Zac Johnson opened Zac’s Automotive to customers this week. Photo: Marguerite McKinnon.
After 20 years of working as a mechanic, Zac Johnson has taken the leap and opened his own workshop in Wagga, but even before doors opened this week, the surprise has been the positive local reaction on social media.
“I went on Facebook quite desperate for help because the mechanic I was going to kept pushing off my job for three weeks,” said new customer Jada Fletcher.
“My driver’s door wouldn’t open properly. I am a disability support worker and I transport a lot of clients with my car, so for me not having a driver’s door working is obviously a very huge deal, and it’s a safety risk as well.
“I had multiple comments telling me to go to Zac, and he was the only mechanic to comment.
“He told me to come in. He figured it out straight away.”
She said the service was awesome and the quote she was given was less than expected.
The online chatter spoke of Zac’s honesty and skill, such as “great mechanic”, “honest”, and “deserves to succeed”.
Speak to the man himself and he is softly spoken and humbled by the glowing feedback.
“I think I’ve built up a good customer base and I feel like it’s my time to have a go myself,” Mr Johnson said.
Zac’s Automotive is an authorised inspection centre, able to fix mechanical repairs “big and small”, and is backed up by Zac’s solid knowledge of different models and makes after 20 years of servicing and repairs.
The pristine workshop has a 4.5 tonne hoist, along with a 6.3 tonne hoist to lift bigger vehicles to accommodate the influx of American trucks into the Australian market.
“I’m not here to make a million; I’m just here to make a dollar and the people that are coming to me, and that are going to change to me, are people that I’ve known and that I’ve worked with, and they respect my honesty,” he said.
Located at 323 Edward Street, the deliberately selected site allows drivers to park away from the side of the busy road.
“It’s easy for someone to pull in and then get their bearings and not have to worry about cars running everywhere, you know?” Zac said.
Those who know Zac also commented on his love for his wife and biggest supporter, Kylie, and their six children, that he adores. During the week, flowers, cards and boxes of chocolates were delivered by many wishing this honest and hardworking family every success. On his first day, customers came in as soon as doors opened.
In a regional city with more than 20 mechanic businesses, many of which are trusted and reliable, it turns out that Wagga needs more good mechanics.
Zac’s Automotive owner Zac Johnson with new customer Jada Fletcher on opening day. Photo: Marguerite McKinnon.
New customer Jada said she’d be back thanks to the quality service she received.
“It was awesome, you know? Being a female (and getting ripped off) it’s a little bit scary so I was so relieved with his honesty and the great service.”
Happily for Jada, Zac has a solid reputation for honesty and when it comes to fairness, it’s personal.
“I have four daughters myself so the last thing I want is for them to be treated differently,” Zac said.
“I think for them to come here and ask an honest question and get an honest answer, I’ll give them an honest price. The customer’s happy, I’m happy. That’s what we’re here for.”
Husband and wife Zac and Kylie Johnson at Zac’s Automotive. Photo: Supplied.
Zac’s Automotive is open 8 am – 5.30 pm, Monday to Friday and 8am – 1pm, Saturdays. Phone: 0434 579 314.
