Paradise Automotive Group

Paradise Automotive Group
By Shelley T. Hudson

Paradise Found
When Boston native John Paradise (yes, that’s his real name) packed up his family and moved West 13 years ago, he had hopes of getting a foot in the door of the car business. His wife had family in SoCal, so he figured he might as well sell cars in short sleeves rather than suffer the blistering chill of East Coast winters. A serendipitous meeting on a baseball field gave him just the traction he needed to shape his vision.

That chance meeting was a conversation with Family Toyota’s Marc Spizzirri. Marc offered John a management position with his dealership and from that day forward a lasting bond and mentorship was formed. John’s five-year tenure at Family Toyota (the dealership was sold in 2007) helped him develop the business ethics and management style he brings to his own venture, Paradise Automotive Group.

John applied Spizzirri’s commitment to community and non-aggressive approach to selling cars and brought eight key players along from Family Toyota. What started as a side business for John has become the fulfillment of his dream.

In April of this year, doors opened at Paradise Automotive Group in San Juan Capistrano with the help of landlord Scott Looney, who John credits for making it all come together at this location. Paradise has positioned his business in the marketplace as a discount dealership and promises prices “as close to wholesale as possible.” His offer of affordable luxury is backed up by his impeccable reputation and his ability to consistently price vehicles lower than area franchise dealers. Customers come to the negotiating table armed with information and research, and Paradise answers with transparency and extensive research of his own. He estimates that 70% of his revenue is repeat and referral business, so he strives to get the right customer to the right car every time. The high volume and quick turnover has supported his business model and led to early success for John and his crew and hundreds of happy drivers in Orange County.

John Paradise’s “What can I do for you?” philosophy extends to the local community as well. As a San Clemente resident, husband of a teacher, and father of two, he feels it’s important to invest in the community’s future. He does that by way of area schools. Paradise Automotive has donated cars, sponsored teams and tournaments for Dana Hills, JSerra and San Juan Hills schools, to name just a few.

Service You Deserve
Paradise Automotive’s affiliation with adjacent business Avery Automotive has created the perfect synergy of product and service. Avery’s Jeff Cathcart and Teera Saivichit joined forces last year to offer the finest in automotive repair and maintenance together under one roof. Every vehicle for sale at Paradise is made ship-shape by Avery’s ASE-certified master technicians before making its way on to the dealership lot. With the loyal following of existing customers and the influx of business from Paradise, Avery Automotive has had a packed house from the start. After only three weeks in business, Jeff and Teera had to make room for additional racks to accommodate the increased demand. Their staff of master technicians, led by Service Advisor Jay Amado, services “any make, any model, any time.” The spotless service bays and comfortable waiting area—complete with coffee bar, wi-fi service and plasma TVs—make the experience even better.

Jeff, Teera and Jay were all alumni of Family Toyota’s service department, and they each brought a similar customer service philosophy to the new venture. They pride their department on close attention to detail and routinely notice minor issues with a vehicle and take care of them on the spot. Avery never charges for a vehicle diagnosis, and the “all data” system of transparency lets customers know what they’re getting for their money. Winning a customer’s confidence through this level of dedication has been the cornerstone of Avery Automotive’s success. The loaves of banana bread, plates of cookies and pile of thank-you notes are a testimony to customer satisfaction. “I’ll give you my whole client list,” Jeff says, “and I don’t think you’d find an unhappy customer.”

PARADISE AUTOMOTIVE GROUP
32592 Valle RD. • San Juan Capistrano • 949.347.2522 • jparadise.com