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ou pull up to the red light at the cor-ner of Murray Boulevard and TV Highway and the guy behind you taps your bumper.

Depending on how fast he was going, you’ve got a fender bender that needs some attention. Who’re you going to call?

While there are at least a dozen Beaverton-area auto repair shops to choose from, the husband-and-wife team of Kim and Jeff Drake would like to earn your business. The 5-year-old company, Beaverton Auto Body & Paint, special-izes in collision repair.

With a business motto of “Pride in Quality,” the Drakes aim to please — whether it’s a $2,000 front-end or a $100 dent.

“I handle the business side of opera-tions as far as marketing, payroll, insur-ance, accounts payable and receivable and purchasing,” said Kim. “Jeff handles all the day-to-day operations at the shop, from the time a customer walks in until their vehicle is completed.”

It’s a division of labor that’s worked for the couple, who jumped into the auto repair game just before the economic downturn.

“As with most small businesses, work has slowed down, but we’re confident

that by continuing to perform high qual-ity repairs and going the extra mile for our customers, our business will grow,” said Kim.

Located on Southwest East Avenue off Canyon Road and Southwest Millikan Way, Beaverton Auto Body & Paint takes care of all kinds of vehicles, from tiny sportscars to huge trucks. Their most interesting project in recent months, Kim Drake said, was a repair to a 1936 Ford roadster.

“It was special for us to be part of that repair because we usually work on later-model vehicles,” she noted. “This was a custom car that was damaged — and most of us are hobbyists.”

This year, the Drakes don’t have plans for any big changes to their business. They — and their eight employees — will keep their eyes on the prize: earning their customers’ trust.

“We don’t have anything new or dif-ferent in the works at this time,” Kim said. “We’ll just keep offering and pro-viding excellent customer service along with quality repairs.”

The property, near an existing office complex and parking lot, would prove to be a complicated purchase for the brewer, a former real estate agent. Zoning changes and building design reviews tied up the closing. “It took 30 seconds to seal the deal on .83 acres, but three years and 10 months to open.”

Plans for upstairs lodging never came to life. Customers were first served in December 1998.

The restaurant has outlived several in the area. His original three competitors also have survived the economic down-turn. He attributes his staying power to patience and the public’s reaction to his establishment.

According to Larrance, proprietors need more than a good business site. “You have to be able to turn on a dime. You must have quick reactions and make quick decisions to respond to customers’ needs.” Over the years the Raccoon has changed its menu, added a large big screen television and improved its outside seating. And, as Larrance knows, its his neighbors that really make a business what it is —– friends passing a good word. A welcoming community shares in his business’s success. “Most of my cus-tomers are from around the area,” he says.

Tigard for years. Once located across the highway, it’s been at its current site on the uphill end of Main Street — originally the home of Tigard High School and later a supermarket — since 1984.

Word-of-mouth business is the key to the thrift store’s soaring sales. Founded on principles such as giving back and provid-ing opportunities, Value Village thrives on its relationships with the communities it serves. There are six stores in Oregon. “Our Tigard location is easily accessi-ble to a lot of consumers,” says store man-ager Lauri Tutor. “We have plenty of park-ing, and the improved green street out front makes our store inviting.”

The latest improvements on Main Street, which includes new sidewalks, environmentally sound drainage and a new shopping center entrance, are urging area businesses to dress up. Value Village has a fresh coat of paint and improved sig-nage.

“The city removed a row of trees, and our store is more visible now,” Tutor says. “The store is cleaner. Our fast, friendly service hasn’t changed.”

City improvements, neighborly busi-nesses and a Tigard Police presence make Tutor and her working team members feel welcome in the Tigard shopping center. Partnering with groups within the com-munity is part of the Village’s way of doing business. Involved with the Newberg Transitional School, two stu-dents are part of the store’s part-time work force.

In trade for advertising, the shop

loaned materials and props to the Beaverton Civic Theatre. By reaching out into the communi-ty, Value Village furthers its charitable relationships and increases local clothing drives. According to Tutor, nowadays consumers looking for values are likely to go a little farther from their home to shop. “Customers come from everywhere and hit all of the thrift stores,” she says of increased sales. “eBay sellers are also keeping us going. Our prices are right for everyone.” In order to maintain charita-ble relationships, Value Village has become more ambitious in gathering donations and attract-ing customers. Just up the road from King City and Summerfield, the leader in the thrift industry is beginning a new program for seniors. Every Wednesday seniors will receive 25 percent off their purchase of regular-priced items.