Interview with Steve Cline from Team CJ: Mastering the Art of Luxury Car Restoration and Maintenance
Team CJ, formerly known as Classic Jaguar, is a renowned company specializing in the restoration and service of high-end automobiles for discerning customers. Founded in the mid-90s, Team CJ has grown from a niche Jaguar restoration shop to a prestigious service and restoration provider for European luxury cars. Steve Cline, Team CJ COO, shares insights into the company's journey, their choice of CTEK chargers, and future goals.
The Founding and Mission of Team CJ
"Team CJ started as Classic Jaguar back in the nineties, around '95," Steve Cline recalls. "I began working with the company as a consultant in 1997, initiating the Classic Jaguar website and later transforming it into a blog. We've been blogging now for 25 years, which is pretty unique for a car company."
Team CJ prides itself on offering comprehensive services for luxury vehicles, from locating and purchasing cars to maintaining and storing them. "We specialize in the restoration and service of exclusive, high-end automobiles for very discerning customers," Cline explains. "We work with Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Porsches and Aston Martins for example – some of which are very rare. Sourcing parts for these projects can be very challenging, we rely on the innovation and wide-ranging skills of our team to find solutions.”
Choosing CTEK Chargers
When it comes to maintaining these prized vehicles, Team CJ relies heavily on CTEK chargers. "It's pretty cool when you walk out and see cars that were only on posters or in movies when you were a kid," says Cline. "Every now and then, I have to drive one, and that’s really where CTEK comes in. We have so many cars, often old ones with voltage drains, so we need the batteries to be topped up and ready to run. We keep them all on CTEK chargers, which really helps my life when my mechanics make sure that the CTEK chargers are always plugged in."
Why CTEK?
"We chose CTEK because of a combination of many things," Cline elaborates. "After doing research, we found them to be very high quality, and we like the price point – it’s very reasonable for our customers. It’s also straight forward to wire the CTEK chargers into the car. Our mantra now is that no car leaves our shop without a CTEK charger. Even if we know the owner already has one, we send another. If in doubt, we get a CTEK charger in the car."
Customer Feedback
The feedback from Team CJ’s customers regarding CTEK chargers has been overwhelmingly positive. "They very much appreciate it," Cline notes. "It’s one of those little things that show we care about their car after it leaves our facility. Having a CTEK charger there says clearly, 'We want you to drive this car, and the battery should never go flat.' The chargers are not big or bulky, which is an advantage.
Establishing a Reputation in the Ultra-Luxury Market
Building a reputation in the ultra-luxury and exotic car market in Austin required hard work and dedication. "Our customer base grows by word of mouth," Cline explains. "We focus on high-end, exclusive cars. We build relationships with our customers, who typically have multiple cars, and deliver on our promises. Car collectors and enthusiasts talk to other car owners, and that’s how we grow our customer base. Delivering CTEK chargers to our customers is really the icing on the cake – it’s a thoughtful gesture."
Long-Term Goals and Partnership with CTEK
Looking ahead, Team CJ has ambitious plans for growth, particularly in their storage business. "Our customers are demanding a great storage facility because these cars are their passion," Cline says. "We already have a storage offering that is climate controlled and plan to add more space. The cars are always on CTEK chargers, ensuring they are ready to go. We also maintain the cars, bringing them out of storage for service for example, and then plugging them back into the chargers.
Cline envisions making the incorporation of CTEX chargers an integral part of the new facility coming online next year. "I like the look of the CTEK chargers, their high quality, consistency, and good price point. They are reliable and ensure our cars start whenever we need them to. The CTEK detail is very important in our shop and for our customers – it shows that we really care about their cars."
Steve Cline's insights into Team CJ's operations highlight their commitment to excellence in the ultra-luxury car market. Their choice of CTEK chargers underscores their dedication to providing top-notch service and ensuring that every vehicle is ready to drive at a moment’s notice. As Team CJ continues to grow, their partnership with CTEK is an important part of delivering outstanding customer care.
