Our Story
Discover the journey that made Inside Gear the trusted name in automotive care.
The Beginning
Inside Gear was born in 2005 from the passion of two lifelong friends, Michael Torres and David Chen. After years of working at various auto shops and dealerships, they grew frustrated with the industry's focus on quick fixes rather than lasting solutions.
With just a small two-bay garage and their combined savings, they set out to create an auto service center that would prioritize transparency, quality, and customer education. Their philosophy was simple: treat every vehicle as if it were their own and every customer like family.
"We wanted to build a place where people wouldn't feel intimidated or taken advantage of," recalls Michael. "A place where we could take the time to explain what's happening with their vehicle and why certain services are necessary."
Growth & Values
What started as a small operation quickly gained a reputation for exceptional service. By 2010, Inside Gear had expanded to a six-bay facility and added four certified technicians to the team. In 2015, they moved to their current location, a state-of-the-art 12-bay service center equipped with the latest diagnostic technology.
Despite their growth, Michael and David have remained committed to their founding principles. Every new team member is selected not just for their technical skills, but for their commitment to customer service and integrity.
"We've turned down opportunities to expand faster because we didn't want to compromise on quality," explains David. "Our success comes from building trust, and that's something we won't sacrifice for growth."
Our Core Values
These principles guide everything we do at Inside Gear.
Integrity
We're honest about what your vehicle needs and transparent about our pricing.
Excellence
We never cut corners and always strive to exceed industry standards.
Community
We're committed to giving back to the community that has supported us.
Reliability
We respect your time and deliver on our promises, every time.
Meet Our Team
The skilled professionals behind Inside Gear's success.
Michael Torres
Co-Founder & Master Technician
With over 25 years of experience, Michael leads our diagnostic team and specializes in complex engine repairs.
David Chen
Co-Founder & Operations Director
David oversees daily operations and ensures every customer receives the exceptional service Inside Gear is known for.
Sarah Johnson
Service Manager
Sarah joined in 2012 and has revolutionized our customer service approach with her automotive expertise and people skills.
Community Involvement
At Inside Gear, we believe in giving back to the community that has supported us throughout our journey. Each year, we dedicate a portion of our profits to local causes and organize volunteer opportunities for our team.
Our annual "Drive for Education" program provides free basic maintenance for teachers' vehicles, and our quarterly workshops teach basic car care skills to new drivers and community members.
"Being a good neighbor isn't just about running a business here—it's about making a positive impact," says Michael. "We're proud to call this community home, and we're committed to making it better."
Looking Forward
As we look to the future, our commitment to quality service and customer satisfaction remains unwavering. We're excited to continue growing with our community, embracing new automotive technologies, and setting new standards in the industry.
Thank you for being part of our journey. We look forward to serving you and your vehicle for many years to come.