ALL>> For twenty-five years, Felix Automotive, has provided quality auto repair services to the San Bernardino community and beyond.
Ricardo Felix, of Felix Automotive in San Bernardino, California, has always had a passion to work on cars. As a teenager, he tinkered with a wide range of vehicles, always trying to figure out what made them run, how to repair them, and how to make them more efficient.
A few years later, Ricardo’s interest grew. “I knew I wanted to do something more with automotive repair,” said Ricardo. “I just didn’t know what.”
He didn’t realize that his passion would someday turn into a successful Retail Automotive Repair Business: Felix Automotive.
Today, the business is run by Ricardo Felix and his two sons, Bryan and Richard Felix. Together, they treat their customers as if they were part of the family. “It’s important to us to give the highest level of customer service as well as providing them with their automotive repairs needs.”
“I love helping people out,” said Richard Felix. “And I love solving their problems. Cars don’t have problems, people do. The car can sit for as long as it wants. But people want the problem fixed.” When their vehicle is down and needs repair, it can totally disrupt their day. So it’s important to help get their vehicle up and running as quickly as possible.
“I remember once, there were some people coming through town. They were driving from San Diego to Las Vegas and they broke down. They were driving their BMW and needed specific parts to repair it. Unfortunately, the BMW facility couldn’t deliver on Saturdays. We drove to Ontario to get the parts for their car so they could make it to their destination. Normally, we close our shop at 4pm on Saturdays but we stayed late, until 7pm, to complete the job and facilitate our customer. They were ecstatic and grateful! They were on the road and back on their way to Las Vegas, where they live.”
Ricardo Felix and his two sons, Bryan and Richard Felix, have built more than a family business, they’ve built a place where people can feel confident about getting their car fixed. And like their father, Richard and Bryan Felix have also developed an interest in cars at an early age and have become an intricate part of the business.
The first time Richard Felix worked on a car he was fourteen. “I couldn’t even lift the bolts,” said Richard Felix. “After an hour, my dad came to help. He’s the, you got to try and learn it yourself, type.” Over the years, Ricardo has taught his sons that perseverance and hard work is very important and that you try to implement that in every aspect of your life. “I taught them to value things,” said Ricardo. “If they wanted or needed something, they had to work for it”
Ricardo’s younger son, Bryan Felix, also began working on cars at an early age. “I was always interested in how engines worked. My dad was already working here. So as soon as I got out of high school, I started working in the shop with him trying to figure out how to fix cars.”
Today, Richard and Bryan have acquired and maintained the same interest and work ethic as their father, but each member of the Felix family brings something unique and important to the table. Richard Felix, who has taken on a more supervisory role, is described by his brother, as being very “hands on.” “Sometimes he stays late to ensure that the books are finished for the day. If we have any questions, we still go and ask him.”
Bryan Felix is the youngest member of the Felix family. He has five “ASE” Certificates, as well as three other certifications; he has also passed the advanced engine performance state test. He is currently working on becoming a certified Master Technician.
Richard is four years older than his brother Bryan, but Bryan is the head technician. "He’s even surpassed his dad and I in some areas of engine repair knowledge."
”My dad can do all the heavy stuff but Bryan is best with sensor diagnostics,“ said Richard. “We all have the training but we have to keep ourselves updated. Just last month, we went to a class to be refreshed on the latest techniques. There’s always new ways to solve problems.”
In terms of the future, Ricardo Felix looks to his sons, in hopes that “someday, Richard and Bryan will take over the business and continue the legacy of quality automotive repair and customer service! That’s what I want,” said Ricardo.