Team Smitty’s
Mike
Owner
-
Mike has been part of Smitty’s Service in one way or another since he was twelve years old. In 1987, when his grandfather “Smitty” faced health challenges, Mike answered the call and stepped into the business full-time. He officially purchased Smitty’s in 1995 and has now spent the last 30 years carrying the shop forward—most recently celebrating Smitty’s 80th anniversary in April.
An ASE-Certified Master Technician, Mike holds a business degree from San Diego State University and a Transportation Technology degree from Cuyamaca College, along with CTI Hybrid Repair certification. That technical foundation, paired with decades of real-world experience, continues to shape the standards and culture at Smitty’s. In his “spare” time, Mike also serves as an Automotive Expert Witness for the Federal Court system, applying the same careful analysis and integrity that define his work at the shop.
Mike raised his family in Normal Heights, and his deep roots in the neighborhood naturally led to years of community involvement and service. Smitty’s has never been just a business—it’s been a cornerstone of the community—and Mike remains committed to giving back and helping the neighborhood thrive.
He’s married, the proud father of three fantastic kids, and the long-standing administrator of the Smitty’s Fantasy Football League. Outside the shop, Mike enjoys travel, stand-up paddleboarding, surfing, diving, and desert riding with his family.
More than anything, Mike sees himself as a steward of a legacy—honoring the values Smitty established while continuing to evolve Smitty’s Service for the next generation.
Fadi
Service Advisor
-
Fadi is the kind of professional you feel comfortable with right away—and for good reason. His automotive journey began in 2004 with a certificate in Automotive Technology from UTI, widely regarded as one of the country’s premier automotive colleges. That foundation led to more than 21 years in the industry, with experience across major dealerships including Ford, Chrysler, Hyundai, Jeep, Toyota, and Lexus.
Fadi spent a decade turning wrenches as a technician before moving to the front counter as a service writer, giving him a rare, well-rounded perspective. He understands vehicles inside and out, and just as importantly, he knows how to explain repairs clearly and honestly—without pressure or confusion.
Born in Chiapas, Mexico, and raised in San Diego to Iraqi parents, Fadi brings a rich cultural background and is fluent in English and Spanish, with working knowledge of Arabic. That ability to connect with people from all walks of life is a big part of what makes customers trust him so quickly.
Outside the shop, Fadi treasures time with his beautiful girlfriend, his 10-year-old daughter, and his energetic 3-year-old son. When he’s off the clock, you might find him exploring San Diego’s dance scene, checking out new culinary hotspots, or joining much of the Smitty’s crew in their growing enthusiasm for golf.
Spend a few minutes talking with Fadi and you’ll see—it’s not just about fixing cars. It’s about taking care of people
Giuseppe
Technician
-
Giuseppe came on the scene in 2007 and immediately made his mark. First and foremost, he is 100% Italian—he eats it, breathes it, and speaks it fluently. Spanish? Also fluent. English? Pretty solid too. Giuseppe loves being part of the Smitty’s team, and his natural people skills make him a fan favorite with both coworkers and customers. Someday he may slow down and slide into a Service Advisor role… but don’t hold your breath.
With 35 years of automotive experience, Giuseppe is fast, precise, and seemingly equipped with a tool for every possible job. His skill, efficiency, and work ethic make him a constant source of inspiration around the shop.
Outside of work, Giuseppe is a devoted husband and proud father of three grown boys. He’s an active member of the Smitty’s Surf Team and enjoys stand-up paddleboarding, surfing, or just about anything that lets him spend time with the wife he absolutely adores. His latest passion? A Bayliner boat he fully refurbished himself—beautiful, dialed-in, and, as Giuseppe would say… a clean machine.
Christian
Service Advisor Assistant
-
Christian is one of those people you instantly feel comfortable around. His genuine love for people shows up naturally in the way he listens, communicates, and takes care of customers. A born service-minded professional, Christian is a natural fit as a Customer Service Specialist, and his role allows him to expand his skills while learning the technical side of the automotive world.
A proud San Diego State University graduate (Class of 2018), Christian earned his degree in Film, TV, and Media Critical Studies, a background that sharpened his ability to see stories, connect with people, and communicate clearly—skills that translate perfectly to the front counter at Smitty’s.
When he’s not at the shop, Christian gives back by volunteering with Asian Story Theatre and Teatro Mascara Magica, combining creativity with community service. Around Smitty’s, he’s also known as the inspiration behind the infamous 100 Push-Up Challenge and just finished his third year the Smitty’s Fantasy Football League.
A true San Diego local at heart, Christian loves the outdoors, exploring everything this city has to offer, and is hoping to squeeze in a few more road trips this year. Spend a few minutes talking with Christian, and you’ll quickly understand—this is someone who was simply born to serve.
Enrique
Office Manager
-
Enrique is Mike’s oldest son—and yes, we’ll say it… a fourth-generation Smitty. He earned his degree in Kinesiology from San Diego State University, but his impact at Smitty’s Service goes far beyond any single title. Enrique wears many hats, and somehow manages to wear them all well.
At the shop, Enrique oversees administrative and bookkeeping operations, bringing organization and clarity to the business side of things. Outside of Smitty’s, he runs a successful tax accounting side business—so successful, in fact, that the very firm Smitty’s uses was impressed enough to bring him on board.
Over the past several years, Enrique has also become a driving force behind Smitty’s team-building events, organizing everything from golf outings and bowling nights to Padres games, desert trips, and the legendary Christmas party. And speaking of tradition, for the last 20 years Enrique and Mike have met every Black Friday to carry on a Smitty’s classic: installing the giant Christmas tree on the roof—a tradition started by Smitty himself back in 1959. Enrique doesn’t just understand the legacy; he helps carry it forward.
He’s a perennial playoff contender in the Smitty’s Fantasy Football League (despite remaining a loyal—and ever-hopeful—Chargers fan). Outside of work, Enrique enjoys off-roading, hiking with his wife, and grilling, and the two recently purchased a home they’re actively restoring. He’s also a big reason behind the recent golf craze that’s swept through Smitty’s.
Enrique blends tradition with forward momentum—and Smitty’s is better because of it.
Jay
Technician
-
Jay is the kind of technician customers hope ends up working on their vehicle. Although he’s the newest member of the Smitty’s
Service team, Jay has been immersed in the automotive world his
entire life. He is a factory-trained Lexus technician, which shows
in the precision, care, and pride he brings to every job. Jay
believes quality always comes before speed, and that mindset is
evident in his work.
An Advanced Engine Performance Specialist, Jay previously
owned and operated Asuza Auto Repair, giving him deep, hands-
on experience across every facet of the industry—from
diagnostics to complex repairs and customer communication. His
technical skill is matched by a genuine concern for people,
making him a natural fit with the Smitty’s culture of trust, integrity,
and long-term relationships.
Jay is fluent in Spanish, a New England Patriots fan, and is
already looking forward to joining the Smitty’s Fantasy Football
League next season. Outside the shop, he enjoys photography
and is working toward earning his private pilot’s license—proof
that his attention to detail and drive to master new skills extend
well beyond the garage.
When Jay works on your car, you can be confident it’s being
handled by someone who treats it as their own.
Alex
Technician
-
Alex is one of those people you can tell has a big future ahead of him. A factory-trained Nissan technician, Alex has a natural advantage when it comes to Japanese vehicles, and he continues to build on that foundation every single day. By night, he’s attending Miramar College in pursuit of his SMOG license; by day, he’s putting that knowledge to work at Smitty’s.
Alex has also taken the lead on Smitty’s digital inspections, constantly tweaking, refining, and customizing the system to better serve both our technicians and our customers. His strong technical understanding—combined with a genuine concern for people—makes him a perfect fit for Team Smitty and someone customers immediately trust.
Now in his fifth year in the Smitty’s Fantasy Football League, Alex is truly part of the family—literally. He’s our Manager Beto’s son-in-law, and nothing matters more to him than his beautiful wife and little girl. Drawing on his athletic background, Alex stepped into a new role this past year as a softball coach for his daughter’s team, helping them make huge improvements. Fair warning: next year, keep an eye out for a Little League World Series run.
When he’s off the clock, you’ll find Alex spending time outdoors with his family, hiking or off-roading in San Diego’s backcountry. And somewhere along the way, Alex—and about half the shop—has become a full-blown golf fanatic.
Smart, driven, and endlessly coachable, Alex is just getting started—and we’re excited to see where the road takes him.
Nick
Service Advisor Assistant
-
Nick is the kind of person who makes you feel welcome the moment you meet him. One of the newest members of the Smitty’s Service family, Nick genuinely cares about people and is always thinking of ways—big and small—to make a customer’s experience just a little better. He’s constantly offering thoughtful ideas on how we can wow our customers, proving that great service is often found in the details.
Born and raised in San Diego, Nick fully embraces the city’s laid-back lifestyle. When he’s not at the shop, you’ll likely find him spending time with friends, hanging out at the beach, or heading out for a night on the town. A true cycling enthusiast, Nick rides fixed-gear bikes and enjoys working on them in his spare time, blending hands-on skill with creative curiosity.
Nick also has a keen eye for things with history and character. He’s passionate about film photography, vintage clothing, and antiques, always drawn to pieces that tell a story. That same appreciation for authenticity and craftsmanship carries over into how he treats customers—thoughtfully, genuinely, and with care.
Spend a few minutes talking with Nick and you’ll quickly understand: this is someone who truly enjoys people and takes pride in making their day a little brighter.
Beto
Manager
-
Beto has been a natural leader at Smitty’s Service since the day he arrived in 2007. An ASE Master Technician and Advanced Engine Performance Specialist, Beto brings a depth of knowledge that’s immediately reassuring. He even owned and operated his own shop for five years, so when tough questions come up, chances are Beto already knows the answer—or how to find it.
Widely regarded as one of the brightest automotive minds at Smitty’s, Beto is fluent in Spanish and certified through the CTI Technical Institute for Hybrid Repair. He’s also the perennial winner of our internal training-program contests, a reflection of his constant drive to learn, improve, and stay ahead of the curve. That commitment, paired with his steady work ethic, made him a cornerstone of our Senior Technician team and a natural fit for his current role as Manager.
Beto is now in his fifth year in the Smitty’s Fantasy Football League, is happily married, and a proud father of three girls. Outside the shop, he spends his “off hours” living the dream—often on the golf course—where he’s joined by more than a few fellow Smitty’s teammates who have caught the golf bug as well.
Spend a few minutes with Beto and you’ll quickly understand why customers and staff alike trust him completely—strong leadership, deep knowledge, and a calm confidence that puts everyone at ease.
Jose
Technician
-
Jose has been part of the Smitty’s Service family since 1996, and if reliability were a sport, he’d be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. If Jose were a baseball player, he’d win the award for most consecutive starts—day in and day out, he shows up, gets it done, and does it right.
You can always count on Jose’s smile, and his laugh just might be the most contagious sound in the building—maybe even the industry. Behind that easygoing demeanor is a technician who consistently produces top-tier work, maintains one of the lowest comeback rates around, and handles much of our senior-level diagnostic work with calm precision. Fluent in Spanish, Jose is also a trusted resource for our Spanish-speaking customers, making sure nothing gets lost in translation. Jose doesn’t seek the spotlight, and he doesn’t need to. His work speaks for him.
Outside the shop, Jose is deeply committed to serving at his church and is happily married. His three adult children are working, and—big news—Jose is now a grandpa (even though he somehow still looks way too young for the title). His entire family stays active in volleyball, and family time is clearly one of his greatest joys.
Spend a little time around Jose and you’ll quickly understand: this is the kind of quiet professional every great shop is built around.
Griffin
Technician
-
Griffin is the kind of teammate every shop hopes to have—always smiling, always in, and always ready for the next Smitty’s adventure. From Padres Night to Smitty Bowlin’ Night, and every desert trip since the day he started, Griffin has been right there in the middle of the action, helping make Smitty’s feel less like a workplace and more like a family.
His passion for cars started at Point Loma High School, so it surprised no one when he chose a career in the automotive world. You may remember Griffin from his time as a Service Advisor Assistant—possibly even giving you a ride. That role immersed him in every corner of the business, and he thrived. The hands-on lessons of the Smitty’s School of Hard Knocks, paired with his education at Miramar College, opened the door for him to step into a technician role.
Griffin brings ambition, curiosity, and a genuinely pleasant demeanor to everything he does—qualities that are already paving the way toward becoming an A-level technician and eventually a SMOG technician. His future’s so bright… yeah, he actually does wear shades.
Outside the shop, Griffin is fired up for this year’s Smitty’s Fantasy Football League, and on weekends you’ll likely find him hanging out with his girlfriend or catching a surf session with Mike and the crew.
Spend a little time with Griffin and you’ll quickly see—he’s not just part of the team, he’s part of the heartbeat of Smitty’s