This morning we had a great visit at West Oakland Auto Repair with Jose Rodriguez Carrazco and Cecilia Cifuentes. They started their business in 2012 and later moved locations they had more space allowing them to work more efficiently and allowing them to grow their services.

They are very much family run and have many relatives as part of their team. Their own children have grown up alongside the business and the quality time they have as a family because of that is special to them. Cony, CEO alum and daughter of Jose and Cecelia, shared, “Growing up with the business taught me to work hard. I love being around the shop and helping out when I can.”

They shared about how they connect with the community and advertise their business in a way that has allowed them to continue to grow. They were recognized as the Minority Owned Small Business of the Year in 2023 for the State of Minnesota. This was a big honor and they have worked hard to achieve this recognition.

🚗Work hard from the very beginning and do something you like.
🚗Family is important to consider when you have a small business.
🚗Lots of hours go into building a business and will pay off if you do what you care about.
🚗What makes your business different so that you will continue to bring in customers.
🚗Customer service is important and helps to sell your business to others by word of mouth.
🚗Oil changes are important!