Our History
Star Auto Authority was founded as C&M Auto Service in 1984, when Chuck Hartogh and Mike Starovich purchased Bill’s Texaco in Glenview from Mike’s father, who was retiring after 40 years. They decided to focus solely on automotive service and relocated the business to the former Jennings Chevrolet and Wigglesworth Volvo showroom in Glenview, IL. The 11-bay, 5,500-square-foot repair facility opened on April 1, 1985. After 15 successful years, the company opened a second, larger location on October 8, 2001 in Vernon Hills. The 22-bay, 24,000-square-foot facility set a new standard for independent automotive repair facilities. After more than a decade, our customers are still amazed by how immaculate, spacious and bright the facility is. Mike and Chuck made a move in early 2007 to experience the thrill of sole ownership: They separated C&M Auto Service into two companies. In January 2007, Mike took the helm in Vernon Hills, and Chuck took the reigns in Glenview. In July 2008, C&M Auto Service in Vernon Hills stepped into the next phase of its history, debuting a modern, fresh name and brand identity: Star Auto Authority, Your Vehicle Service Experts. In August of 2011, we added our Collision Center business to our services offered and that business has grown steadily ever since.Our Core Company Values
- The key measure of our success will be customer satisfaction.
- We will treat our clients as we would our friends and relatives.
- Our teammates are top-notch professionals and will always be treated with respect and dignity, and will be rewarded for their results.
- Our leadership will be of the highest quality, and will exemplify our core values.
- Our operation will be among the most efficient and effective in the industry.
- We will be a responsible and contributing member of our community.
- Our goal is to hire and retain nice, intelligent people that get things done right.
Client Conveniences:
We offer the following client conveniences second to none in our industry:- Borrow one of our free loaner cars—we have the largest fleet in the Midwest (30+).
- We will provide a complimentary second opinion when we are provided a written, itemized estimate from another auto repair facility.
- Enjoy a hand-washed and vacuumed car after every visit (even for an oil change).
- Relax in our spacious, quiet and clean customer lounge with wifi, an internet workstation, Starbucks coffee and mouth-watering cookies.
- We’ll pick up and deliver your car to/from your home or office.
- Catch a ride to work or home—and back—in our courtesy shuttle.
- Towing and loaner cars are available 24/7. Simply dial our number and follow the prompts.
- Hit a pothole? Ask for a free alignment check.
- Online access to your vehicle’s repair history.
- Exclusive, industry leading warranties (48 month/50K mile for mechanical and lifetime for collision).
Our Green Initiatives:
We believe that, as a vehicle repair facility, it is critical that we minimize our carbon footprint and impact on the environment. We believe that this is not only the right thing to so, but makes financial sense as well. Here are our key initiatives in this area:- We recycle waste oil on site to heat our car wash area in the winter time (the area most exposed to the elements), so waste oil never leaves our shop.
- We are a paperless repair facility. All process flows are via electronic means. The only time paper is generated for work performed is if a client requests a paper receipt instead of a receipt by email.
- Our lights throughout the shop area and areas not consistently used are on motion detectors, so that they automatically turn off/on depending on whether someone is working in the immediate area.
- All of our shop area lights are the most energy efficient LED lights available.
- In 2016, we replaced all of our windows with new highly energy efficient windows.
- All scrap metals, scrap tires, waste light bulbs, antifreeze, cardboard and paper products, and batteries are submitted to reputable scrap metal recycling companies.
Charities/Community Organizations We Support:
We believe we are fortunate to live in our communities and we make a sincere effort to support as best we can, local charities and community organizations. Here are some of the charities and local community organizations we support either financially or through volunteering time:- Vernon Hills Park District
- Save-A-Pet (no kill animal adoption center)
- Nicasa (Learn More)
- The Lake County Haven (Like them on Facebook and learn more in our Spotlight Article)
- Kiwanis Club of LMVH
- Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals
- PADS Lake County
- Camp Jorn YMCA
- fitMS NeuroBalance Center
- National Multiple Sclerosis Society
- Maristella Homeless Women & Children
- American Cancer Society
- Vernon Hills High School
- Libertyville High School
- Stephenson High School Patriot Parent Association
- Sponsor of Libertyville Lady Cats Feeder Basketball
- Vernon Hills Summer Celebration
- Sponsor of Youth hockey team (Renegades)
- Miscellaneous Charitable golf outings
- Kirk Players Community Theater Group
- Street Scenes (charity event for Carmel H.S.)
- VFW