Shop Owner’s Name: Byron Baltazar
Shop Name: Byron’s Auto Repair
Location: Biddeford, Maine
Byron Baltazar has worked in the automotive industry for 20 years. In 2016, he opened Byron’s Auto Repair, a full service, six bay auto repair and tire shop. Byron’s is the only Ask Patty Certified Female Friendly shop in Southern Maine, which contributes to his mission of providing fair and honest automotive service to all. The Ask Patty Certified Female Friendly program trains and certifies automotive retail and service centers on how to attract, sell, retain and increase loyalty with women customers. Byron’s Auto is also a recognized certified NAPA AutoCare center.
1. My crew
“I couldn’t do what I do every day without my great crew,” Baltazar says. “It’s important to surround yourself with talented, smart and experienced technicians who you can depend on and trust. Each member of my crew has their own specialty or niche. We all know each other’s strengths and use that to best serve our customers.”
2. Mitchell 1 Teamworks SE
This software bundle offers shop management, repair information and estimating software in one powerful solution. “Every shop needs a good base for record keeping and scheduling,” Baltazar advises. “Mitchell 1 does it all seamlessly.”
3. Matco Pocket Dial Floodlight, MPLFL
This 400lm COB light provides two to five hours of light with a variable setting. “This little guy only leaves my side to charge, and that is pretty infrequently,” Baltazar says. “Extra bright, multiple magnets so you can position it in tight spots, and a super long battery life make this light indispensable.”
4. Sharpie Classic Twin Tip
“You will find a Sharpie in every toolbox at our shop,” Baltazar says. “We are a licensed inspection station and have to hand-write stickers every day, so finding a pen that lasts and resists fading in the sun is necessary.”
5. Matco 12-lb Black Formed Dead Blow Hammer, No. BFH12A
This hammer is made from high grade polyurethane and offers a one-piece construction using a bonding process and oven curing. “Long snowy winters mean lots of rusted-on parts,” Baltazar notes. “Sometimes, those parts need a little persuading to come loose. This hammer will often get called in to do the trick.”
6. Mastercool Universal Hydraulic Flaring Tool Set, No. 72475
This set features a tube and die set stabilizing arm, magnetic adapter holder, enlarged die set compression area and improved hydraulics. Baltazar says this set makes flaring brake, fuel and transmission lines quick, easy and precise.
7. Snap-on 1/2” Air Impact Wrench, No. PT850
The PT850 delivers 1,190 ft-lbs of bolt breakaway torque, 810 ft-lbs of max torque and 1,270 bpm. The design results in less vibration and less required grip pressure and muscle effort, reducing user fatigue, the company says. Baltazar adds that he uses this tool every day.
8. Cornwell 12-pc Crowfoot Wrench Set, No. CFW12PFS
“These wrenches are perfect for getting leverage in hard-to-reach places,” Baltazar says. The set includes sizes from 3/8” to 1”.
9. Firepower OxyFuel 350 Heavy Duty Outfit
“This is just an essential part of every shop,” Baltazar says. The OxyFuel 350 Heavy Duty Outfit is suitable for medium to heavy duty fusion welding, braze welding, brazing, heating and hand cutting applications.
10. Matco Diagnostic Leak Detector, No. KI95-0014B
This leak detector offers full featured diagnostic capabilities with no need for nitrogen or UV dye, the company says. “This tool is really easy to use and finds leaks quickly,” Baltazar adds. “It’s not used every day, but it’s a great tool to have for accurate testing and diagnostics.”
*Sharpie does not market specifically to automotive.
