Angel Santiago III doesn’t let his age dictate his future business plans. The 24-year old Kaua‘i resident is the co-owner of Kauai Auto Repair, LLC, located at the new Puhi Industrial Park, and has recently gotten his second business endeavor
Angel Santiago III doesn’t let his age dictate his future business plans.
The 24-year old Kaua‘i resident is the co-owner of Kauai Auto Repair, LLC, located at the new Puhi Industrial Park, and has recently gotten his second business endeavor up and running.
In addition to auto repair, Santiago started up his own line of mixed martial arts clothing.
The line is called “One Crack Fightwear,” and has been offered for six months.
Santiago has sold various shirts, hats and other clothing items with the One Crack Fightwear logo emblazoned across it.
Despite only doing the work part-time, he spends a great deal of time getting the name out.
At the “Grappler’s Paradise” event held at Kapa‘a Middle School in late September, Santiago sold his merchandise.
Two fighters who wear his clothing are Kyle Snyder-Olivares and 24-year old Eben Kaneshiro from ‘Oma‘o.
Both fighters have performed well at tournaments throughout the islands.
He has also sold his clothing at the Garden Island Racing Association’s drag racing events which are held in Mana.
In addition to the drag-racing events, Santiago has worked at the dirt-bike races in Wailua, and even sponsors a Kaua‘i racer. Recently, Puna Gallardo, a local bike racer who competes in the 125-250 cc amateur division, has worn Santiago’s clothing line.
“I plan to expand the line in the future,” said Santiago. “I would like to start selling gis and other mixed martial arts clothing.”
The Kauai Auto Repair, LLC shop has been in existence at the Puhi Industrial Park since August of 2002. Santiago and his father Angel Santiago II offer repairs for most automobile problems, and also offers service on custom exhaust systems.
Angel Santiago III is ASC-certified as a master automobile technician after acquiring his credential a few years ago.
He and his business partner are both graduates of Kaua‘i Community College’s automotive technology program.
Santiago’s goal at the shop is simple.
“We like happy customers,” he said. “You see a lot of unhappy customers at some of the dealerships. Basically, we just want to make people happy.”
Business Editor Barry Graham may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 251) or mailto:bgraham@pulitzer.net.
