Pipes U-Pull-It
You might not think when you go to a Pipes Auto location that you would be dealing with a woman.
Think again. Lee Pipes joined the family business in 2003 to help out answering customer calls. Thirteen years later, they have added two car lots with over 700 pre-owned vehicles for sale and two U-Pull-It yards.
“Initially, it was very intimidating,” Pipes says. “I used to come home so mentally exhausted I would go straight to bed. I would ask my husband, Rusty, why can’t we sell shoes or furniture – a product I know something about!” Pipes adds, “I learned quickly that our customers just wanted good service and help getting the parts they needed. I think this male dominated industry welcomes women because they love what we bring to the table which is what we bring to life in general: Compassion and an emotional connection to the customers’ needs.”
“Women love that they can come in and pay for the part and we take care of everything else. Women are our strongest customer base for our used car lot. They love our affordable inventory and they pay one note and they are done. Women are our best advertisement. They send their friends and family because they love the great prices and the service,” Pipes explains. “We sell vehicles for crazy low prices as well as parts. I love to see people leave our store looking so happy because they feel like they just stole it.”
While Lee has made her own contributions to the business, she cites her husband, Rusty for inspiration and work ethic. “Rusty Pipes is one of the smartest people I have ever met. He has a way of breathing new life into an ordinary business,” she says. “I think he inspires everyone to look at things differently to see what can change to work more productively.”
Also getting credit for their successes are Deanne Hensley, who has been their sales representative for 10 years at Pipes Auto and Truck Parts. She sells everything from starters to engines. “Our customers love Deanna because she takes care of them,” Pipes said. “Kathleen Williams is our sales rep for the car lot, Pipes Auto Sales.” As a former business owner Williams knows what customers deserve and she makes sure she gives them 100%.”
Things have changed a lot at Pipes over the years. Their U-Pull-It yard operates like no other in the country.
Pipes has two yards side-by-side. They sell parts off of yard “A” while they restock yard “B” with 500 new, used cars and trucks. Every 90 days they reopen a new yard with an entirely new inventory, providing customers with fresh choices.
What keeps Lee Pipes going? She said, “This question makes me smile. My faith in Jesus keeps me going. When I feel like everything is falling apart I remember it’s all His, so there is no need for me to worry.” These blessings help her return the same to her family, friends and customers.
Whether visiting Pipes Auto & Truck Parts, Pipes U-Pull-It or Pipes Auto Sales, you can be sure that there are women there that will look out for you and give exceptional customer service. That’s just what they do.
(318) 222-9547 | 806 Aero Drive, Shreveport, LA 71107
