RR 127: Dave Kusa of Autotrend Diagnostics
Dave Kusa, President of Autotrend Diagnostics in San Francisco, CA has been a
area resident for more than 30 years. Dave became the owner in 2001, two years after he began working at the shop.
Dave has been in the auto repair industry for more than 20 years, and he holds two degrees in automotive technology from De Anza College in Cupertino. Today, he runs Autotrend Diagnostics alongside his wife, Judy, and daughters, Katie and Kristi.
ASCCA
Dave is the in-coming president of ASCCA (Automotive Service Councils of California) and we talk about some of the legislative challenges that have faced the California service professional.
Training
Kusa and his technicians regularly attend training seminars to update their knowledge and abilities in the ever advancing field of automotive repair and service. This diligent professionalism allows Autotrend Diagnostics to back all its ASE Certified repairs with a 36-Month/36,000 Mile Warranty on parts and labor. Dave speaks of how he manages this extended warranty.
Communicating with customers.
In addition, Autotrend Diagnostics goal is to educate all customers about the importance of a preventative approach to auto repair, a proven way to save thousands of dollars over the life of each vehicle in a household. Dave and his staff carry that education beyond preventative services, too, and strive to make sure that every customer makes an informed decision about their car’s repairs.
Reasons to listen:
Find out how much reliance Dave places on building customer relations and home town value in a city of 2.5 million people.
Understand that he believes their great internet reviews come from their strategy on good customer communications.
If you are looking for great insight or advice on the need for business training, Dave will explain to you his biggest learning curve.
Autotrend Diagnostics website here
Autotrend Diagnostics is a Diamond Certified company. See status here.
Autotrend Diagnostics Overview
| Years in industry: | 32 |
| Years in business ownership: | 15 |
| ASE Certifications: | ASE Master Tech L1 |
| Number of technicians: | 2 |
| Number of lifts: | 5 |
| Number of bays: | 3 |
| Open: | M-F |
| Specialty: | Drivability and electrical diagnosis and repair |
| Annual estimated volume: | $725K |
| Association memberships: | ASCCA and ASA |
| Special Accreditation’s: | AAA Approved – Diamond Certified – Repair Pal Certified |
| Trainer/Coach: | Ray Kunz ACT Group |
| Supplier: | Bumper To Bumper |
| Advisory Coucnils: | DeAnza College Auto Tech Advisory Board |
| Philanthropy: | FARA-Friedreichs Ataxia Research Association |
This episode is brought to you by Federal-Mogul 
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About the author, Carm Capriotto, AAP
Carm is the founder and host of the Remarkable Results Radio Podcast and the pioneer of automotive aftermarket podcasts. Carm calls on his years of experience in the aftermarket to bring engaging stories from his guests.
Listen to raw, unfiltered, honest, and sincere stories that include insights, trends, best practices, and expertise. Each interview brings an opportunity to learn one new thing through the stories of personal achievement. Many podcast guests tell their story of transformation from working in their business to working on it.
As host of over 1,000 episodes, Carm uses his enthusiasm and passion for the aftermarket especially the service sector to take his listeners on a journey showcasing successful service professionals’ paths to Remarkable Results. He also enjoys interviews with aftermarket industry thought leaders who bring their industry perspectives to his listener.
Follow the podcast on your favorite podcast listening app and always listen to learn just one thing!