Professionals in Automotive Service Since 1940

Julio Campos – Owner of Dragonfly Automotive

ASCCA is proud to recognize Julio Camposof Dragonfly Automotive as our Member of the Month! We have all come to know Julio through his service to the local ASCCA San Diego Chapter and also to the Council of Representatives (COR) as the Speaker of the COR, and that’s only part of the reason why we are honoring him this month.

Julio and Dragonfly continues to support growth in the industry and as such established through ASCEF the Dragonfly Employees’ Scholarship Fund. Julio’s background in being a shop owner began after more than a decade working with Toyota, when he took the leap into business ownership. Since 2014, Dragonfly Automotive has been a trusted name in the community of San Diego — built on a foundation of respect, integrity, and constant growth. Julio’s commitment to learning, supporting others, and staying connected through ASCCA makes him a valued voice not only within our membership but within the community as well.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself and how you got started in the automotive industry:

JC: I was looking to make a little bit more money and at the same time get a job where I can learn something different for my future. I started working at a Toyota dealer as a lot porter and then I moved to be a lube technician. After being a lube technician, I had an opportunity to go to Miramar college for the Toyota T-Ten program. After graduation, I moved to be a line technician. I worked for Toyota for 14 years before deciding to be independent.

Q: What inspired you to open Dragonfly Automotive, and is there a story behind the name?

JC: As I mentioned, after working for Toyota for 14 years, I decided to take the challenge to be on my own. Dragonfly Automotive was already an existing shop, which I found for sale on Craigslist. We decided to buy the shop and keep the name. We opened in June 2014 and have been in business for 11 years!

Q: What values guide the way you run your shop, and how do those values show up in your customer relationships? 

JC: Treat others as you want to be treated. Respect is a priority in our business.

Q: Is there a customer interaction or experience you can share that stands out as especially meaningful to you?

JC: Well, I think we get new input from customers all the time. You never stop learning in this industry. Every day is a learning experience.

Q: How has your involvement with the ASCCA helped you grow, personally or professionally?

JC: I’ve been very lucky to be surrounded by positive people. Motivation is there every day, and the association has been a key to opening other opportunities for success.

Q: What do you enjoy most about being part of the ASCCA community?

JC: Most important is that I don’t feel alone anymore if I have a question or if there’s something I don’t know how to do. There is always somebody with the right advice or answers to help.

Q: What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the industry?

JC: It’s not easy to break the routine of working every day just to make money. But it’s about learning how to build a stronger business that lasts. Enroll to learn.

Q: Outside of work, what are your favorite ways to spend time or recharge?

JC: Family. They are my priority.