Woman-Owned Business of the Year awarded to repair shop
By Danny Monahan
SBA Public Information officer
Growing up in industrial Ohio, the owner of Auto Craftsmen says she has motor oil in her blood. “Cars were a big part of my formative years. My first boyfriend was a motorhead, my first husband was a mechanic and we opened two shops together,” said Amy Mattinat, who owns and operates Auto Craftsmen on State Street, Montpelier, Vermont.
For 20 years Mattinat has been a part of Auto Craftsmen. She started as the bookkeeper in 1995, became a partner in 2004 and bought out her business partner in 2009.
Auto Craftsmen has six full-time employees, a part time bookeeper and shuttle driver, and hires additional personnel in the spring and fall.
Mattinat said her success is due to having exceptional employees, offering top notch service, having systems, checklists and an effective marketing plan. She continually invests in tools, equipment and training for her and her staff.
Her attitude toward customer service has become Auto Craftsmen’s trademark. “People get very stressed out when their cars are broken. We are very good at calming them down and explaining what is wrong and what repair is needed in everyday language they can understand,” said Mattinat. “Auto Craftsmen is serious about the responsibility that we have for keeping our customer’s cars safe and reliable.”
Mattinat believes that it is important to educate consumers so they can make informed decisions about their cars. She teaches women car care clinics and often shares her automotive knowledge on TV, radio and in print. She’s even written a book, ‘How to Buy A Great Used Car‘ that she gives away.
Sam Andersen, Central Vermont Economic Development Corporation Executive Directors said, “As a customer, I have experienced first-hand the exceptional service and care given by Amy and her staff. My car has never run better. Amy and her business deserve SBA’s annual award,”
For her efforts, Mattinat and Auto Craftsmen have been selected as the Small Business Administration’s 2015 Vermont Woman-Owned Business of the Year.
In addition to her customer service, Mattinat’s also known for her marketing skills. The Vermont Small Business Development Center has hired Mattinat to teach marketing classes around the state for the last five years. In April, two of SBA’s winners Dawn Russell, Microenterprise of the Year and Allsion Wright, Young Entrepreneur attended Mattinat’s workshop, ‘Market Like a Pro, Using Target Marketing, Without Spending Any Money.’ Mattinat is also very active in the auto car industry. She was elected president of the Car Care Council Women’s Board for a three year term in 2013 and is on the automotive expert panel and speakers bureau for www.AskPatty.com.
Throughout the past decade, she has received recognition by organizations including AAA, Michelin, Audi, Good Year, the National Association of Professional Women and many more.
Mattinat is involved in array of charities and causes including the Vermont Food Bank, Rotary International, Toys for Tots, and Brakes for Breasts.
According to Mattinat, ” the plan for Auto Craftsmen is to continue being part of the community and take great care of our customs and their cars for years to come.”