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Savi Singh: Career Cultivation

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

SUNNYVALE — Growing up in Punjab, India, Savi Singh was always interested in working on cars. However, it wasn’t until he immigrated to the United States that he cultivated that interest into a full-fledged career. “I immigrated to the U.S. in 2003, just before my 18th birthday,” he remembers. “My father had already immigrated a couple of years prior and applied for my mom, my brothers, and I to come join him. I couldn’t attend college during that first year because I hadn’t yet received my green card. So, I started helping my father, who had just opened an auto body shop in Hayward called ASM Auto Body. I’ve loved cars since I was a little kid and had already gained some body work experience in India, so I enjoyed doing that.”

After securing permanent resident status, Savi began attending college as planned. However, he soon realized he’d already found his professional calling. “I was studying accounting and computer science while continuing to work for my father on the side,” he says. “I realized I preferred working with cars over anything I was studying—it sounded a lot better than being an accountant and sitting in an office all day. So, I decided to quit school and focus on developing my career as an auto body professional. In 2008, my family opened a second shop in Sunnyvale, and I’ve been running things here ever since.”

Today, as general manager of Auto Collision Experts, Savi says his favorite part of his job is the variety. “Every job is different and there’s always an opportunity to learn something new. That’s what I like about this work—it’s never boring.”

A resident of the East Bay (where he lives with his wife, Kavleen, and their two young children) Savi spends his time outside of work on a variety of pastimes. “Our kids are really young, so I enjoy spending as much time with them as I can,” he says. “Outside of family time, I enjoy playing and watching sports, as well as going hiking and boating with my cousins when I get the chance.”

In regard to a professional philosophy, Savi espouses the value of simplicity. “We try to keep things as simple and stress-free as possible for our customers,” he explains. “We’re very straightforward with our quotes—whatever is on the paper is what they’ll get at the end of the day. We treat our customers fairly and honestly, and we’re not obsessed with making a profit. Even if I don’t make any money on a job, if I was able to help someone, I consider it worthwhile.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Savi says he’d take an impromptu trip. “I would pack my bags and go traveling. I wouldn’t plan ahead at all—it’s more exciting to do things last-minute. I would just pick a place, jump on a plane and see what happens when I get there.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What are your favorite sports teams?
A: The Oakland Raiders and the Oakland A’s.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: Switzerland. I’d like to see the Alps.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?
A: Cook some traditional Indian food.

Q: Have you ever met anyone famous?
A: I met MC Hammer at an Oakland A’s game.

Q: Do you collect anything?
A: I collect coins; stamps; and sports memorabilia like jerseys, pins, and bobbleheads.