10 Questions With Shane Portnoff, Owner Of Aliso Viejo Auto Service

Aliso Viejo Auto Service is your one-stop shop for all automotive service and maintenance needs. Owner Shane Portnoff knows that your car is a vital part of your everyday life. Therefore, he and his dedicated team of experts work hard to give you the tailored service you deserve. Learn how their motto, "We take care of the client and the rest will follow," has played a crucial role in the company's 25-plus years of success.

Patch: Toyota and Honda are Aliso Viejo Auto Service’s specialties. But these aren’t the only makes in which you specialize. Can you tell us a little more about that?

Portnoff: I started out in the industry in 1994 as a Honda/Acura technician so I have the most experience with these brands. We find most families own more than one car and often are different makes. I added two technicians over the years with experience in other brands to complement my experience and knowledge, and it works out quite well for my clients.

Patch: You’re the captain of your own proverbial ship, with more than 20 years of automotive industry experience. How did you come to be involved in this field? What’s the Shane Portnoff story?

Portnoff: I can thank my father and grandfather for my love of automobiles. It runs in the genes, as my grandfather owned a service station in Philadelphia when my father was growing up. Before I could drive I wanted to help them in the garage. They had a different car every week. I enjoyed going to exotic/antique car auctions and couldn't wait to wrench on my own car. I haven't stopped since and do it in my free time.

Patch: What has your proudest moment been since taking the reigns?

Portnoff: This happens almost every day! I'm lucky to be rewarded almost every day with taking something broken and fixing it. I love that part! Not only a car but I'm fixing people too. We rely on our cars far more than we realize, and when the car is ill, that has a domino effect on the rest our our busy lives.

Patch: Tell us about your team of specialists.

Portnoff: I love my guys, I couldn't do it without them. They have very similar traits as I do, which is why we get along so well and have the same vision. Ralph is a family man as well and supports his wife and young daughter. Ralph is an extremely hard worker with a thirst for knowledge and a desire to help those in need. Humberto, also a loyal and hard worker, has worked his way up from oil changes and through continual training, on his way to becoming an ASE-certified technician. I support them both in continual training as cars are changing every day. We are constantly taking training classes and purchasing new tools to be more efficient and accurate technicians.

Patch: What makes Aliso Viejo Auto Service a one-stop shop?

Portnoff: We really do try to offer it all! For your sake, I do not want too many hands working on your car. Find a shop you trust and have them do it all. It's confusing to keep track of if and when certain repairs were made. We keep all records electronically and can recall them at a moment's notice. No duplicate repairs are made here, especially with our three-year warranty. If we can't do it, we will find someone who will without inconveniencing you.

Patch: How do you distinguish your repair services from others in the area? What makes Aliso Viejo Auto Service unique?

Portnoff: Most shops offer similar services. The difference is the experience. I don't feel we are competing with other area shops. I know we do the best work. We don't rush through jobs to get to the next money maker. We put ourselves in your shoes. We only recommend things that we believe in and would perform on our own cars. Most shops have to meet a quota, especially the big box stores. We take care of the client first and the rest will follow. I don't ask for reviews, people do it on their own. That alone speaks volumes. Most customers get paralyzed when faced with a decision. We hold your hand and walk you through it so we can find out what repair and part will best suit your needs. There are a lot of parts out there, and believe me when I say, you get what you pay for and they are not created equal.

Patch: What are some ways that Patch readers can help maintain their cars between repairs?

Portnoff: One thing I see a lot that upsets me is low oil level. It's so easy to check but very few do it. In 2016 we had eight cars towed in with bad engines due to no oil. To me that's eight too many. All could have been prevented. Oil change intervals have gotten longer with modern cars, and we rely on the car to tell us when there is a problem. When the red oil can light comes on it may be too late. Please be proactive and check it. Stop by, and we will do it for free!

Patch: Tell us about your shuttle service.

Portnoff: We have a Honda mini van dedicated to get you where you need to go. It leaves whenever you need a ride. Both ways to work, home or the movies. Just ask, and I will be happy to take you there or bring you back when your car is ready.

Patch: Aliso Viejo Auto Service has been around for more than 25 years. What’s the outlook on the future growth of the company?

Portnoff: It's true the name has been serving Aliso Viejo for 25 years, and sometimes people had no idea we were here tucked away in the Windrose Plaza at Aliso Creek and Liberty. This October, I will be celebrating 11 years under my ownership. Our goal is to serve the community for as long as possible. Auto repair will always be needed in some form or another. So we are constantly reinventing ourselves. Rent is on the rise. Insurance, taxes and other expenses are high for every small business owner. We all have businesses that we like to go to, such as restaurants, hair salons, gyms, grocery stores, etc. It's important to help the ones we want to succeed. They all need our help. You want them to stick around so that they will be there for you when you need them, right?

Patch: Our readers care about their communities and the people who work and live within them. How can they reach out to learn more about your business?

Portnoff: Call me anytime. If I don't answer, I promise to return the call as soon as possible. I will be available almost 24/7 by email. I will respond and check it whenever I'm out of the office. So if you need me after hours that's the best method. shane@alisoviejoautoservice.com.

Image Credit: Aliso Viejo Auto Service

This Patch article is sponsored by Aliso Viejo Auto Services.