Fremont Foreign Auto Comparative Summary

Eduardo Porta began working on cars when he was just 13 years old. In 2000, he channeled this lifelong dedication into the opening of Fremont Foreign Auto, which specializes in repairing foreign cars of almost every make and model, including major German, Swedish and Japanese brands like BMW, Volvo, Saab, Toyota, and Lexus. It also occasionally works on domestic and exotic cars. Performance automobiles are the company’s passion—from the latest European cars to the classics, says Mr. Porta.

Fremont Foreign Auto’s services range from factory-recommended maintenance and engine overhauls to air-conditioning repair and brake examinations. Mr. Porta sees this commitment to all-purpose service as a catalyst for his business’ success. “The quality of our labor is first-rate,” he says. “I don’t press my mechanics to finish a job because time is running out. I always tell them to take their time and do it right, because I don’t want my customers to return their cars because of poor service.”

Keeping positive client relationships is so important to Mr. Porta that he’ll often put his customers’ satisfaction over his own interests. “Sometimes, I have customers who aren’t too happy about waiting for parts to come back from the dealer, so I’ll pay out of my pocket to get an overnight delivery to satisfy them,” he explains. “I’d rather do that than see them upset, because I want them to come back for future service.”

This charitable approach to customer service also shines through in Mr. Porta’s connection with his staff. “I have two mechanics that have worked for me for almost 10 years, since I opened the business,” he says. “Another mechanic has been here for four years. When my employees go on vacation, I pay for it. I like to show my appreciation for them, and a pat on the back isn’t enough.”

Everything Fremont Foreign Auto does is geared toward making its customers happy and willing to return, even if it means turning down a job. “Being honest with my customers is a huge priority,” says Mr. Porta. “I actually turn a lot of work away if it’s related to a recall or a bad warranty, because I don’t want to take money when I know I can’t perform a job to the best of my ability—it feels like stealing.”