Each month, we send a set of questions to our featured business owners and then share their answers with our readers. For February, we reached out to Simon Timms, owner and operator of European Car Specialist; Patricia Alexander, writer, editor, and leader of Writing Support Group-North County, and Wendy Berti, owner and operator of New With Tags.
Simon is a licensed and certified automotive technician, specializing in European autos. In business locally since 2002, he takes pride in his work and has seen his continued growth at his shop thanks to referrals from his long-time clients. Recently, he hired Misael Rodriquez to assist with automotive repairs and, together, the dynamic duo welcomes returning and new clients to European Auto Specialist. Patricia, in addition to being a speaker and workshop leader, has been promoting her book, The Book of Comforts, in Paso Robles since 2009. She started the North County Writing Support Group in 2014. One of her clients, Hugo Haselhuhn, has been with the group for two years; he has two published books, a third in the editing stage, and calls Patricia “fantastic!”. Wendy is celebrating the 3rd Anniversary of New With Tags. Since its opening in 2015, the store has become the preferred ladies’ clothing consignment boutique for locals and visitors alike. With help from her best girlfriend, Michelle Nolan, Wendy enjoys the interactions and relationships she has developed over the years with her clientele.
Here’s what Simon, Patricia, and Wendy had to say…
European Car Specialist
Simon Timms, owner
Misael Rodriguez, technician
Simon Timms and Misael Rodriquez of European Car Specialist
What qualities have helped you acquire loyal clients over the years?
Simon: Misael and I have a genuine desire to repair vehicles correctly. We both get satisfaction from making something work that wasn’t working previously, and I run the business with honesty and integrity.
Describe your business, or the way you conduct your business, in 5-10 words.
Simon: I treat my clients and run my business the way I like to be treated – I am fair, honest, straightforward, experienced, and I have integrity – it’s the way I was brought up.
Please share a testimony or two from a recent client(s).
Simon: Almost all of my clients are repeat clients; they trust me and we have developed long-term relationships. The best compliment is when they refer their friends to my shop. One long-term client said, “I have been bringing my car to Simon for more than 10 years. He is the only mechanic I trust with my car and, after more than 150,000 miles together, he keeps my car running in top shape. Simon is always fair, honest, friendly, and courteous. His new technician, Misael, is a great addition to the shop.”
What do you like about living in and doing business in Paso Robles & throughout SLO County?
Simon: I moved from San Diego to get away from the crowds and live a simpler life. I like feeling I’m part of a community and this is possible in Paso Robles. Misael grew up here, attended local schools, and likes working in the area for the same reasons I do; we are a great team.
For more info, stop by and see Simon and Misael at European Car Specialist, located at 2505 theater Dr. #5 in Paso Robles, or call 805-238-6400.
North County Writing Support Group
Patricia Alexander
Patricia Alexander of North County Writing Support Group
What qualities have helped you acquire loyal clients over the years?
Patricia: It is my joy and passion to help writers choose, start and complete their projects, whatever they are. I can walk them through the marketing realities and opportunities of today’s world. I also take on a few select projects to copy edit. I’ve been a professional writer/editor for 42 years, with an award-winning inspirational book, The Book of Comforts: Simple, Powerful Ways to Comfort Your Spirit, Body & Soul, available locally at EarthTones.
Describe your business, or the way you conduct your business, in 5-10 words.
Patricia: My motto for the group is Encouragement, Kindness and Truth…All With a Real Deadline.
Please share a testimony or two from a recent client(s).
Patricia: My new book, which I completed working with Patricia, was published January 2017. I would not be where I am with this work without the invaluable support and advice from her and this group ~ John Lawton. You, my dear, are such a great writing midwife. Coming to your cozy little creative space has given me the strength and confidence to let my voice speak ~Tina Kurrel.
What do you like about living in and doing business in Paso Robles & throughout SLO County?
Patricia: I love Paso! It continues to be a mecca of creativity and beauty.
The North County Writing Support Group meets every two weeks on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. by reservation only; 4-5 people maximum; $25/meeting or $80 for a card of four. For more info, contact Patricia at 805-479-7778, patriciaemilyalexander@gmail.com, or see www.BookOfComforts.com.
New With Tags
Wendy Berti
Wendy Berti of New With Tags, a women’s consignment boutique
What qualities have helped you acquire loyal clients over the years?
Wendy: We have a close relationship with local boutiques and their clients – that keeps our inventory current, trendy, fun, and appropriate for this area. We have also stepped out of the area to find consignors that bring in brands we all love but don’t frequently see here on the Central Coast.
Describe your business, or the way you conduct your business, in 5-10 words.
Wendy: Pre-loved, sought-after brands at great prices.
Please share a testimony or two from a recent client(s).
Wendy: The biggest compliment is when I have returning clients, week after week. Consignment shopping is like a treasure hunt…sometimes you find nothing and sometimes you hit the jackpot. To score the best items, women like to pop in frequently as most things are one-of-a-kind. When someone tells me a friend sent them in I know we are doing our job correctly.
What do you like about living in and doing business in Paso Robles & throughout SLO County?
Wendy: I was born and raised in San Luis Obispo, left the area for about 10 years after high school and then came back to Paso. I loved being able to raise my boys here; we love the small town feel of Paso and the sense of community. Our downtown is such a rarity anymore and I am proud to be a downtown business owner. My husband and I have another business here in Paso – Bryan Berti Painting. Paso Robles has been very good to us and we can’t imagine living anywhere else!
For more info, stop by New With Tags, located at 585 12th St. in Paso Robles or call 805-226-5655. Be sure to like and follow New With Tags on Facebook and Instagram.
