Mission Muffler & Brake Company Profile

Few of us are lucky enough to have a good friend in the automotive repair business. Finding a knowledgeable mechanic that takes as much pride in his customer service as he does in his ability to fix your car might seem impossible.

So you'll be grateful to meet Mario Chavez, owner of Mission Muffler & Brake in Hayward CA.

The Education Advantage

Mario Chavez loves educating his customers. In fact, he invests the time to make sure his clients understand their vehicle's problems even to be able to figure out the solution themselves before he makes his recommendation.

"The first thing I ask is, ‘Do you understand how it works?'" says Mario Chavez. "I give them a quick overview of how the system works and, if possible, I even show them on their own car."

During research phone calls to randomly selected customers, a customer named Allison said she was impressed with the face-to-face service at Mission Muffler & Brake. "They were very personable," she said. "They explained everything to me without talking down to me."

Fair and respectful conversation works for both Mario Chavez and his customers. Mario knows his clients understand the repair process and trust him for his hands-on, personal response. The customers know their questions aren't too big or too small for real, honest answers.

"They have a very friendly attitude," said Linda, a customer, during a research call. "They are very helpful, and they explain what needs to be done. They make sure you fully understand what they need to do."

Mario Chavez put his customers' best interest over a sale. If a car isn't worth the cost it will take to repair, he tells them so. "I might talk myself out of a sale," Mario says, "but everybody appreciates honesty. With us, you get a fair shake every time."

 

The Best for Less

Unlike most independent shops, Mario Chavez's Mission Muffler & Brake provides customers with OEM parts (Original Equipment Manufacturer). These factory parts, usually available only through more costly dealer service shops, bring a quality edge to the work at Mission Muffler and Brake.

Mario Chavez and his staff use these higher-quality parts, despite the higher cost to Mission Muffler & Brake. Even though they are getting a much better product, Mario's customers find the repair costs considerably lower than those at other maintenance shops. Mario Chavez understands his reputation is built on giving customers an unbeatable combination of the best parts and the lowest prices.

Mission Muffler and Brake also uses leading industry equipment, including plasma cutters—a mandatory tool for performing framing jobs that are cleanly done.

The great service and top-of-the-line parts aren't the only reasons customers rave about Mission Muffler and Brake in Alameda County. Clients say Mission Muffler & Brake is the cleanest auto repair shop they've visited. The bathrooms are spotless and the shop and office are organized. The staff takes a proactive approach to leaks and spills, keeping the floor free of stains, oil and grease. In fact, many customers say Mission Muffler and Brake is cleaner than their garage at home.

 

A Deeper Connection

Mario Chavez and his family moved to Tracy CA 16 years ago. He and his wife wanted to raise their two daughters in a safe and friendly neighborhood like the one they grew up in as next-door neighbors.

His career path was clear immediately after high school when Mario Chavez's father encouraged him to attend a leading automotive repair school. In two years' time, Mario graduated at the top of his class and began working for a well-known brake and muffler chain. It was there that Mario Chavez and his supervisors recognized his natural ability in earning customer trust and graciously dealing with difficult situations. In 1999, Mario Chavez struck out on his own and opened Mission Muffler & Brake in Hayward CA.

Even his employees benefit from Mario's kind character. All employees have 401k plans, and full medical and dental benefits which keeps them motivated to give customers the best quality work, great service and professionalism.

Friends say that Mario Chavez lives each day to the fullest. His constant energy and complete dedication to family and work are obvious both in his own work ethic and that of his friendly and reliable staff at Mission Muffler & Brake. "When I hear the comments that our prices are right and that we take care of our customers, it really warms my heart," says Mario.

—Lauren Bongard Schwarz
Associate Editor
The Prime Buyer's Report