Javier Molinares
AL DÍA TODAY
MELBOURNE – Gabriel Reyes Jiménez and Sandra Morales celebrated the grand opening of their auto shop, G & S Auto Care, on May 24th at their location, 2885 Electronics Dr., Unit B12, Melbourne, FL 32935.
This milestone marks the start of a new chapter for the couple, who have combined their skills and passions to build a trusted name in automotive repair.
Gabriel, born and raised in Puerto Rico, started his journey in mechanics at a young age, inspired by his uncle, a mechanical engineer.
“I grew up in Puerto Rico and went to Dr. Santo J. Sepúlveda Elementary School, then middle and high school there,” Gabriel said. “My uncle was an engineer, and from the age of 7 or 8, I worked with him and developed a love for mechanics.”
After graduating from high school, Gabriel pursued formal training in automotive technology at Automeca, a technical college in Puerto Rico.
“I studied at Automeca for two years because I wanted to follow in my uncle’s footsteps. By the time I was 17 or 18, I knew a lot about mechanics and decided to make it my career.”
Gabriel worked as a professional mechanic for three years before diversifying his skills with a bachelor’s degree in computer science. He spent eight years working in the IT field before moving to the United States in 2004.
“When I moved to Florida, I returned to mechanics, a field I knew well and loved,” Gabriel explained. “For 20 years, I’ve been a mechanic here, and after 10 years at my last job, I decided it was time to open my shop.”
Gabriel’s decision to start G & S Auto Care, named after himself and his fiancée, Sandra Morales, was driven by a desire to uphold high standards of quality and service. We believe in and understand the importance of providing the best service in the care and repair of your car. We offer advice on the best options for your budget, providing reliable and long-lasting solutions to keep your vehicle in good condition and ensure everyone’s safety and satisfaction. “I believe in doing thorough, professional work because it’s not just about the money, it’s about safety and reliability.”
Sandra Morales, originally from Huancayo, Peru’s highlands, plays a pivotal role in the business.
“I met Gabriel when I took my car in for repairs, and there was no mechanic who spoke Spanish except for him. He understood exactly what I needed at that moment and gave me the correct diagnosis for my car,” Sandra recalled.
Their relationship blossomed, and they have now been together for eight years.
“After Gabriel left his job for 10 years, we faced a period of uncertainty with the idea of developing our dreams, but we didn’t know how or when. At that moment, my job allowed us to stay afloat, and I encouraged him to pursue his passion for mechanics,” Sandra said.
“We started this venture in the middle of March, and one month later, we had all the necessary permits, waiting only for the arrival of machines and new equipment to start our new business.”
Sandra, who holds a master’s degree in business sciences from Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola in Peru, studied Business Administration and oversees the administrative side of the business.
“I was a general manager of a casino chain in Peru, and now I’m a director at a large company here in Florida. My experience helps us manage G & S Auto Care efficiently,” she explained.
Their skills, dedication, and professionalism set G&S Auto Care apart.
“When a car leaves our shop, you know it was not just fixed; it was done with quality, guarantee, cleanliness, and everything is properly secured. We specialize in electromechanics and engine performance, ensuring that every detail is attended to,” Gabriel said.
Despite the challenges of finding a suitable location, Gabriel chose Melbourne to open their shop due to its ideal location, which is perfect for all customers of Palm Bay and Melbourne, as well as those everywhere. The place is clean and has a professional environment. “I wanted a place where the shop could be spotless and organized, reflecting our commitment to quality,” he said.
G & S Auto Care caters to a wide range of automotive needs. “We do all kinds of mechanical work, from brakes to general maintenance, and we focus on engine performance and diagnostics,” he explained. “Our goal is to provide reliable and safe repairs.”
Gabriel’s dedication extends to customer service, ensuring that clients feel confident in the repairs made to their vehicles.
“We speak Spanish, all Latin community is welcome, and we’re always here to check any car and find the best solution, taking care of your economy as well,” said Gabriel. “Our clients know they can trust us for honest and professional service.”
While G & S Auto Care is still growing, Gabriel and Sandra plan to expand their services soon. For now, G & S Auto Care primarily connects with customers through word of mouth, as well as social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. They plan to develop a website soon to enhance their online presence further.
Gabriel’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. From his early days in Puerto Rico to becoming a trusted mechanic in Palm Bay, Gabriel Reyes Jiménez exemplifies the spirit of dedication and hard work that drives the automotive repair industry.
Sandra understands the importance of planning, coordinating, supervising, and proposing continuous improvements that benefit customers, while maintaining a well-organized business and ensuring a clean and properly maintained workspace.
“Our shop’s organization, cleanliness, and attention to detail reflect our dedication to providing the best service possible,” said Sandra. “We want our clients to feel confident that their vehicles are in good hands.”
As G & S Auto Care continues to grow, Sandra looks forward to expanding their services and reaching more customers. “We’re excited about the future and committed to making G & S Auto Care a trusted name in the community.”
For Sandra, the journey with Gabriel has been more than just a business venture; it has been a personal one.
“Working together has strengthened our bond and allowed us to achieve our shared goals,” he said. “We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished and eager to continue serving our community.”
For more information, visit G & S Auto Care at 2885 Electronics Dr., Unit B12, Melbourne, FL 32935 or call (321) 600-4159. You can also find them on Facebook and Instagram.