Six years after opening his first automotive repair shop in Cleveland, Tenn., Jonathan and Heather Smith have added a second repair shop on Hixson Pike and hope to add a couple more local outlets in the future.
The Smiths partnered with Ben Helton to acquire a 5,000-square-foot repair shop at 3656 Hixson Pike in October from the former owner, D & C Automotive. The six-bay facility was refurbished and reopened with an entirely new staff two weeks ago.
"My ultimate goal is to have at least four locations so we can serve the entire area," said Smith, who began his career 18 years ago as a Honda and Acura mechanic. "I started out as a technician and had a desire to be an entrepreneur and start my own business and this is sort of phase two of our expansion. We've done well in Cleveland and we're looking to duplicate that here."
The Smiths partnered with Ben Helton to acquire a 5,000-square-foot repair shop at 3656 Hixson Pike in October from the former owner, D & C Automotive.Smith Automotive Solutions Inc. is a full-service preventative maintenance and automotive repair facility that the Smiths started in June 2011. Smith said he expects to have three to four ASE certified technicians and a couple of service managers at the Hixson Pike location.
"We do everything from a basic oil change to most any kind of engine repairs," he said. "It's pretty much bumper to bumper, and while we specialize in Honda and Toyota models, we service all makes and models, including light duty diesel."
Smith said as a locally owned operation, he is more accountable and cost competitive than many of the national brands or car dealers for repair work.
"It's a more personal touch and I believe our pricing is more than fair," he said.
Smith Automotive is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Contact Dave Flessner at dflessner@timesfreepress.com or at 757-6340.