How 1.800.REPAIRS Doubled Profits With Caspio’s Low-Code Platform

In the competitive landscape of repair services, standing out amidst the crowd requires innovation, efficiency and a commitment to customer satisfaction. For Kerry Lauricella, CEO of 1.800.REPAIRS, this journey began 25 years ago with a vision to revolutionize the industry.  

From humble beginnings in the local construction sector to establishing a nationwide presence, Lauricella’s dedication to excellence propelled his company forward. However, even with success on the horizon, the need for efficient processes became evident.   

Here’s the story of how 1.800.REPAIRS used Caspio’s low-code platform to build a powerful solution that enabled them to optimize their workflows, elevate customer service, double their profits and solidify their position as a leader in the home and automotive repair industry.  

From Concept to Convenience: Pioneering the 1.800 Number  

Twenty-five years ago, in the era dominated by printed Yellow Pages directories, Kerry Lauricella found himself navigating the challenges of promoting his business amidst a sea of competitors. It was a time when flipping through thick phone books was the norm for consumers searching for local services. “It was tough,” he shared. “Every year, you’d have to get to the battle of who the top ad was.”  

Frustrated by traditional advertising methods, Lauricella sought an alternative to connect with customers. “There’s got to be a better way,” he thought, and thus, the iconic 1.800 number was born. “It sounded good to me. I dialed it and nobody had it, so I bought the numbers that same day,” he recalled. “Customers don’t have to go over to their phonebook to look up the number — it’s easy to remember.”  

This simple yet brilliant idea laid the foundation for the company’s expansion on a national scale. Originating from modest roots in Louisiana, the company experienced remarkable growth and soon became a household name throughout the country. However, this growth brought about the need for advanced tools to efficiently manage the increasing volume of customers and service requests.  

Patching the Cracks With Low-Code Technology  

As 1.800.REPAIRS aimed to improve their operations and handle customer interactions more effectively, they identified a crucial gap in their technological capabilities. Lauricella shared their experience in an episode of ‘Low Code/High Impact,’ Caspio’s interview series available on YouTube and podcast platforms.  

He recalled, “We needed technology to manage phone routing and track where our customers are coming from, as well as the status of their requests.”   

LOW CODE FOR BUSINESSES: Watch Caspio’s Low Code/High Impact series on  YouTube or listen via podcast platforms to learn how low code helps transform businesses.   

When he needed to set up a form on their website to monitor potential customers, contractors and calls, he considered hiring developers to create and manage everything, but he had second thoughts. “When you want to change a field or do something simple, it would take a week to get done,” he explained.  

So, he started searching for an alternative. He shopped in “every unimaginable database” and even looked at multibillion-dollar companies to find the solution they needed but to no avail. “Some only wanted the bragging rights to say they’re the database behind 1.800.REPAIRS,” Lauricella said laughingly.   

Eventually, he stumbled upon Caspio’s low-code platform. With its user-friendly interface and robust database capabilities, Caspio proved to be the perfect fit for 1.800.REPAIRS’ needs.  

“I set the form up myself. It’s literally everything you guys say — no ‘BS’! I got a free trial, tried it for three days and got hooked. If you can work in Excel sheet, you can be a master of Caspio,” Lauricella said.  

What makes it even more remarkable is that Lauricella didn’t have a technical or programming background. With Caspio as his technological backbone, he was able to create unique solutions for his company without complexities. He shared, “I have construction companies, I’ve been in politics, and I’ve run uber-national campaigns. None with any specific degrees for that — my degree is in common sense.”  

A Solution for Today’s Digital Customers 

Ensuring customers could easily request services online was a top priority for 1.800.REPAIRS, and low code played a crucial role in making this possible.  

Lauricella explained the need, stating, “Aside from calls, we needed a way to get people a way to go on their phone or a computer and request service online.” He added, “If you’re going to outsource something like that, you’ll end up paying hundreds and thousands of dollars.”  

Using the Caspio platform, he developed a user-friendly online form solution and seamlessly integrated it into their website, enabling customers to submit service requests easily. Customers can input their information, including location, type of service needed, preferred schedule and any additional details. They also have the option to attach images if necessary. Upon submission, their information is automatically forwarded to the nearest available technician in their area.  

Caspio’s customization capabilities allowed 1.800.REPAIRS to tailor the form and reports to their specific needs. Technicians can easily search for a particular customer, and the app will pull up all the records related to them in real-time, including request statuses. “We’re able to do this with the relational database, which you guys also made simple to do,” Lauricella noted.  

With low code, 1.800.REPAIRS not only modernized its service request process but also enhanced satisfaction by providing a convenient and efficient way for customers to access their services. This solution marks a significant advancement in meeting customer needs in today’s digital world.  

Achieving More With Less  

The impact of Caspio on 1.800. REPAIRS’ bottom line was profound.  

Lauricella estimates substantial savings of up to $400,000 to $500,000, underscoring the platform’s effectiveness in delivering cost efficiencies and tangible financial benefits.  

Additionally, he highlighted a future project: a dealer locator, a feature that could traditionally cost them $500 a month. “With Caspio, I don’t think I’d spend $50 a month — and you could do it yourself,” he quipped. For someone who admittedly isn’t a “techy” person, this signifies a remarkable achievement. He credits Caspio’s platform specialists for their invaluable assistance whenever technical support was needed, acknowledging their role in ensuring smooth operations for 1.800.REPAIRS. “If I had trouble, I’d get one of your whiz kids over there on the phone,” he shared. “Two minutes later, we’re up and running.”  

Success comes in many forms, and for Lauricella and his team, it means accomplishing tasks efficiently. “If there is a simple way to collect data, log it, keep it safe, and manage it and you can do it without having two or three tech people, you’re ahead of the game,” he emphasized.  

Time is money. People that are in very powerful positions in corporate America, they’re dealing with thousands of employees — they have 20, 40, 50 people working for them to do what I can do with just one person and your technology.  

Kerry Lauricella 
Founder and CEO
1.800.REPAIRS   

Indeed, Caspio enabled Lauricella to achieve more with less, empowering his team to focus on what truly matters – delivering exceptional service to customers.  

Navigating the Future With Low Code  

But the benefits of low code and Caspio go beyond mere cost savings. For the 1.800.REPAIRS team, it’s also about leveling the playing field and democratizing access to advanced technology. “I can take my granddaughter who’s eight years old, and I promise you, I can have her compete with any MySQL developer using your product,” Lauricella said. This accessibility enhances efficiency and promotes innovation within the organization.  

Looking ahead, Lauricella envisions a future where Caspio plays a pivotal role in transforming niches beyond their own. From automotive businesses to countless other sectors, Lauricella sees the potential for widespread adoption of low-code solutions. “We’re going to push Caspio to automotive businesses because they have to realize they don’t have to do everything — calls, mailboxes —manually,” he said. “If I can help them save time and money, that makes them like me,” he said. It’s a vision fueled by a desire to empower businesses of all sizes to thrive in the digital age.  

Safe to say, 1.800.REPAIRS’ journey with Caspio exemplifies the transformative power of technology — when coupled with a vision for progress. From humble beginnings to national prominence, Lauricella’s commitment to excellence remains unwavering.  

As he aptly puts it, “1800 Repairs is picky-picky with who we stick our neck out for.” And with Caspio, Lauricella found not just a vendor, but a partner in progress – one that continues to drive his company’s success forward.  

Ready to experience the transformative power of Caspio firsthand? Sign up for a free trial and explore the possibilities today.