When OOROO Auto opened its first shop in 2014, it wasn’t simply entering the automotive repair market, it was challenging the norms of an industry long plagued by mistrust. Founder and CEO Jeff Artzi had spent years leading a 100store automotive repair business, gaining a clear view of what he calls “the good, the bad, and the ugly” of the field: the good being the opportunity to keep people safe on the road, the bad being the way team members were often treated, and the ugly being the unethical practices that too often shaped customer experiences. That perspective, combined with his background in the hospitality sector, inspired a different kind of model, one rooted in transparency, dignity and genuine care. “We built OOROO Auto on the belief that caring for people comes first,” Artzi says, articulating the philosophy that has guided the company’s growth, culture and deepening commitment to community impact.
That commitment wasn’t an afterthought. It was written into the company’s original business plan, which outlined a promise to repair vehicles at no cost for individuals who rely on their cars for work but cannot afford essential repairs. The idea was to create a platform where customers, employees and community members could “pay it forward” together, a shared ecosystem of good deeds that would grow alongside the business. A decade later, that early vision has evolved into OOROO CARES, the company’s philanthropic arm, led by a fulltime community relations coordinator who expands partnerships, supports local organizations and ensures the company’s impact is both meaningful and measurable.
One of the clearest expressions of that impact is the Joyride Program, now in its ninth year. Each holiday season, community members nominate families who cannot afford critical vehicle repairs, and an independent panel of respected local leaders selects the finalists. OOROO then provides up to $1,000 in free parts and labor to help recipients regain safe, reliable transportation. “Joyride is one of the most meaningful things we do each year,” says Community Relations Coordinator Jamie Pettigrew. “It’s about showing up for our neighbors and helping remove one major source of stress so families can focus on what matters most.”
Artzi echoes that sentiment, noting that reliable transportation is a cornerstone of stability. “Mobility is more than just a vehicle; it’s independence, opportunity and peace of mind,” he says. The company’s commitment is significant: In 2024, OOROO donated $7,200 in monetary and inkind support through Joyride, community sponsorships and school partnerships; in 2025, that number nearly tripled to $19,000 as nominations surged and the company expanded its reach.
Education has become another major pillar of OOROO’s outreach. The company partners with more than 20 schools each year, sponsoring events, supporting teachers and providing direct funding for classroom supplies. Through the Teacher Appreciation Program, educators receive free oil changes and gift certificates on a monthly or quarterly basis, along with springtime supply grants that help offset outofpocket expenses. In 2024, OOROO distributed 83 teacher appreciation certificates; in 2025, that number grew to 152 as the company expanded its partnerships across districts that now include Higley, Combs and Vail.
These aren’t symbolic gestures; they directly reduce the financial burden on teachers who routinely spend their own money to meet classroom needs. Chief of Staff Lindsey Wiederstein says the impact goes far beyond vehicle maintenance. “At the end of the day, this isn’t just about fixing cars,” she explains. “It’s about taking care of people. When someone feels safe getting their family where they need to go, that’s when we know we’ve done our job.”
The company’s community engagement extends well beyond financial support. Employees and their families regularly participate in volunteer activities, including United Way’s Days of Caring, teacher appreciation breakfasts and school festivals. While OOROO does not operate a formal volunteer program, staff are encouraged to participate in community events and are paid for their time when they do so, a reflection of the company’s belief that service should be accessible, supported and celebrated. Artzi, himself, has served on several nonprofit boards, including the United Way of Southern Arizona, the Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Tucson Police Foundation and the ArizonaSonora Desert Museum, demonstrating a leadership philosophy rooted in civic engagement and longterm partnership.
Across all these efforts, what stands out is the consistency. In 2024, OOROO supported 35 schools, nonprofits and community organizations: in 2025, that number rose to 44. The company’s growth has only strengthened its commitment to giving back, proving that community investment is not a cost, it’s a catalyst. As Pettigrew notes, the work is ultimately about helping people focus on what matters most. And for OOROO, what matters most is clear: people, community and care, on and off the road.
Tyler Butler, a trailblazer in ESG and corporate citizenship, has led Fortune 500 sustainability programs, contributed to two IPOs and founded Collaboration for Good. With degrees from ASU, Boston College and Cornell, she writes for top publications and serves as a strategic CSR consultant for Omnicom.
Did You Know: OOROO CARES continues to expand its reach each year, providing free vehicle repairs through Joyride, distributing more than 200 teacher appreciation certificates across 2024 and 2025, and contributing more than $26,000 in monetary and inkind support to schools, nonprofits and families across Arizona.
Photos courtesy of OOROO Auto
