LIHU‘E — Times are tough out there and pennies are being pinched. When it comes to maintaining a vehicle, the cost incurred is rarely an inexpensive feat and finding an honest mechanic is sometimes a challenge. However, there are always
LIHU‘E — Times are tough out there and pennies are being pinched.
When it comes to maintaining a vehicle, the cost incurred is rarely an inexpensive feat and finding an honest mechanic is sometimes a challenge. However, there are always exceptions to the rule, and one of those is on the Eastside.
Family owned and operated, JB’s Repair in Lihu‘e has been bringing automotive services to Kaua‘i for six years.
John Brock, owner and master technician, born and raised on Kaua‘i, said his interest in automobiles began as early as high school. After graduating from Kaua‘i Community College with a certificate in Automative Mechanics Technology and an Associate’s Degree, Brock started working for various car dealerships on the island, including Kaua‘i Toyota and Kuhio Motors, until he decided to branch out on his own.
When Brock isn’t busy at work, or spending time with his family, he’s traveling to seminars and trade shows where he continually expands his knowledge about the business.
“It’s a wide spectrum, we’re like plumbers and electricians all wrapped up into one,” he said in an interview Monday.
Brock, along with JB’s two other mechanics, his son Derrek, and Kalen Kaya, also frequently attend Internet training sessions in order to help freshen their skills.
“We’re mostly comfortable with domestics and Asian imports,” said Brock in regards to what their specialties are at JB’s. “We do bumper-to-bumper service and we try to do a wide spectrum as far as whatever people need to have repaired.”
One of the qualities that reportedly sets JB’s Repair apart from other mechanics on the island is their family-oriented philosophy.
“I treat customers like one of the family, I try my best to take care of them with no games, just business,” he said.
When asked if business was slowing down due to the progressively downward-sloping economy, Brock said it’s been fairly regular with nothing noticeably declining yet. On the other hand, he has observed that brand new vehicles are becoming a much rarer commodity, as people opt for driving less expensive, used cars.
JB’s Repair is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and Saturdays by appointment only.
For more information, visit www.jbsrepair.com or call 241-7000.
• Coco Zickos, business writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 251) or czickos@kauaipubco.com
