Independent Volvo and BMW Repair in Nashville

We really care and want to earn your trust!

Owners - Rod and Tori Kruse

My Father's name was Elmer F. Kruse. I'm the youngest of six children and the only male. I began working in Elmer's Automotive Repair, under my father's mentorship at the age of 14. In 1974, after my father passed away, I started working as a technician at a Volvo dealership in Anaheim, California. In 1982, I won a Volvo technical competition and was rated as one of the top 11 Volvo car technicians in the USA and Canada. The award for this achievement was a trip to Sweden, where I joined others from around the world who had achieved similar status. In 1985, after relocating my family to Nashville, I began employment with a Volvo dealership in Nashville. Initially, I worked as a technician. In 1986, I moved into service management. Then in 1992, I left the dealership to begin the process of opening Import Specialty Service. By the end of 1994, we found and leased our initial location. So beginning in January, 1995, we began full operation. In February 2006, we completed and moved into our new, current facility.

Tori is my best friend. We met in 1969 and married in 1970. Although we're transplants, we call Nashville our home. Tori is the second of three girls. Her mother lives in Nashville. She is officially the Secretary in the business organization. Functionally, she is the person who makes sure our books are kept with the utmost care. I'm honored to have her along-side me in business.

We have three sons. Byron, the oldest son is married and has three daughters. He works in this business (see separate bio). Our middle son, Seth is also married and has one daughter. He lives in Lebanon, TN. He is a licensed general contractor, and gifted craftsman, specializing in remodeling, finish carpentry and deck construction. Our youngest, Graham, lives in Ohio. Having spent ten years in the Navy, he now works for a company that supports submarine operations. He is currently working off the coast of west Africa where his ship is deployed in support of an offshore oil well operation. He operates a remote-controlled submarine to complete complex operations at depths too deep for humans to survive.

We're blessed in many ways and are very thankful. We are very active in City Church of East Nashville, TN, where I am an elder. It is our desire to put God first in our lives, including the way we do business.

Employees

Byron Kruse, Operations Manager Byron is the older son of Rod and Tori Kruse. He is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University. His career has included customer service within several industries, including self-employment. He joined Import Specialty Service in January of 1999. He is the liaison between our customers and the actual service and repair process, managing everything from scheduling the appointment to assisting with final settlement at the time when the customer picks up the Volvo. He married in 1995 and has 3 daughters. By following in Rod's automotive career footsteps, he is the third generation in the family business.
Ryan Myers, Service Advisor Ryan grew up in Ohio and graduated from Harding University. Together with his wife and son they proudly call southern Nashville their home. Ryan is one of the first people you will meet in our business. In his position as service advisor, he acts as the liaison between customers and the service and repair process at Import Specialty Service. He is committed to make sure that we earn your trust as we care for your car.
Ryder Gibbs, Service Advisor Ryder Gibbs is one of our service advisors with duties similar to Ryan. He is married and has two children. He is a graduate of Brentwood Academy and attended the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He has many years’ experience helping customers with their cars’ service needs. And he is ready to help you maintain a good relationship with your car, acting as your advocate in the service and repair process here at Import Specialty Service.
Pat Camp, Technician Pat joined us as our first full-time employee and technician in April of 1995. He has an extensive mechanical background, including working and teaching aircraft mechanics. He is known through the shop for his consistent attention to detail. We are happy to have a man of his character and technical ability on our technical staff. Pat is married and has two daughters. One of his family's avocations is extensive involvement in Contra-dance. His wife Chrissy Davis-Camp is widely known as a Contra-dance caller.
Brent Crawford, Technician Brent and Rod Kruse have had a long term relationship. They met while they both worked at a Volvo dealership in California in 1980. Brent had just begun his career a Volvo technician. When Brent moved to Nashville, Rod was glad to have the opportunity to work together with Brent again. Brent's personal integrity and technical expertise makes a great addition to the Import Specialty Team. Brent is married with 2 kids, and resides in Hendersonville.
Byron Gabel, Technician Byron is a veteran technician with many years of experience including BMW. He is married and has 5 children. Byron enjoys family time as well as spending time volunteering at his church. He is a welcome addition to our staff and is a joy to work with.
Steve Smith, Technician Steve is a factory-trained service technician and really cares about the quality of his work. His attention to detail is consistent with the quality of service we strive to provide our customers. Steve is a important part of our service team. Steve is a native of Nashville, and is married with 3 children.
Rich Tippit, Support Rich is our youngest staff member. He provides logistical support to our operation. He is also working as a trainee in the service department, with the desire to become a full technician. His willingness to learn and do whatever the job requires demonstrates his desire to succeed.
John Hoskins, Parts Department John is a long-time Nashville resident with over 30 years as a professional technician, much of that time as a Certified Master Volvo technician. He now applies his experience and expertise in our parts department, ensuring that the correct parts are obtained and installed on our customer’s automobiles.