Best Of 2012: Mechanic
Kevin Jones didn't have a background in the auto-repair industry when he bought Import Specialty Auto in 1997. "I was just looking to go the entrepreneurial route," he says. The Springs native found the perfect business — successful, with loyal customers — and "didn't change anything about it. We just stepped in and tried not to mess anything up." Apparently, he's been doing all right; this is the fourth Best Of in five years for Jones and his seven-employee shop. Part of their success stems from their attention to customers, he says, but it doesn't hurt that they focus on the niche market of imports. By the way, we couldn't let the now-car-expert off the phone without asking: The easiest cars to work on? Toyotas and Hondas. The hardest? BMWs. — Chet Hardin