By Ofelia Saenz, Staff Writer
When Servando Orozco talks about how much his family has grown over the last seven years, he could be talking about his wife Cindy and their three young children, or he could be talking about the family-owned and operated business Orozco’s Auto Service.
When the couple opened the first location of Orozco’s Auto Service on Long Beach Boulevard in 1990, they were the only two employees.
“I was the technician and my wife was my helper,” Orozco remembers. “She would order parts and add oil [to the cars] for me.”
Now, just seven years later, the business has outgrown its original home. In early March, they inaugurated a second location on Atlantic Avenue in Bixby Knolls. The new property is a 7,500 square-foot auto center that houses a team of more than 15.
The Orozcos have outfitted the waiting room in such a way that it’s as welcoming as any family’s living room, complete with reading materials, television, doughnuts, coffee and plenty of friendly faces.
“The whole idea is to [create an environment] where my mom would feel comfortable,” smiles general manager Gerry Santillan who has worked with the family since 2006. “Then we pretty much know that everybody else would feel comfortable.”
According to Orozco and Santillan, the key to success is communication and accommodation. They offer a free shuttle service, as well as car rental services, so people can deal with repairs with as little disruption as possible to their daily lives.
“Our goal is to make customers happy,” Orozco says. “We make sure we give the most information, answer all the questions, and explain in detail what’s been done to the car. This is how we build the relationship with customers.”
The guys that work at Orozco’s seem to be very aware of the average car owner’s dilemma: How does one find a good mechanic who’s also trustworthy? How does someone with minimal knowledge of cars keep from being taken advantage?
Technician Manny Parra says it’s like finding a good doctor. “Once you find one you trust, you’ll follow them anywhere,” he says. “If you’re lucky enough to have a good repair shop, that’s great. But if not, give us the opportunity to help.”
Orozco knows the livelihood of his business depends on the integrity and honesty of his crew, and with two successful locations in seven years, his approach seems to be paying off.
“We do all makes and models,” Orozco says. “But we specialize in people.”
Orozco’s Auto Service is located at 3619 Atlantic Avenue in Long Beach.
For more information, call (562) 427-4256 or visit www.orozcosautoservice.com.
Another Orozco’s Auto Service is located at 3033 Long Beach Boulevard.
