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In October of 1982 Tom Potter, and Stirling Fitz-Randolph after having served time as
technicians at a well respected Datsun (later Nissan)
dealership, decided to become business entrepreneurs themselves, along with
Cindi Potter, (Tom’s wife) as CFO. So
began Japanese Auto Masters. The name originally began as Auto Masters
and two years later evolved to Japanese Auto Masters. In the beginning, in order to gain trust
and build clientele all makes of vehicles were welcomed into the shop. Two years into the business it was decided
that the name change to Japanese Auto
Masters would allow us to tap a potentially prosperous market where few
independent shops were interested in going.
Thus began the turn toward focusing primarily on the Japanese/Asian
manufactured cars and trucks that are so prevalent in the market today.
We set up shop in a 1500 square
foot rented building at 129 Sykes
Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA which we subsequently purchased and
expanded to 3000 square feet. The
building in Virginia Beach
is still in use today as another commercial venture. While we were good as mechanics, we quickly
learned being good mechanics did not qualify us to manage and operate a
successful business. With this in
mind, Mr. Potter enrolled himself and his wife in business management classes
to further their education in what it takes to run a successful company. While they both continued to operate and
grow the business, Mr. Fitz-Randolph left to pursue other business
ventures. It was at this same juncture
that Mr. Potter purchased all outstanding stock in the company and became the
sole stockholder.
In 1996, Mr. Potter closed a deal on
land at 1324 London Bridge Road, Virginia Beach, VA, doubled the size of the
shop (with more bays), and relocated Japanese Auto Masters. Today they service all Asian and Japanese
vehicles, as well as many Domestic makes, including hybrids.
Many of our customers had lost hope in
what the dealership experience promised, but never delivered and now ask,
“With many dealerships closing, where will get service on their domestic
car?” As such, Mr. Potter made the
decision to return to his roots and once again service Ford, General Motors,
and Chrysler vehicles along with Asian and Japanese vehicles.
While Integrity, Trust, Quality and Guaranteed Service are
catch-phrases to many, these words are evident in all we do, from our Service
Consultants and Office Personnel, to each of our highly skilled and dedicated
Technicians. Through perseverance,
hard work and with the help of many devoted employees throughout the years, Japanese Auto Masters has become
recognized by much of the community of Virginia
Beach (along with many surrounding cities) as a
fair, honest and trustworthy repair shop to bring your car to for
service.
For many years now Japanese Auto Masters has been a member of several well respected
organizations including the Better Business Bureau, Triple A, and Carquest Tech Net.
Mr. Potter currently sits on the panel for the Tidewater Community
College Automotive Division at the new Chesapeake
campus facility.
It is our sincere hope that you
will find a warm inviting atmosphere in coming to have your vehicle serviced
at our shop and ultimately become a customer for life. |
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Japanese Auto Masters is proud of their employee’s
accomplishments and what each individual brings to the company. Each employee plays a valuable, integral
part in the daily operations at the shop.
Japanese Auto Masters
strives to improve its relationship with its employees through job
security; bonus and incentive programs, as well as health benefits and
contributions to their SEPP retirement accounts. This encourages employees to care about
the quality of the work they do, the company they represent, and provide
our customer’s the same level of pride in workmanship.
Many people outside of our
industry are not aware of what the acronym ASE stands for. These
initials stand for Automotive
Service Excellence and are used in the automotive industry (where
licensing and certifications are not required), to describe a shop that
cares enough to compel all their personal to become certified anyways. Japanese Auto Masters is one of the few
shops in which every individual is ASE certified and current; not only the
technicians, but the Service Writers and Parts Manage. As a result of this achievement, we are
allowed to display the Blue Seal of
Excellence whereby 75% of the shops employees must be certified. Beyond the “basic eight” certifications
is the L1 certification. All eight
of the basic certification skills tests must be passed before one is
allowed to take the L1 test.
Currently, Japanese Auto
Masters employs four L-1 technician’s, one Master Technician, an Under
Car Specialist, and a Master Machinist.
The testing for ASE certification
is at times rigorous and not always easy.
As such, training is sought after and provided by Japanese Auto Masters to keep our
technician skill levels sharp.
Ultimately, it is the skill and efficiency of the technicians that
our customers come to rely on for the day to day, safe and proper operation
of their vehicles.
In addition to being ASE
certified, each Technician is required to study and pass the Virginia State
Inspection exam leading to their becoming a certified State Inspector. Currently, there are three certified
Virginia State Inspectors employed. |
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Along with first rate service, our customers have come
to expect the highest quality parts in the repair and servicing of their
vehicles. We only source and install
Original Equipment Manufactured parts or those that meet Industry Quality
Standards for the service and repair of your vehicle.
With advancements in web-based
search engines and links, we have the ability to locate nearly any
conceivable part for your vehicle, sometimes even parts that have long been
obsolete by the factory. We can also
source aftermarket and high-performance parts. While we do not generally recommend
recycled parts, we will (if requested), install recycled used parts, with
the understanding of a no-warranty policy concerning the specific
procedure.
In the Service Department our
friendly and helpful Service Consultant, Dennis
Alexander, as well as Mr. Potter himself, are ready to
provide the best possible service experience by first listening to your
needs and helping to reduce the stress (often associated with having to
bring your vehicle in for repairs).
The substantial knowledge they each bring to the table is necessary
to make sure the problem or service you need is addressed up-front. Afterwards, any other recommendations
related to the safe operation of the vehicle or recommendations that will
provide prolonged service life of your vehicle will be brought to your
attention. There is never any high
pressure sales pitch to sell unwarranted service or repairs.
All recommended repairs carry a
limited 12 month, 12,000 mile warranty.
Ask your Service Consultant for a detailed copy of our warranty
procedure.
We are ready, willing, and able
to provide the highest level of factory recommended maintenance as well as,
routine service as needed in addition to specific requests. While much of the routine service and
repairs we offer can be done nearly anywhere, many unique repairs and
services that we perform are not offered by the dealerships.
Most motorists today have little or
no patience when it comes to vehicle breakdowns. We at Japanese Auto
Masters understand this inconvenience and will do what it takes to make the
situation as painless as possible. If your vehicle breaks down on-the-road,
consider your safety first, then give us a call and we’ll provide you with
assistance and towing if necessary right away. |
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We use the latest
technology to assist
us in the repair of
your vehicle
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When
servicing today’s vehicles, many special tools and service procedures are
required to properly test and repair your car. Some shops get by on what they have, but
many fall short on what is needed and fail to purchase the necessary
equipment to do the job right. We
pride ourselves on having the proper equipment to do the job right the first
time and if we don’t have it, we buy it.
Forward is a list of some of the
tools used on a daily basis to provide the latest service to your vehicle:
*Snap-on Modis
Combination Scan/ Oscilloscope-Wide range technology
including diagnostic and troubleshooting reference guides as well as lab
scope capabilities.
*Mitchells and ALLData-Web
direct Vehicle Information Systems.
Being directly linked to the web, we obtain the most current
information, updates and procedures for all the latest vehicles. This information also includes Technical Service Bulletins (TSB’s) so we can quickly repair your vehicle right the
first time, every time.
* John Bean Pro 32 Visualiner Alignment
Computer-We use the most recent updated specifications and
technology in our computer to perform alignments on all vehicles serviced.
All wheels and tires are mounted utilizing our newest TC3250 Tire Changer
capable of changing tires as small as 12 inches up to 26 inches (both
standard and low profile). Tires and
wheels are balanced using a brand new Hunter GSP 9600 Quick Match Computer
Balancer with Smart Weight balancing technology.
*TC3250 Tire Changer-Capable of
changing wheels as small as 12 inches and up to 26 inches both low and
standard profile tires. This machine is equipped to handle factory and
aftermarket alloy, aluminum and steel wheels with precision.
*Hunter GSP 9600
Quick Match Computer Balancer with Smart Weight Balancing Technology-This machine is accurate to
within .1 tenth of an ounce and will help us provide you with the smoothest
ride comfort from your tires as well as prolonging tire life.
*Automatic
Transmission, Brake, and Power Steering Fluid Exchange Machines-They prolong the life expectancy of the
major fluid systems in your vehicle. Fluid servicing is the most
significant operation we can perform for prolonging the mechanical life of
your vehicle
While we have 9 lifts in the shop
designed by several manufacturers; all are currently safety certified for
function and serviced regularly to prevent injury to the technician and
your vehicle.
In addition to the equipment listed
above each technician has a multitude of special tools themselves as well
as access to a vast selection of specialty tools kept secure in our parts
department and at various locations throughout the shop.
*Auto Lifts (9)-Environmentally friendly
electric/ hydraulic above-ground units.
While we
have 9 lifts in the shop designed by several manufacturers, all are
currently safety certified for function and serviced regularly to prevent
injury to the technician and your vehicle.
In addition to the equipment
listed above, each technician has a multitude of special tools,
they also have access to a vast selection of specialty tools kept secure in
our parts department and at various locations throughout the shop. |
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 Japanese Auto
Masters' Staff: When you need service you can depend on and you want the best value
for your money without having to resort to less qualified technicians, or more costly alternatives, we can
help. We currently have four ASE Advanced Level L-1 Technicians, one
Master Technician, an Undercar Specialist, and a Master Machinist. We have all the skills and equipment
under one roof to safely and to efficiently get you back on the road.
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The continued success
of Japanese Auto Masters is due in large part to its loyal customers,
and to its employees, many of whom have been with the company since its
beginning. Our philosophy is we treat our customers the way we want
to be treated. Our company was founded on this principle and that is
the essential reason we are still growing today.
For your convenience we
have a comfortable waiting area, or we will gladly shuttle you to nearby
Lynnhaven Mall while your vehicle is being serviced. |
Safety, Honesty, Integrity, Quality, Efficient Service...
Just some of the
standards our customers have come to expect.
Please allow us the opportunity to earn your business.
In the interest of our customer's Safety and the Proper
Operation of their vehicle, we will:
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Schedule your next appointment tailored to the needs of, you, the
customer.
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Only perform necessary maintenance, service, or repairs authorized by
the customer.
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Never present an invoice greater than the most current, authorized
amount.
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Inform customers regarding manufacturers' recommended maintenance
requirements.
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Perform periodic analysis of their vehicle maintenance and note any
concerns.
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Provide highly trained, skilled, ASE certified diagnostic technicians
to work on your vehicle.
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Utilize the most up-to-date diagnostic information and equipment to
service your vehicle.
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Supply Original Equipment parts or weighing quality, price, and
availability, the best parts obtainable.
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Abide by and adhere to responsible environmental practices and
disposal policies.
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Provide a competitive warranty in a clear, understandable format.
Through the action of these responsible business
practices, we will continue to be a leading, professional automotive service
center for the benefit of our customers and of our community.
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