RepairPal Certified Shop, Carage, led by Jonathan Ortiz, is a family-owned auto repair shop with deep roots in Jupiter, FL. As a second-generation shop owner, Jonathan inherited both a passion for vehicles and a commitment to his community from his parents, who started their first shop 42 years ago. With a focus on legendary customer service and high-quality repairs, Carage has built a reputation for trustworthiness and attention to detail, serving as a reliable resource for auto repair in the community. In this Q&A, Jonathan shares his journey, Carage’s values, and the strategies that help keep customers coming back.
1. How did you get into the automotive industry?
“I’m a second-generation shop owner. My parents started our first shop 42 years ago. I grew up in the family business and inherited a passion for serving our community through auto repair.”
Jonathan’s journey began as a child, learning the ropes of the family business from his parents. His passion for auto repair and helping people has been instilled in him from a young age. Today, he proudly carries on his family’s legacy with Carage, offering high-quality service and a commitment to legendary customer service.
2. What do you want your shop to be known for?
“Legendary customer service.”
For Jonathan, customer service is at the heart of Carage. He believes in creating an extraordinary experience for every visitor, going beyond just fixing cars to make every customer feel valued and appreciated. The goal is to create a welcoming environment where customers know they’re receiving top-tier service and honest communication.
3. How do you differentiate your shop from other repair facilities?
“We focus on providing an extraordinary experience. To do this, it’s all about paying attention to the fine details.”
Jonathan understands that the difference between good and great service often lies in the details. By paying close attention to every aspect of the customer experience—from initial contact to final hand-off—Jonathan and his team ensure that customers feel truly cared for and appreciated. This commitment to detail is a defining feature of Carage.
4. Is your shop involved in the local community or auto community?
“Yes, we’re committed to giving back to our community. We see our work as a way to serve and contribute to the well-being of Jupiter.”
Jonathan believes that Carage is more than just a repair shop; it’s an integral part of the Jupiter community. Whether through charity involvement, supporting local events, or mentoring young automotive professionals, Jonathan strives to make Carage a positive influence in his community.
5. What strategies have you found most effective for retaining customers?
“The first most effective strategy is simply being reliable and trustworthy. Fixing the car right the first time and making them feel at peace with the investment they made will keep customers coming back.”
For Jonathan, customer loyalty comes down to consistency and trust. By prioritizing reliable repairs and ensuring customers feel confident in their investment, Carage has cultivated a base of loyal, returning customers who value the shop’s honesty and expertise.
6. What tools or software do you rely on to manage your shop’s operations efficiently?
“We use Tekmetric and digital vehicle inspections.”
To keep operations running smoothly and maintain transparency with customers, Carage relies on Tekmetric for shop management and digital vehicle inspections for clear, efficient communication. These tools help streamline processes, allowing Jonathan and his team to provide timely updates and accurate information to every customer.
7. Can you share a success story where your shop went above and beyond for a customer?
“It comes down to going above and beyond during every customer visit.”
At Carage, going above and beyond isn’t just a one-time event—it’s a daily commitment. Jonathan and his team work hard to exceed customer expectations with every visit, ensuring that each customer feels like a priority. Whether it’s staying late to finish a repair or providing extra guidance, Carage makes exceptional service a habit.
8. In what ways do you encourage feedback from employees on improving customer satisfaction and workplace morale?
“When there is a learning opportunity, we are honest with ourselves in looking at the situation on what we could have done differently.”
Jonathan fosters a culture of growth and self-improvement at Carage. By encouraging his team to reflect on every service experience and consider areas for improvement, Jonathan helps create a workplace where feedback is welcomed, and team members feel empowered to grow.
9. What is your proudest achievement as an auto shop owner?
“My proudest achievement as an auto shop owner is creating two incredible brands that serve our community with integrity. Seeing people in our organization grow both personally and professionally to higher levels.”
Jonathan’s greatest accomplishment lies not only in building successful businesses but also in helping his employees achieve personal and professional growth. Seeing his team members advance and excel is a testament to the supportive environment he’s cultivated at Carage.
10. What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the auto repair business?
“Get coaching from a proven source as early as you can. It will help you grow faster and help avoid a lot of the mistakes we shop owners may have already made earlier in our auto repair shop ownership journeys.”
Jonathan advises new shop owners to seek out mentorship or coaching to accelerate their growth and avoid common pitfalls. With guidance from experienced professionals, he believes that newcomers to the industry can navigate challenges more effectively and build successful businesses more quickly.
11. Where do you see the automotive industry heading in the next five years, particularly concerning the ability to retain customers?
“It’s going to revolve a lot around your ability to provide convenience.”
Looking ahead, Jonathan sees convenience as a crucial factor in customer retention. As the industry evolves, he believes that shops that prioritize customer convenience—whether through digital tools, flexible scheduling, or proactive communication—will be best positioned for success.
At Carage, Jonathan Ortiz and his team combine ASE-certified expertise with a commitment to outstanding customer service and community involvement. From routine preventive maintenance to complex vehicle repairs, RepairPal Certified Shop Carage is a trusted name in Jupiter, FL. With a focus on reliability, quality, and integrity, Carage continues to build strong customer relationships and contribute positively to the community.
