For over two decades, this seasoned automotive expert has been working at the heart of European car repair. We sat down with the manager of Heights Auto Imports in Tampa, Florida to explore their journey, their love for cars, and what keeps them going in this fast-paced industry.
Interviewer: How long have you been working in the automotive industry?
Teresa: Oh, it’s been about 20 years now. Feels like a lifetime, but it’s been an incredible journey.
Interviewer: What first hooked you into doing this type of work?
Teresa: Haha, well, it might sound cheesy, but I guess I got really disciplined at a young age. My dad was a mechanic, and I used to be his little helper, always tagging along. But the real hook was my neighbor’s car – an Anniversary Edition Corvette. I was obsessed with it. I would rush to the end of the driveway just to hear it roar when he came home. That sound got me hooked, and I fell in love with cars from that moment on.
Interviewer: Do you remember the first car you worked on?
Teresa: Oh yes! It was a 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse. I was so proud of it. I bought it after my thirties, did custom bodywork, made it look pretty – it wasn’t a fast car, but I loved it. I was even part of a girl’s car club where we’d customize our cars. Eventually, I got into making cars fast, which took me into a whole new world of performance upgrades.
Interviewer: That’s awesome! So, how did you transition from being a car enthusiast to working in auto service professionally?
Manager: Well, I was running a marketing company at the time—guerrilla marketing, like the events Dove used to do with product samples. I had about 1,200 people working along the East Coast, and while it was exciting, it was also exhausting. Around the same time, I was going through a divorce, and I needed a steady income to support me and my daughter. I took a job as a nighttime receptionist at Nissan, and not long after, they offered me a position as a warranty administrator.
I didn’t know much about warranties, but my knowledge of cars helped me pick it up quickly. After two years, I realized how much the service advisors were making and how much fun they were having, so I went for it. The challenge was, my boss didn’t want a woman on the service drive. So, I crossed the street to Dyer & Dyer Volvo, where Norman Mills gave me my first shot. From there, I never looked back.
Interviewer: What an inspiring journey! So, you’ve worked with quite a few brands over the years. Which one is your favorite?
Manager: I’m a Volkswagen and Audi girl at heart. There’s just something about those cars—they’re like little puzzle pieces, especially the older ones. I have a deep love for them. My husband has been a Volkswagen and Audi mechanic for 30 years, so it’s a passion we share. We even have a 20th Anniversary GTI and an Audi A6 wagon—I love wagons!
Interviewer: Wow, it sounds like you’ve worked on a lot of different cars. Is there a dream project you’re eyeing right now?
Manager: Yes! I’ve been eyeing a first-generation Porsche Cayman. I found one with a rebuilt title and have been thinking about pulling the trigger. I want to do some performance upgrades—turbo kits, remapping the fueling, all that fun stuff. My husband’s already ready to tune it, but I haven’t quite taken the leap yet. Maybe by the end of the year!
Interviewer: Sounds like a fun project! Speaking of Porsches, what have you learned from working with them at Heights Auto Imports?
Manager: One thing I’ve learned a lot about since working here is air-cooled Porsches. I didn’t know much about them before, but Ray (our air-cooled Porsche expert) has taught me a ton. It’s been a fascinating learning experience—those cars are a whole different animal compared to modern ones.
Interviewer: With your years of experience, have you had any customers teach you something new?
Manager: You know, I’ve learned a lot from fellow mechanics and working on different cars, but from customers, nothing jumps out. Although, I’ll say customers always keep me on my toes with their knowledge of their vehicles.
Interviewer: You’ve certainly had a diverse and exciting career. What’s your official title now at Heights Auto Imports?
Manager: I’m the Service Manager. It’s funny, because it feels like I’ve been with Heights Auto Imports for ten years, but really it’s been a much shorter time. We’ve built something special here, though, and I’m proud of how far we’ve come.
Interviewer: Congratulations on your anniversary! As a final question, what would you say to someone considering a career in automotive service?
Manager: It’s not an easy road, but if you have a passion for cars, it’s worth every challenge. You’ll get to work on amazing machines, constantly learn new things, and meet some incredible people along the way. Just be ready to work hard and love what you do, because that’s what makes all the difference.
Thank you to the Service Manager at Heights Auto Imports for sharing this incredible journey with us! If you’re in Tampa, Florida and need expert care for your European vehicle, be sure to visit Heights Auto Imports, where cars and passion meet on the service drive.