Member of the month: Junior Tamayo
Spotlight date: March, 2014
Junior Tamayo, Jay’s Auto Center, Torrance, CA
In his own words:
"I have been a proud member of the ASCCA for over 40 years and I am happy to share my story.
I have always been a “pliers and wire” kinda guy; as a child I loved working with my hands, helping my uncles with whatever they were working on, whether it be tinkering with a motor or fixing a leaky faucet. I was inspired to work hard as I got older mostly because I was married with three kids by the age of 27. I began working for Jay’s Automatic Transmissions in 1969 as a grunt worker. My job was to stay out of everyone’s way and keep busy with whatever I was told to do. I really enjoyed working for Jay the original owner and he saw potential in me.
Many nights when my co-workers would go home I would stay and read the work manuals on how to rebuild a transmission. The next morning all of the work would be done. This eliminated some jobs for my “ex co-workers”. Not my intention but it was what it was: I was educating myself in the automotive industry and it just so happened Jay didn’t need all those employees. Eventually Jay made me the manager and I did all the hiring and firing until finally in 1974 Jay sold the business to me! I have worked hard and it has paid off as my kids grew up in a loving, successful household.
As an ASCCA member, I have gained information on rules and regulations in advance while the information was still in discussion mode. ASCCA has helped me to establish successful processes in my business.
The advice I would offer a new ASCCA member is to get involved and take advantage of the many benefits offered by this helpful organization."