When Aaron Nielsen graduated from high school, he was full of energy and ready to take on the world—but unsure of what direction to go. A spark of interest in cars and a love for tinkering led him to pursue a technical education at Wyotech. From there, he landed jobs at both a Subaru and BMW dealership, gaining valuable hands-on experience. That passion and dedication to the craft eventually led Aaron to open Import Automotive Professionals LLC, a RepairPal Certified Shop in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
1. How did you get into the automotive industry?
“Graduated High School excited about the future but had no idea what to do with my life. Liked tinkering with cars but did not know much about it. Went to a school called Wyotech, got out, got a job at a Subaru and BMW dealership. Have been working in the industry ever since, became an expert and decided it was time to open my own shop!”
Aaron’s story is proof that a little curiosity and a lot of commitment can lead to an incredible career. His journey from unsure graduate to successful shop owner is inspiring for anyone considering the trade.
2. What do you want your shop to be known for?
“Performing honest high-quality diagnostics and repairs, being a place our customers can count on, and simplifying their process as much as possible for them.”
At Import Automotive Professionals, the mission is crystal clear—transparency, trust, and stress-free experiences for every customer.
3. How do you differentiate your shop from other repair facilities?
“One—we specialize in Asian vehicles! Two—we care about the success of our staff and our customers. We strive to meet the customers’ needs as much as we are able to do so and give them a great experience!”
Specialization is key in today’s competitive market. By focusing on Asian vehicles and caring deeply for both customers and employees, Aaron’s shop sets itself apart.
6. What strategies have you found most effective for retaining customers?
“Love thy neighbor as thyself.”
Simple and powerful. This guiding principle builds trust, fosters loyalty, and reflects the core values of Import Automotive Professionals.
7. What tools or software do you rely on to manage your shop’s operations efficiently?
“We try to keep up on new technology and adopt it when it makes sense.”
Staying ahead of the curve without unnecessary overwhelm—this balanced approach to tech keeps the shop efficient and adaptable.
8. Can you share a success story where your shop went above and beyond for a customer?
“Picking up or delivering their car after hours, hunting down hard-to-find parts. Trying to think outside the box to solve our customers’ problems.”
Whether it’s finding rare parts or going the extra mile with pick-up and drop-off, Aaron and his team are solution-focused and customer-first.
9. In what ways do you encourage feedback from employees on improving customer satisfaction and workplace morale?
“Recognizing they are people with their own hopes and dreams, talking and listening to them, and doing what I can to help them achieve their goals.”
Empowered employees deliver better service—and Aaron’s leadership philosophy proves that listening and supporting your team leads to success on every level.
10. What is your proudest achievement as an auto shop owner?
“One of the scariest things to do is move from being an employee to an employer. So when you take this risk and get your first customer, you realize there is hope for the future, and if you stay with it long enough, you can make this work and find solutions to all the problems that arise.”
Starting a business is never easy, but Aaron’s perseverance and optimism continue to shape his shop’s bright future.
11. What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the auto repair business?
“Make sure you are ready to put in the work. It’s not 9–5 anymore.”
No sugarcoating here. Aaron’s advice is honest—success in this industry takes grit, hustle, and passion.
12. Where do you see the automotive industry heading in the next five years, particularly concerning the ability to retain customers?
“Our customers have lives and they want to live them. They need their car to do that. Whoever provides the most convenience to the customer wins.”
In an on-demand world, convenience is king. Import Automotive Professionals are already ahead of the curve, thinking about what customers truly value.
Aaron Nielsen and the team at Import Automotive Professionals are building something special—combining technical expertise with honesty, heart, and a deep understanding of customer needs. With their dedication to excellence and focus on convenience, it’s easy to see why customers keep coming back.
