Car Repair Tucson

New auto service center opens in Amado

JJ's Auto Center, just south of the Cow Palace Restaurant in Amado, opened this summer, offering "professional auto service for all makes and models."

Owners Jeni Hisko and James Wasson, who are married and live in Rancho Abrego, said they saw a need for a full-service auto repair shop closer to home for residents of Amado, Arivaca, Elephant Head, Tubac and Rio Rico.

"Not only does distance count for repair emergencies, but also for maintenance," Hisko said. "People are much less likely to put off maintenance if they don't have to travel a long way to get it. People are stopping by and the word is starting to spread."

Wasson said the majority of business this summer has involved air conditioning systems, "but, so far, we haven't seen a job we can't do."

If the couple does get a job they can't handle, they will make a referral. They will also arrange for towing services and offer a warranty on any job involving new parts.

The auto center is in a freshly painted, 2,000-square-foot facility with a large, air-conditioned waiting area, offices, restroom, and two repair bays.

JJ's employs one technician, Bo Johnson, who grew up in Sahuarita, and has worked in local repair shops in Tucson and Alaska.

Wasson, who has an MBA from the University of Phoenix, has worked in the hotel business, but for the last several years has managed auto repair shops in Tucson and Green Valley, including Fletcher's Tire and Auto Service and Dave Polsky's.

He said he has wanted to open his own business for a long time.

Hisko, a University of Arizona graduate, handles marketing, sales, bookkeeping, scheduling and customer service.

"We are looking to build relationships in a small place and our customers are our neighbors and our friends," she said.

JJ's Auto Center is a member of the Green Valley Sahuarita Chamber of Commerce and plans a grand opening in the fall.

For more information or an appointment, call 398-1502.

Walk-ins are welcome and the center, which is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, does work on RVs and accepts all major credit cards.

Kathy Engle is a freelance writer who lives in Amado. You can contact her at kdengle@earthlink.net .

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