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 Cottman Transmission Center
El Paso, TX1407 Lomaland Drive, El Paso, TX
Eric Jacques, a mechanical engineer, said he has always enjoyed working with cars, especially the newer models.
That's why the University of Texas at El Paso graduate enjoyed his job with Delphi Corp. in Juárez for 10 years as he worked on developing electronic components for the automotive industry.
And his love of mechanics helped him make a decision to leave Delphi and purchase the Cottman Transmission Center at 1407 Lomaland, an existing business that provides transmission repair services in El paso and the surrounding area.
Jaquez manages the shop full time and, since taking over the business, has reduced overhead costs. "This is not an 8 to 5 job," he said. "It's a 12-to 24-hour job. You always have to be available to meet an emergency or satisfy your clients' needs. They're the ones that make or break your business."
Though Jaquez is enjoying his new role as owner, he said, it was not easy to purchase the business. He had to develop a business plan and apply for a loan.
That's where Olga Tavárez came in. The Small Business Development Center specialist came to Jaquez's aid by helping Jaquez develop his business plan and loan proposal for the business acquisition.
Jacquez was approved for a Small Business Administration 7(a) loan of an undisclosed amount by First Federal Bank, allowing him to purchase the franchise, which has been operating since December 2001. The sale price was not disclosed.
"Ms. Tavárez was very helpful in directing me on the right path for my financing needs and what the bank would require," Jaquez said. "She had all the answers and made the process a lot smoother. She was great help."
Jaquez said many El Pasoans are not aware of the free serves available through the Small Business Development Center.
"I was one of them, and I'm very glad that I used their services, He said. "I am now more knowledgeable about being a business owner and will continue to use their services for future expansion of my business."
Jaquez said he was also grateful for the prompt assistance he received from Bill LaRue, vice president of First Federal Bank.
By using proceeds from the loan, Jaquez said, he hopes Cottman Transmission Center will be able to increase sales by 15 percent to 20 percent. He said he plans to add two lifts to increase production and sales while reducing operational costs.
As business grows, the work force will be increased, Jaquez said.
Karl McElhaney, one of Jaquez's first customers, said he would recommend Cottman's for its high-quality workmanship and fair prices.
I'm driving a 1994 G20 Infiniti with a lot of mises on it," he said. "The transmission went out, and I had to make the decision to repair it or buy a new car. Cottman's was very professional, explaining in detail what was wrong. They rebuilt the entire transmission. I've driven it to Albuquerque and back twice and around town, and it's working wonderfully. They did a great job. And they gave me a full one-year warranty.
Jaquez said he and his staff try to provide the best quality transmission work possible with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. "This is great business," he said. "All my staff are qualified technicians, and I stand 100 percent behind our work." (News Article, El Paso Times, September 3, 2004, Ken Flynn, Reporter.)
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