"To Unite and Elevate Automotive Professionals, and Give Them Voice" | | Julio Campos – Owner of Dragonfly Automotive | |
ASCCA is proud to recognize Julio Campos of Dragonfly Automotive as our Member of the Month! We have all come to know Julio through his service to the local ASCCA San Diego Chapter and also to the Council of Representatives (COR) as the Speaker of the COR, and that’s only part of the reason why we are honoring him this month.
Julio and Dragonfly continues to support growth in the industry and as such established through ASCEF the Dragonfly Employees’ Scholarship Fund. Julio’s background in being a shop owner began after more than a decade working with Toyota, when he took the leap into business ownership. Since 2014, Dragonfly Automotive has been a trusted name in the community of San Diego — built on a foundation of respect, integrity, and constant growth. Julio’s commitment to learning, supporting others, and staying connected through ASCCA makes him a valued voice not only within our membership but within the community as well.
| |
Q: Tell us a little about yourself and how you got started in the automotive industry:
JC: I was looking to make a little bit more money and at the same time get a job where I can learn something different for my future. I started working at a Toyota dealer as a lot porter and then I moved to be a lube technician. After being a lube technician, I had an opportunity to go to Miramar college for the Toyota T-Ten program. After graduation, I moved to be a line technician. I worked for Toyota for 14 years before deciding to be independent.
Q: What inspired you to open Dragonfly Automotive, and is there a story behind the name?
JC: As I mentioned, after working for Toyota for 14 years, I decided to take the challenge to be on my own. Dragonfly Automotive was already an existing shop, which I found for sale on Craigslist. We decided to buy the shop and keep the name. We opened in June 2014 and have been in business for 11 years!
Q: What values guide the way you run your shop, and how do those values show up in your customer relationships?
JC: Treat others as you want to be treated. Respect is a priority in our business.
| | | 2025 ASCCA Annual Training Conference - Registration is Open! | | |
It’s that time of year again, ASCCA Annual Training Conference registration time! At ATC 2025, you’ll take away tools and resources to improve employee retention, increase sales, team productivity, and day-to-day shop operations. Our hand-picked line up of speakers delivered over multiple tracks depending on the attendee focus, provide best practices on effective teamwork, communication, technology, and more.
The tentative schedule, registration fees are more are available - click read more below:
| | |
Hotel Information:
Embassy Suites by Hilton, San Francisco Airport Waterfront
150 Anza Blvd.
Burlingame, CA 94010
ASCCA Special Rate: $159.00/night (Plus Taxes and Fees)
Reservations Deadline: Friday, August 21, 2025
| | | Hotel Reservations: Book your hotel room via the book room link, through the ASCCA webpage or by calling 650-342-4600 and stating you are an attendee of the ASCCA Annual Training Conference to receive the group rate. Remember, ASCCA has a minimum number of rooms to book for our conference, so use only the official links to book a room. | |
RSVP for a Celebration of Life in Honor of Maylan Newton | |
Maylan Newton's daughter, Suni Osborn wanted to let everyone know that the family had selected a date for Maylan's celebration of life:
Saturday, July 26, 2025, 2:00 PM PT
The family is trying to gauge the number of attendees to finalize the proper space for the celebration and kindly ask people to RSVP ASAP, before June 16th.
More information will be shared via email, to those who respond via evite, once confirmed.
| | |
| 🎉 Congratulations SkillsUSA Scholarship Winners! 🛠️ | | |
We’re proud to recognize the outstanding students who earned top honors in this year’s SkillsUSA competitions. It was an exciting weekend filled with talent, hard work, and passion for the automotive service industry — and these individuals stood out in a big way. 👏
ASCEF honored first place winners with $500 educational scholarships and second and third place winners with gift cards. This marks the third year that ASCEF has honored SkillsUSA California State finalists and with ASCCA the third year we have together supported the competition as program sponsors.
| |
🔧 Maintenance & Light Repair – High School
🏅 Gold ($500) – Eric Herrera, California High School
🥈 Silver – Ernesto Nunez, Lompoc High School
🥉 Bronze – Juan Marquez, Apple Valley High School
🚗 Automotive Service Technology – High School
🏅 Gold ($500) – Brayden Penrod, San Luis Obispo High School
🥈 Silver – Parker Hampton, Ramona High School
🥉 Bronze – Wilson Pastor, Van Nuys High School
🧰 Automotive Service Technology – College/Postsecondary
🏅 Gold ($500) – Eric Ruiz, Allan Hancock College
🥈 Silver – Javier Macias, San Joaquin Delta College
🥉 Bronze – Valentin Padron, San Joaquin Delta College
| | |
On Thursday, May 8, the Cool Air Rebate Program officially launched statewide in California. Representatives of the program, political officials, community organizers, ASCCA representatives, and others gathered at a participating shop in Antelope, California.
Nathan Perrine, Executive Director of the Car Care Council, announced “The response has been overwhelmingly positive. From customers grateful for affordable repairs to business owners energized by new opportunities, the program is proving to be a win-win for all involved.”
Since launching in July 2024, the Program has already made a significant impact with:
- Over $750,000 paid out for environmentally beneficial repairs
- More than 150 certified repair shops in over 40 cities across California joined the program
- Over 600 AC systems repaired, keeping over 1,500 residents cool and comfortable on the road.
Becoming a participating shop is easy! Visit www.coolairrebate.org to review eligibility requirements and enroll today.
| | |
| |
Check it out!
ASCCA recently hosted a webinar on the
Cool Air Rebate Program for Automotive Shops.
| |
| Joint Meeting of ASCCA and its Corporate Partners | | |
Led by President Dave Kusa, ASCCA leaders invited the association’s valued Corporate Partners to a meeting on May 14. Representatives from various companies who support the mission and members of ASCCA, joined President Kusa, Board members, and Chapter leaders in a discussion on common goals and efforts that can be taken by all to benefit the industry.
The discussions included an overview of the opportunities available to our Corporate Partners to connect with the members. ASCCA will continue to encourage its members to do business with the Partners when appropriate.
Keep an eye on the ASCCA website, social media and other communications regarding our Corporate Partners and how we can all work together to benefit and grow the independent automotive repair industry in California.
| | New Benefit for ASCCA Members | | Past Webinar Recordings Available! | | Preparing for a Cal-OSHA Inspection and What to Expect During the Inspection | | | | New 2025 401K Laws by Grant Knox: | | Bureau of Automotive Repair Updates: | | 2025 Dates For BAR Advisory Group Meetings | | Remarkable Results Radio - New Podcast Episodes! | | |
Are You Actively Applying Knowledge Or Passively Consuming Information?
(Town Hall Academy)
| | |
Recorded at the TST Big Event, industry trainers Eric Ziegler and Pete Meier dive into the growing challenges technicians and shop owners face in staying current with technology and why continuous education is no longer optional. The conversation highlights key issues including the liability risks of inadequate training, the double-edged sword of social media as an information source, and the power of peer-to-peer knowledge sharing. Eric and Pete also stress the importance of actively applying what’s learned, not just passively consuming information, and how networking with other professionals can accelerate growth.
Read More/Listen...
| | |
A Tale of Two Cities: From Affluent to Rural, Navigating Different Markets
(Remarkable Results)
| | |
Recorded at Vision Hi-Tech Training & Expo, Kim Auernheimer shares insights from managing two shop locations in Brentwood and Monteagle, Tennessee, each with vastly different demographics and market dynamics. She dives into the unique challenges and strategies required to adapt to both environments, highlighting the importance of tailored marketing, community involvement, and a steadfast commitment to customer service and employee well-being. Kim’s story illustrates how strong leadership and adaptability can build a solid reputation across diverse markets.
Read More/Listen...
| |
You can find all the newest episodes as well as the entire library HERE!
| | Get Involved - Join the 2026 ASCCA Board of Directors | | |
The ASCCA is pleased to call for nominations for seats open on the 2026 Board of Directors. Participation on the ASCCA Board of Directors is a unique opportunity for automotive repair professionals to help guide the state's largest organization of independent auto shop owners in shaping the future of the industry and building a stronger industry.
Board participation is a chance to grow personally and professionally, and to develop skills, experience and connections with a team of other passionate and motivated professionals.
| | |
Submit completed applications to
ASCCA Deputy Executive Director, Anne Mullinax,
on or before July 16, 2025 @ 11:59pm.
| | |
Joseph Chavez
Villa Marina Auto Care Inc.
Marina del Rey, CA
Ch. 12 Regular Member
| | |
Richard Daniels
Fort Bragg Transmission & Auto
Fort Bragg, CA
Ch. 28 Regular Member
| | |
Lauren Giver
Los Gatos Auto Service
Campbell, CA
Ch. 42 Regular Member
| | |
Trinidad Linares
Covina, CA
CAT Education Member
| | |
George Grigorian
Diesel Tune
Downey, CA
Ch. 48 Regular Member
| | |
Luis Corral
Pacific Auto Repair
San Pedro, CA
Ch. 1940 Regular Member
| | |
Daniel Schrier
Japanese Automotive Center
Torrance, CA
Ch. 1940 Regular Member
| | |
Pepe Villi
Pepe's Auto Repair
Hawthorne, CA
Ch. 1940 Regular Member
| | ASCEF at your Chapter Meetings! | | |
Attention ASCCA Chapters! Have a Chapter Meeting Coming Up? ASCEF Chair John Eppstein and ASCEF President Dave Kusa would like to come to your meeting and talk about the ASCEF Car Donation Program and the value it can bring to not only your shop, but also your customers!
Interested in them in coming to your next meeting?
Email John at john@johnsautomotivecare.com and
Dave at dave@autotrenddiagnostics.com.
| |
ASCCA committees are seeking volunteers. Involvement can be at varying levels of time commitment, comfort level and responsibility. Simply reach out to committee leaders and let them know more about your interest, talent and available time commitment and they will match you up with ways you can help.
ASCCA committee volunteers have one thing in common, they agree that by volunteering they received more than they give in the way of both personal and professional growth.
Let us know if you’d like to attend a future meeting at info@ascca.com
| | |
ASCCA San Jose Event - San Jose Giants
June 12, 2025 @ 6:00pm in San Jose, CA
Register by June 11 - Read more.
| | ASCEF Vehicle Donations - Thank you! | | |
Thank you to Larsen Auto for donating a Toyota Camry!
Your donation raised $5,900 for the ASC Educational Foundation!
| | |
Your donations will continue to help us award scholarships to
students seeking a career in the automotive aftermarket industry.
We appreciate all the support!
| | |
Visit www.ascef.org.
Help us reach our goal of $45,000 in car donations by providing your customer with a simple way to donate an unwanted vehicle quickly and safely!
- It’s easy and the pick-up is free!
- The proceeds from the sale of the vehicle will help us continue to award scholarships to students wanting to develop a career in the automotive aftermarket industry!
- Donating saves time and money on repairs and maintenance.
- Added value to your shop while supporting an automotive industry nonprofit.
- Our Vehicle Donation Support Team is here to guide you every step of the way.
- We help you take care of the paperwork and provide you with any necessary tax documents.
- Vehicle donations are tax-deductible.
To donate, call (844) 877-2473. We accept all types of vehicles that meet the following basic requirements:
- Vehicle has a clear title.
- Vehicle is in one piece.
- Vehicle is accessible for safe towing.
- Vehicle does not need to be running.
| |
It’s so easy to build careers one car at a time. ASC Educational Foundation rewards scholarships each year to students wishing to develop a career in the automotive aftermarket industry. So help us make a difference in a student’s life! Learn more about donations through the ASC Educational Foundation.
| | |
The ADA Checklist: 2021 Compliance
Guidelines for Website Accessibility
| |
ADA website compliance and web accessibility are two terms that are used interchangeably but they are distinct from one another.
ADA stands for the Americans with Disabilities Act which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. Courts are construing Title III of the ADA to mean that websites must be accessible. Thus, with ADA website compliance, we're referring to the law.
| | Refer a Member Receive $125 | |
You're eligible for a $125 referral fee when you refer a new Regular or Associate member to ASCCA!
Referral Awards are paid out when the member's annual dues are paid for their first year.
Contact the ASCCA office if you have any questions at info@ascca.com or (800) 810-4272!
| | | |
1 Capitol Mall, Ste. 800
Sacramento, CA 95814
| | | | | |
