Member of the month: Danny Iwama
Spotlight date: October, 2013
Danny Iwama, J & S Auto Service, Los Angeles
In his own words:
"I’ve always been mechanically inclined. I was the bane of my father, because I would take anything and everything apart. I don’t think there is a mechanic in the field that hasn’t taken their bicycle apart and put it back together again. In high school during the late ’60s while attending an LAUSD school we were given many choices for electives and I took Auto Repair. I loved cars. I enjoyed reading Road & Track and about Can-Am and Formula 1 races.
During the 1990′s I was a member of the Compuserve “For Techs Only” forum. I read the postings of Charlie Mulchahy, Phil Fournier, Jim O’Neil, Greg Kelly, and Scott Brown in regards to being a member of a trade organization. It was during a BAR meeting in Long Beach just before BAR97 was rolled out that I decided to join ASCCA.
It was a good time to join ASCCA because the LA City Council was forcing their “beautification program” onto all shop owners in Downtown and South Los Angeles. The city was requiring shop owners to build a block wall around their entire facility. Through the efforts of our local ASCCA Chapter 10 South Los Angeles, we were able to prevent the city council from implementing their program.
I inherited my shop from my father who owned the shop since 1968. I took over during the early 80′s. My father bought the shop from Harry Furuya who was a member of IGO.
Every owner should participate in their local Chapter. They should share their knowledge and strengths. Whether they are knowledgeable in management or technology, any information is beneficial to our peers.
I was fortunate to be asked to join the Government Affairs Committee. I have been able to help direct the BAR programs that most impact my business. Through this association, I’ve been able to address the current BAR Chief directly, and to interact with the Program Representatives in charge of various programs. If not for my connection with the ASCCA, I would have no control over the direction my shop and industry would take.”