Eric
Tracy

Shop Foreman

A UTI graduate with over 15 years of auto industry experience, Eric has knowledge of all vehicle makes and models – everything from 60s muscle cars to the latest hybrids and electric vehicles. With a “curiosity for fixing things, taking stuff apart and building things,” Eric never quits until a problem is diagnosed and always verifies to ensure we’re performing the correct repair. He received his initial training through the Mercedes program in Santa Barbara, worked at an independent European shop before coming to SLO and then Certified Auto two years ago.

Gonzalo Mendoza

Service advisor

Gonzalo transitioned from serving as a technician to service advisor in the summer of 2022. Gonzalo has been one of our most talented and experienced mechanics since he joined the team, has been in the automotive industry since he was 17 years old and has over 10 years experience. He’s also been our go-to guy for inspections and said he loves the “problem-solving” dynamic they present, which has helped him transition seamlessly into his new role helping customers ensure they’re getting the maintenance they need and nothing they don’t for their vehicles.

Mondo Espinoza

Repair technician

This is Mondo’s third stint at Certified Auto, which he says has become “like home.” He started under previous ownership 20 years ago as a 20-year-old and has made his way back twice after stints in Portland and other shops around the San Luis Obispo area. He recently rejoined the team out of a love for working at independent shops because of “the variety of vehicles we get in with different symptoms and issues always keeps you on your toes. You can’t just cruise along.” He loves working with a team of other passionate mechanics where “we can bounce ideas off each other and problem solve together.”

Dave

Repair technician

21 years

Dave has been at Certified Auto Repair since the beginning, literally, when the shop first opened 21 years ago — and actually served as a mentor to Mondo when he first joined the shop. He left for a shop in Grover Beach just prior to Isaac taking over as the owner but came back in January 2023, this time for good, he hopes. “I’ve got 10 years of my career left, and I want them to be here,” he said. As a veteran mechanic, Dave has seen it all and can repair just about anything. “A car is a car,” he said, “I do the job, and get it done in half the time that it’s supposed to take.” He said Certified Auto has a special place in his heart and is happy to be back.

Santos

Repair technician

Lula

Shop dog and greeter

The star of the show, Lula the Labradoodle makes it her job to brighten the day of everyone who walks through our door. Come for the quality auto repair, stay for Lula! Follow her exploits @lulaatwork on Instagram.