By Matt Wiley
When considering an auto repair shop for your vehicle, a doctor’s office isn’t usually the visual that first comes to mind. In fact, it’s usually quite the opposite. A clean environment doesn’t sound much like an auto repair shop, but that’s not the case with STAT Auto Repair.
Owner, CEO and former New Tampa resident Jon Delucia prides himself on the cleanliness of his auto repair shop, which is located on N. Nebraska Ave., between Bearss Ave. and Fletcher Ave., a few minutes southwest of New Tampa. In fact, Delucia says the entire idea behind STAT Auto was inspired by the medical industry, from the workspace, to the uniforms and even to the name itself.
Delucia, who currently lives in Brandon, used to own a car part manufacturer, also in Brandon, specializing in automobile air conditioners for street rods and Jeeps.
“I broke my leg,” Delucia explains. “In order for it to heal, I had to give up my company. So, I decided to start an auto repair shop.”
Delucia says that the owner of the plaza in which STAT currently is located called him up early in March 2013 and said that he had space, which is when STAT Auto Repair was born. Having undergone recent medical treatment for his leg, Delucia decided to go with a medical theme for the shop.
“The acronym worked out to be ‘Surgically Trained Automotive Technicians,’” Delucia explains. “Our goal here is to have the cleanest shop with the motif being that (STAT) will resemble more of a doctor’s office than a car shop. We don’t want dirt, we don’t pictures of cars on the wall. We just want it to be professional.”
And, just like a doctor’s office, when you walk into the shop at STAT, customers are greeted by mechanics wearing hospital scrubs and an absence of clutter and any evidence of dirt or grease. Instead, there are clean, painted floors and walls with tools and equipment stored neatly, either on shelves or in the storage area behind the shop.
“We offer general automotive repair,” Delucia explains. “Shocks, brakes, tune-ups, but we don’t do the big jobs. We don’t change out engines or transmissions. We specialize in preventive maintenance and we know a lot about air conditioners.”
Delucia says that STAT Auto performs a lot of oil changes, brake repairs, C/V (or constant velocity) axles and fixes “other common things that wear out.”
Delucia also prides himself on STAT’s pricing for parts and repairs.
“Our pricing is always reasonable,” he explains. “We don’t fluctuate on pricing and try to keep everything low-priced for our customers. We also don’t mess with people.”
Delucia says that he and his fellow technicians will recommend repairs for customers and tell them what they need. However, if a customer seems unsure about STAT’s recommendation, the technicians also will recommend that they go get a second opinion from another shop.
“You won’t find high-pressure sales tactics here,” Delucia says. “No one here is working on commission.”
In addition to cleanliness, Delucia says that integrating high-end technology into a customer’s visit also is the mission at STAT Auto, beginning with incorporating online programs for vehicular diagnostics, which often helps to narrow down a vehicle’s problem.
Delucia also incorporates vehicle updates for customers using his website.
“We utilize email alerts for customers, which will give them updates on their vehicle’s progress while we’re working on it,” Delucia says. “Customers also get an email every 3,000 miles with coupons and special offers at the shop.”
In keeping with the medical motif, Delucia says he plans to implement a feature on the STAT Auto website to keep customers updated on the status of their vehicle’s repairs in real time, similar to a recovery room in a hospital. He says that it will let customers know where their vehicle is in line, whether the shop is waiting on parts and when it has been moved onto one of the shop’s lifts.
“(The website feature) is going to make it much easier for customers to check the status of their vehicle,” he says. “It sure beats having to call a shop numerous times per day when a vehicle is getting worked on to check for an update.”
Currently, customers can type in the make, model and mileage of their vehicle to see if it is due for a tune-up. Signing up on the site also makes customers eligible for exclusive coupons, to see their vehicle’s service history, as well as receive service and recall notices.
Need another reason to check out STAT Auto besides free coffee and WiFi in the waiting room? How about free 69 point inspections with every oil change and free “check engine light” diagnoses?
Lutz resident Elise Bengston can attest to the customer service at STAT Auto.
“I had an issue with my drive axle and starter,” she explains. “I was on the way to STAT, but the employees had left to attend a continuing education class. My car broke down on the way there. They actually skipped their class to accommodate my vehicle. They are extremely conscientious and there is no sales pressure, which I greatly appreciate.”
So, if your vehicle is giving you trouble, or you just need an oil change or tune-up, give STAT Auto (13787 N. Nebraska Ave.) a call at 374-8894, or visit StatAutoRepair.com. The shop is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. 5 p.m., and 8 a.m.–1 p.m. on Saturday.
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