Wayne Jackson set up a memorial scholarship in memory of their daughter Debbie. When Darrell Pridemore also lost his battle with cancer in 2016, his family added his name to the charity. Next, they put even more support behind the Debbie Jackson & Darrell Pridemore Memorial Scholarship Foundation.

Since then, dozens of Douglas County high school students have tapped into the fund. For the past several years, the Foundation has awarded four $4,000 scholarships, including one to Darrell’s daughter Mallory.

This summer, the fund will host its 20th annual golf tournament on Aug. 1 to carry on the tradition.

Going above and beyond

The family also supports other community initiatives:

• Transportation Matters – This network of auto repair shops helps those in need by being a reputable resource for complete car repairs. Individuals or families in the care of local nonprofits due to financial hardships can still get back on the road.
• Ponderosa High School’s Auto Tech Program – The Pridemores donated a used vehicle to the program to inspire the next generation of car repair techs. They also dropped in to talk with students about industry trends, curriculum and customer service.
• Rachel’s Challenge – The Pridemores donated to this charity , which addresses the root causes of school violence, bullying, prejudice, and self-harm. Its programs aim to build connection, hope and resilience after the Columbine shooting, in memory of one of its victims.
• Vitalant Blood Donation – Due to the pandemic, many regularly scheduled blood drives have been canceled just when donations were desperately needed. Not only did the Pridemore family members step up and offer their blood, they encouraged others to do the same.
• Toys for Tots – Pride Auto Care collected presents for The Marines’ Toys for Tots at each location. In a matter of days, they were able to amass more than seventy toys.
• Food Bank of The Rockies – The brothers matched up to $50 in donations with discounts off any tires, services or repairs at Pride Auto Care locations.