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Friday's Internet Edition, November 21, 2008.
10 years under the hood
Japanese Automotive changes name to Lapp Automotive
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Lapp Automotive, formerly Japanese Automotive, is owned by Greg Lapp. Business hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The phone number is 745-2822.
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By Kymm Griffin
Staff Writer
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For Lapp Automotive owner Greg Lapp, the decision to stop commuting to Sacramento over 10 years ago continues to pay off.
Lapp recently decided to change the name of his shop, formerly Japanese Automotive, because it didn’t accurately reflect his business.
“About half of the cars in here are American,” said Lapp.
Right off the starting line, Lapp’s business took hold in the community. Lapp describes his first year of business as “very good” and was able to bring on two more mechanics. Lapp has consistently employed two or three mechanics since opening his shop. By his estimates, Lapp Automotive handles about 20 percent of the households’ auto work in Galt. Lapp does about 50 percent of the all the work that comes in himself.
Lapp currently has three employees: Russ Beauchamp, who has been with the business for nine years, works the front office and sales; and mechanics Addo Mappangaro and Chelsea Dispenziere.
Lapp Automotive is Smog certified for testing and repairs. They can also do any kind of engine repair, check engine light diagnostic, tire alignment and brakes.
“Anything your car needs I can do, other than body work,” said Lapp.
Lapp is also expanding into motor home repairs and is up-to-date on the latest hybrid technology.
For 10 years, Lapp has enjoyed steady business with most of his customers referred to him by word of mouth. Lapp said that in recent years during the housing boom, business actually slowed a little bit because more people were using their equity to buy new cars instead of repairing their old ones. Lapp expects business to start picking up again as families decide that repairs are less expensive than a new car.
The shop has provided Lapp with the opportunity to do what he loves close to home.
“I always like fixing things as a kid,” said Lapp.
Lapp’s love of cars runs deep in his family, starting with his grandfather opening a Ford dealership in Florida. His dad also owned a car dealership and enjoyed racing cars as a hobby. As a family, they feel the auto industry will always provide jobs.
“There’s always going to be work because people aren’t walking anywhere,” said Lapp, quoting his uncle.
Lapp and JoAnna, his wife of 21 years, enjoy living in the peaceful surroundings of Wilton. The oldest daughter, Ashley, attends Cal Poly San Luis Obispo after graduating from Galt High School. Their younger daughter, Amy, currently attends Arcohe School.
Over the years, Lapp has opened his shop to Galt High School ROP students to help them learn the business. Because he takes such a hands-on approach in the shop, Lapp has mentored many young mechanics and helped them be successful at doing what they love.
For more information, contact Lapp Automotive at 745-2822. Business hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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