Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Valdez.
Hi Elizabeth, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
When I turned 18 my father who was working at an auto body shop, let me know there was a job opportunity as a receptionist at his shop. I was working at Nordstrom rack at the time in the accessory department and was looking into going back to school as well, so I was unsure that I would want to start a new path into the auto industry. Cars weren’t really my cup of tea although I had been around them my entire life due to my dad dedicating his whole career as an auto body painter. He mentioned to me that I would be making more money as a receptionist, so I decided to give it a try. I didn’t even interview since my dad was the regional manager at the time so I was hired on the spot. After a couple of months at this shop I found myself curious as to how everything worked.. I even asked my coworkers if they would teach me things like how to disassemble a car or change a tire and everyone being so welcoming they agreed. So I would stay after hours and even come weekends to learn as much as I could so could eventually become and estimator. Lucky for me, the manager of my store was offered a position at another shop & that would turn into the best thing to ever happen to me. I was promoted to manager of the store! With only a couple of months as a receptionist I was extremely nervous but very excited. After being promoted, I ran that shop for a total of 6 years. I learned a lot along the way and was faced with great challenges along the way but I knew that this is what i wanted to do for the rest of my life. I dedicated 6 years of my life to working at that store so I can retain as much information & I could to open my own shop and that’s exactly what I did. In June of 2024 , me and my father were presented with the opportunity to purchase a small shop in Santee & we accepted. Since then, my father and I, have been working alongside each other to run our very first shop. While at times it is challenging, I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road – Being a woman in a male dominated industry has its issues. I’ve had customers steer their business elsewhere because they saw that the shop was managed by a woman.
As you know, we’re big fans of Baja auto works. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We are a family owned auto body shop who specializes in collision repairs as well as paint work. We are known for our rapid & quality repairs as well as our relationships with customers. We like to ensure our customers feel secure and confident when dropping off their vehicles with us. We make sure to go above and beyond to make the repair process as seamless as possible like, picking customers up, dropping them off, even helping with setting up their car rental reservations. I believe what sets us apart from others is that we are a shop owned by a father and daughter. We make it a point to make customers feel at home.
Or shop offers vehicle the following
-Drop off and pick ups
-Paintless dent repair
-Window tinting
-Complete paint jobs
– Wheel repair/ refinish
-Quick bumper job repair
-Collision insurance repair
-Custom jobs such as, wraps, black out packages, etc.
-Vehicle detail with every service
– Fiber glass repair
-Glass replacement
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I like best about Santee is that is has a great family feel to the city as well as the weather. What I like least about the city is that it is a far drive from home.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bajaautoworks.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bajautoworks/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Baja-auto-works/61572068206365/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-valdez-577313349/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BAJAAUTOWORKS
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/baja-auto-works-santee
