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Q: Tell us a little about yourself and how you got started in the automotive industry.
A: My name is Colton Franco, I’m 32 years old originally from Phoenix, AZ and moved to Orange County in 2018. My father has been in the industry for over 50 years, serving as the parts and service director for a large Ford dealer in Los Angeles, so naturally, I wanted to follow in his footsteps. I got my first industry job at 17, picking parts at a Chevy dealer in Phoenix and eventually moved my way up to become the online sales manager for wholesale parts. Meanwhile, my father had started an OEM parts marketing company in San Diego and he wanted to expand into Orange County, so I moved from Phoenix and began building my territory here. I represent 13 wholesale parts departments serving as a contact between independent repair facilities and OEM parts dealers.
Q: What fuels your passion in this line of work after so many years—what motivates you to keep going every day?
A: I think the thing that keeps me going the most is my passion for all things automotive. My grandfather grew up in the post WWII boom of hot rod culture, so naturally, that love was passed down to my father, then eventually to me. Although my job isn’t all hot rods and horsepower, it excites me knowing that I’m a part of something larger, an industry that is innovation driven and constantly evolving. Many shop owners I’ve met share that same passion and desire to do better for themselves and the community.
Q: How did you first get involved with ASCCA, and what motivated you to become a member?
A: There is one person that I credit my involvement in the ASCCA with. His name is Rocky Khamenian. I strolled into his shop one fateful afternoon on a normal work visit and we instantly hit it off. He’s an extremely knowledgeable and caring individual and he saw my potential for the future of this organization. He showed faith in me, a complete stranger and welcomed me into the organization with open arms. My daily motivation for this group is the sheer faith that everyone has in each other. In Rocky’s wise words, we are here to elevate and unite automotive professionals, and give them voice.
Q: Is there a particular benefit of ASCCA membership — like advocacy, networking, or education — that stands out as especially valuable to you?
A: Personally, the most valuable benefit of ASCCA is the networking and building relationships with shop owners. These are people that I have met in the past, but now I can build relationships with them and not only be work acquaintances, but now friends. I take new information home with me after every meeting, so to me, having an ear to the ground is invaluable and helps me to stay ahead of the curve and thus, makes me more valuable to my clients.
Q: If you could offer one piece of advice to a young person drawn to a career in automotive service, what would it be?
A: Something my grandpa said to me when I was young that stuck with me over the years. “If you give yourself to the work, the work will give back” If you decide to take this path, put your all into it. We’re not just fixing cars, we’re fixing people’s lives through these cars.
Q: What would you say to someone new to the automotive industry who's considering joining ASCCA?
A: Joining the ASCCA is an excellent move for your career. You will not only join a group of like-minded individuals, but build friendships that can last a lifetime. You’ll be provided the tools to make the most of your position and really take your career to the next level.
Q: What is something most people don’t know about you outside of your professional life?
A: If you know me outside work, you know I’m an audiophile. I have a collection of over 500 vinyl records and have been collecting for about a decade now. Besides that, I enjoy taking my Volkswagen GTI on spirited drives in the canyons and going to Disneyland with my wife!
Q: What are three songs you never skip when they come on?
A: That’s Life by Frank Sinatra, Breathe (In the Air) by Pink Floyd, and Rocky Raccoon by The Beatles.
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