Trusted for independent auto care in Knoxville, Pro Toy is fueled by deep experience and customer confidence
Story and Photography by Nathan Sparks
Appeared in Cityview Magazine, Vol. 41, Issue 6 (Nov/Dec 2025)
A Shop With Roots and a Promise
Founded in 2001 by Barry and Kim Dickey, Pro Toy Automotive Service Center began as a specialist shop for Toyota and Lexus owners. Over time, it expanded to serve most makes and models while keeping its original ethos intact: “Where the truth is always free.”
Today, with a clean, professional eight-bay facility and a reputation throughout Knoxville for honest and transparent service, the shop stands as a family-driven alternative to the typical car dealership. Customers know they’ll find dealership-level expertise without the high-pressure sales or inflated repair lists. From check-ins to diagnostics, customers are welcomed into an environment designed to make them feel respected and informed.
As Barry says, “It’s easy to check in. If you want to see your vehicle when it’s being worked on, that’s not a problem. Glad to show you what we found.”
Stable Team, Sharp Skills
One of Pro Toy’s quiet strengths is its long-tenured staff. Neal, the service manager, for instance, has been part of the team for five years, and the average tech has over six years with the company—a testament to the shop’s stability. Technicians receive ongoing education, particularly as new vehicle technologies emerge.
Barry brings in specialized trainers when new models are released, ensuring his team stays ahead of the curve. That commitment to learning means every repair, from brake jobs to complex hybrid diagnostics, is always done with the upmost confidence and precision.
Pro Toy uses the same diagnostic software that dealerships rely on, allowing for precise evaluations and complete “health checks” that scan every module in a vehicle. “We have access to the same information that a dealer tech has, so we can always properly analyze the codes and get our customers back on the road with minimum expense” Barry explains. Yet the technical excellence isn’t the only thing that keeps their customers loyal—it’s also the honesty behind every recommendation.
Trust Worn on the Hood
Customers consistently say they trust Pro Toy. “They know we’re not going to sell them something that we shouldn’t,” Kim says. That integrity shows in the shop’s 4.9 Carfax rating and a steady stream of word-of-mouth referrals.
Congratulations Randy Creswell Silver Winner in Auto Mechanic
Barry recalls a Lexus owner was told by a chain repair shop that she needed three motor mounts for $2,500. His assessment? Nothing was wrong. “That car didn’t need that,” Barry says. “It made me frustrated for our customer.” He took care of her right away, ensuring she felt safe to drive after checking everything was in tip-top shape. Pro Toy also rejects the industry’s upsell trends. “Transmission flush, engine flush—things nobody needs,” Barry explains. “It’s nice to be able to tell people what they really need and not try to sell them stuff they don’t. Our customers appreciate that honesty.”
Pro Toy’s success rests on a simple formula: skill, consistency, and honesty. In a city full of auto shops, Pro Toy remains the rare one that values trust above all—where every customer leaves with clarity, confidence, and a car that’s truly cared for.
10635 Braden Dickey Lane
Knoxville, TN 37932
865-670-0787
protoyauto.com
Comments are closed.