Tell us about your business and how you got started?
I’m the small business owner of C&G Imported Car Repairs, which specializes in repairing exotic foreign cars. The business is located in Verona (780 Bloomfield Avenue.) In 1986, at the age of 16, I took over the business from my father when he became sick. Up to that point, the business had been opened for about 10 years. C&G has now been in business for close to 50 years! We proudly service customers throughout the entire state of New Jersey.
What makes your business stand out?
I have a passion for what I do, and it shows in my work. I am self-taught. From a young age, the work has always been very fulfilling for me. I love what I do. Just the other day, we had a Ferrari owner drive all the way up here for service from Brick, NJ. I have customers that visit me for service from all over. They hear about the great work we do through word of mouth because I do not advertise. The service we provide our customers is excellent. I bend over backwards for my customers because it is a small business after all. Everybody is kind of like family here. There is a friendship involved that goes further than just being a customer. I know they value this. When you love what you do, this is the type of work you do daily. We have a lot of repeat customers. I have customers that have been with me for almost 50 years! That’s the kind of service and treatment we provide.
What advice would you give others interested in becoming small business owners?
The best advice is to be honest and do the right thing always by your customers. Treat them right. Do not take advantage of them. It will pay off in the long run. Provide excellent service to your customers. With my business, we have always been in it for the long haul. We’re not interested in selling you on something today if you don’t really need it just to make some money.
What do you see in the future for your business?
The industry is changing. There are a lot of electric cars coming out and it’s a whole different world. Like many small businesses, this one is also being hurt by larger corporations – as well as dealers, manufacturers, electric cars, etc. I’m hoping the business is still standing in the future and continues to thrive for many years to come. I would love to see my committed team take it over when I am gone.
Any car hobbies?
I really enjoy attending the classic car shows every chance I get. I have a lot of specialty cars that come into the business and customers that attend car shows to showcase their cars. I really enjoy supporting them at the shows.
Why do you choose Spencer for your banking?
The partnership with Spencer started years ago. Initially, the bank was convenient and easy to access. They took care of my personal banking needs well. I have a Home Equity Line of Credit and Consumer Checking account with them. Over time that relationship grew and developed, for many reasons, and they now take care of my Business Banking needs as well. I have a Small Business Loan and Business Checking account with them.
Would you recommend Spencer’s business banking team and products/services to other small business owners?
I definitely would recommend Spencer’s business banking team and products/services to other busy small business owners. Their products and services are comparable to those of larger institutions – but the service you can’t beat.
I can tell you I’ve had accounts at other banks, and I noticed the service was not good. It was very impersonable. As a busy small business owner, when you are used to getting a certain type of attention and treatment at Spencer, it is difficult to receive less than when you visit other banks. The difference is very noticeable and stands out.
Spencer is proud to support our New Jersey small business community. Small businesses are an essential part of the U.S. economy. Community Banks empower small businesses and provide roughly 60% of all small business loans. They are often favored by small businesses for various reasons. Visit our West Caldwell Financial Center Manager Claudia Malaquias, and the rest of the West Caldwell team, at 810 Bloomfield Avenue. Learn more about Spencer’s business banking products and services on our website, and visit us on social media to learn more about our company and team.