Small Business Showcase: LT Auto Repair and Sales LLC

We connected with Oakmont Capital Services’ customer Juan Tollens of LT Auto Repair and Sales LLC to learn about his business’ history, the company mission, and his experience working with an independent direct lender.

The Beginning of LT Auto Repair and Sales LLC

Juan Tollens, the owner of LT Auto Repair and Sales LLC, began his auto sales journey back in 2013. “I got started because I had a love for cars my entire life,” Tollens said. “So much so that I started buying cars to sell here and there.”

A roll-off truck purchased by Tollens, with the help of the Oakmont Capital Services team.

Tollens became very successful at selling cars and decided to eventually make it his full-time career. In 2015, Tollens obtained his license as an official dealer, and LT Auto Repair and Sales was born. Tollens offers vehicle registrations, towing, engine repairs, car sales, and more through his company.

As with many new businesses, Tollens and his team had difficulties getting the word out about the new venture. They struggled to get people in the door and to create a sense of customer loyalty.

“It was difficult for us to create brand recognition as a new company,” Tollens said. “We also had trouble building trust with customers who had clearly been burned previously.”

But before long, positive word of mouth began to spread about LT Auto Repair and Sales, and their network of returning customers grew. Tollens also credited social media advertising for bringing in more business and creating awareness. 

 What Does LT Auto Repair and Sales Do Differently?

Tollens points to a familial environment as being one of the core values of his business. LT Auto Repair and Sales is family-owned and operated and aims to treat each customer as if they were a member of the family. Tollens and his team always go the extra mile to ensure that each job is completed on time.

Tollens pointed to his team’s commitment to their craft as one of the company’s biggest assets.

“We don’t shy away from any job,” Tollens said. “LT Auto Repair and Sales is dedicated to taking on any task, no matter how strenuous it may be to help our customers with their automotive needs.”

Why Partner with A Commercial Lender?

Tollens considers his partnership with Oakmont Capital Services a major asset to his company. He noted that if it weren’t for Oakmont, LT Auto Repair and Sales would have had to put up their own capital for equipment purchases.

“If we didn’t finance with Oakmont, we’d be spending more on repairs than working equipment,” said Tollens. “We’re not a million-dollar company, not yet, at least!”

Most recently, Tollens worked closely with Oakmont’s finance professional Lou Frignito when purchasing a box truck.

“Juan has been such a pleasure to deal with, and he immediately understood why doing a commercial loan instead of a personal loan was more beneficial to growing his business,” Frignito said. “I can’t wait to work with him again on his next purchase.” 

LT Auto Repair & Sales LLC has been providing quality car care in Waterbury, Connecticut, since 2015. They are a family-owned business delivering honest and professional automotive repair and auto maintenance services to the people of Waterbury and surrounding areas. LT Auto Repair & Sales is a certified NAPA AutoCare Center; they are able to provide the benefits of an established national entity while maintaining the personal touch of a family-owned business.

Oakmont Capital Services is headquartered in West Chester, PA, with an office in Albany, MN, and is a fast, affordable, reputable solution to equipment financing. Oakmont Capital Services is a direct, independent lender, providing commercial equipment financing and working capital throughout all 50 United States. The professional financing staff at Oakmont has combined experience of over 350 years in the industry and is the reliable choice for today’s financing needs.