When Chris Knuth and his wife Emma bought Star Motors European in 2008, they made it their mission to reinvent this San Juan Capistrano auto shop as a leader in luxury car repair.

Shop-Ware Client Spotlight: Star Motors

Star Motors European takes center stage this week in our Client Spotlight series as one of the most respected luxury auto service stations in Orange County, California. This Bosch Service shop has cemented a reputation for excellence and being a leader in luxury car repair and maintenance services. Keep reading for more on this San Juan Capistrano shop that uses the best shop management software to stay competitive.

Meet Star Motors European Service

Family-owned for more than 30 years, Star Motors boasts a team of factory-trained and ASE master certified technicians. Together, they have more than 145 years of combined experience! When Chris Knuth and his wife Emma bought Star Motors European in 2008, they made it their mission to reinvent this San Juan Capistrano auto shop as a leader in luxury car repair and maintenance services. Eleven years and thousands of repeat customers later, it’s safe to say – mission accomplished.

Star roof

Taking their shop up a notch

While the existing shop had a solid foundation with happy customers, Knuth and his wife wanted to take Star Motors to the next level. Through a combination of community events, marketing and selective hiring and leadership practices, the pair created a shop that is not only profitable but memorable as well. Adding the right automotive software also helped improve shop efficiency.

In 2014, Ratchet + Wrench Magazine named Star Motors the most “community centric” auto repair shop in Orange County. In 2019, they were also voted “Best Auto Repair Shop” in the Orange County Register’s 26th Annual People’s Choice Awards for the 11th year in a row!

Star mechanic

Leadership inside and outside the shop

The inspiration to focus on community came mainly from Chris’s co-owner and wife, Emma.

“My background is doing a lot of community service. I’ve been a teacher and I’ve worked in different community centers, but I’m an entrepreneur at heart. Taking over the shop was a learning curve. Chris’s technical experience and my experience with different nonprofit organizations and building programs blended very well. Together, we were able to not just have a shop, but make it very unique.”

– Emma Silvera, Co-Owner, Star Motors European 

All images courtesy of starmotorseuro.com

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