TurboSTO is a Ukrainian chain of auto service centers specializing in turbocharger repair. Currently, it includes 14 branches located in different parts of the country. In a relatively short time, the company managed to take a leading place in its niche, gain recognition among drivers, and earn the respect of competitors. Proof of this is the title of the best turbocharger repair service, which the company received twice in a row — in 2020 and 2021 — according to the results of the nationwide Autoexpert rating. Even the events of February 24 did not hinder the company's plans: on August 1, it opened a new auto service center in Warsaw. We spoke with TurboSTO co-owner Vladyslav Pustovyi about what keeps the company afloat, its ambitions, and further steps.
What is the secret of TurboSTO's success
Today, the company can boast the largest network of services specializing in turbocharger repair. Of course, the path to this was thorny: in business, there are no simple solutions, and any new project is always a certain risk.
— The answer to the question about success has been known for a long time: you need to sincerely love your work and work persistently. But most importantly, you need like-minded people nearby, people with similar values and goals. Without a cohesive team, success cannot be achieved, — Vladyslav is convinced.
At the beginning of our activity, we thoroughly researched the market, analyzed the work of competitors, and studied modern methods of turbocharger restoration. The main guideline for us was the needs and expectations of potential customers. This is how we identified the key direction of development: car owners want repairs to be fast and high-quality.
— Therefore, we settled on the method of unit repair of turbochargers, which we consider the most reliable. The essence is that we replace damaged elements, for example, the cartridge, rather than trying to restore them. This allows us to return the turbocharger to a state close to new. We provide a three-year warranty on our work because we are fully confident in its quality, — says the co-owner of the network.
He notes that from the very beginning, the emphasis was on speed of execution and a full service cycle. The principle is simple: the customer brings the car to the station, and on the same day picks it up with a working turbocharger. All necessary procedures are carried out on site.
Stages of growth: new branches and additional services
The most active year for the TurboSTO network was 2021. Having made considerable efforts, the team completed a major reconstruction of the Kyiv station, designed for 10 bays, and also opened new services in six cities at once: Ivano-Frankivsk, Dnipro, Cherkasy, Zhytomyr, Ternopil, and Chernivtsi.
— We were not going to stop there and began working on expanding the list of services to make it more convenient for customers, — says Vladyslav.
In particular, in addition to turbocharger and fuel equipment repair, TurboSTO services began to offer diesel particulate filter cleaning, for which special stands were purchased. This service became very popular, given the quality of diesel fuel and environmental requirements in Ukraine.
Vladyslav Pustovyi does not hide: such rapid growth was not easy. It required not only significant financial investments but also the search, training, and adaptation of new employees. However, all set tasks were completed.
— I am proud of my team! — he emphasizes.
"We managed to stand firm in the hardest times"
Since February 24, almost all business in Ukraine, except for critically important sectors, has been forced to stop or significantly reduce its activity. The war dealt a serious blow to the economy. TurboSTO was no exception. Some employees went to defend the country, others moved to safer regions. It was very difficult to realize what had happened and quickly figure out how to proceed.
— We allowed ourselves only one day of confusion. After an urgent meeting, a decision was made to temporarily close two services — in Kyiv and Kharkiv. Those stations that were in relatively safe places continued to work on their usual schedule. By the way, it was the recently opened branches that became a great support for us during that period, — admits Vladyslav Pustovyi.
It was extremely difficult to work: demand dropped significantly, supply chains were disrupted, and spare parts became much more expensive. Many competitors were forced to stop working — some temporarily, and some forever. The management of TurboSTO, in turn, made a difficult decision — not to raise prices for its services. Of course, at that moment the future seemed quite uncertain.
— The most important thing was not to stop. We repaired cars for our defenders for free, bought and transferred vehicles to the front, and directed all received funds to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine, — recalls Vladyslav.
The company managed to survive the most difficult period. The market gradually began to recover, and the team returned to Kyiv. In addition, new services appeared in Kharkiv and Lutsk. And most importantly, it was time to think about future steps and development strategy.
Entry into the Polish market
After returning to Kyiv, the network's management began actively working on the idea of entering the international level. Warsaw was chosen as the first point abroad.
— We conducted research and found out that Polish drivers really like diesel cars with turbochargers — this is about two-thirds of all registered vehicles. Therefore, the demand for turbo service there is very high, and there is a catastrophic shortage of qualified specialists. That is, in Poland there is a solvent audience whose needs are currently not fully met by anyone, — says Vladyslav.
He notes that the process of opening an auto service in Poland differs significantly from the Ukrainian one. Most differences are in bureaucratic details. There are much stricter registration rules and more meticulous inspections, which requires additional time for processing all documents.
However, relying on many years of experience, the company's specialists successfully coped with this task. They managed to find experienced mechanics, choose suitable premises, purchase the necessary equipment, and create comfortable conditions for employees. The new service fully meets European standards and is already accepting customers.
— I am confident that success awaits us in Poland too, — says Vladyslav Pustovyi.
At the same time, the company does not plan to completely reorient to Western markets. In the near future, it is planned to open several more services in Ukraine, in particular in Poltava and Kremenchuk. As for Poland, 2-3 more stations may appear there in the future.
In addition, the company plans to further expand the range of car maintenance services.
— Our goal is to become a network of full-cycle services. Already now, at our stations, you can undergo scheduled maintenance. We have also prepared several interesting offers for our customers. More detailed information can be found on our website, — shares the co-owner of the network.
Undoubtedly, today Ukrainian business operates in extremely difficult conditions. To not only survive but also continue to develop, it is necessary to build a new strategy, taking into account all possible risks and open prospects. For TurboSTO, the formula for success remains unchanged: a cohesive professional team, a clear understanding of customer needs, and constant investment in the growth of the network.
