Title – From Repairs to Reputation: How Mike Holsinger Built All Valley Car Care
Q: Kindly give our readers an introduction to your business. Please include what your business is all about, in which city you are located and if you have offices in multiple locations/ cities.
A: I’m Mike Holsinger, and I own All Valley Car Care Surprise, All Valley Car Care Gilbert and All Valley Car Care Glendale. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been passionate about cars. My journey started small, building go-karts and Dirt bikes as a kid. There’s something incredibly satisfying about figuring out how things work and making them right – a fascination that started early and guided me directly into automotive repair.
Q: Kindly give us a brief description about yourself (it should include your brief educational or entrepreneurial background and list some of your major achievements).
A: As a young adult, I was incredibly passionate about auto repair and driven to become highly skilled at diagnosing complex problems. This drive led me to pursue extensive certifications: I earned my ASE certification at 21, followed by Master ASE and Infiniti Master certifications by age 25. By 31, my qualifications expanded significantly to include Level 2 diagnostic certification with Jeep/Chrysler/Dodge, Nissan Master certification, and specialized certifications for Nissan Hybrid, GTR, and electric vehicles.
However, after opening my first auto repair shop, I quickly realized that technical expertise alone wasn’t enough – I knew very little about actually running a business. That crucial realization prompted me to enroll in the Automotive Training Institute (ATI). Their comprehensive four-year program taught me exactly how to structure a business for success. Armed with this vital business knowledge, I was empowered to hire more highly qualified technicians and a skilled service manager, which directly enabled the expansion to my second location, All Valley Car Care Gilbert, in 2019.
Q: What inspired you to (start a new business venture) or (to make significant changes in an existing business)? How did the idea for your business come about?
A: After moving to Arizona in 2008, I was working at Nissan. By 2010, facing challenges partly due to the housing market crash’s impact, I decided it was the right time to leave and start my own mobile mechanic business. Working independently, I quickly realized that while cars were certainly getting fixed, genuine customer service often seemed to be missing – it frequently felt like an impersonal ‘drop-it-off-and-pick-it-up’ transaction, which didn’t foster much customer loyalty.
That experience solidified my core mission: when I was finally able to open my own physical shop, I vowed it would be different. My focus would be twofold: fixing vehicles correctly the first time and delivering the highest possible level of customer care. When I opened Surprise Car Care (which is now All Valley Car Care), I built the business firmly on those principles of honesty and fairness. Treating people right just came naturally, and soon enough, customers started calling me ‘Honest Mike’. I believe that commitment to those key standards is what allowed the business to grow.
Q: What three pieces of advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?
A: Master Your Craft, But Learn the Business: “My passion was always cars, and I focused heavily on becoming the best technician I could be, earning multiple master certifications. However, I quickly learned that technical skill alone doesn’t guarantee business success. My advice is: while you must excel at your core offering, invest just as seriously in understanding business fundamentals – management, marketing, and finance. Seeking training, like I did with ATI, or finding good mentors in business, is crucial.
Build on Integrity and Exceptional Service: “When I started as a mobile mechanic, I saw a gap where customer service and loyalty were lacking. I built my first shop, Surprise Car Care (now All Valley Car Care), on the principles of absolute honesty and providing the best customer care possible – fixing it right the first time. It earned me the name ‘Honest Mike’ and grew the business. So, my advice is: never compromise on your integrity. Focus on building genuine trust and providing an outstanding experience for every customer; it’s the most sustainable path to growth and loyalty.
Passion Fuels You, Process Sustains You: “My lifelong passion for fixing cars got me started, but passion alone isn’t enough to run and scale a business. You need processes. Learning how to structure the business, hire the right qualified people, and implement effective systems was essential for me to expand from one shop to multiple locations. My advice is: harness your passion – it’s vital for motivation – but dedicate yourself to building repeatable processes and systems. That structure is what allows your passion to translate into long-term, scalable success.
Q: What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
A: Deep Problem-Solving Ability: “From my earliest days fixing engines to diagnosing complex vehicle issues today, the ability to thoroughly analyze a problem, understand its root cause, and figure out an effective solution has been essential. This doesn’t just apply to technical work; as an entrepreneur, you’re constantly solving problems related to customers, employees, finances, and operations. Being a relentless and effective problem-solver is key.
Adaptability and Willingness to Learn: “No matter how skilled you are in your trade, you’ll quickly find there are aspects of business you don’t know. I was a master technician, but I had to recognize my lack of business knowledge and be willing to learn, which led me to ATI. Successful entrepreneurs need the humility to know what they don’t know, the adaptability to face new challenges, and a constant drive to learn and improve, whether it’s mastering new technology or understanding business strategy.
Unwavering Integrity: “Building trust is everything. When I started, I saw how impersonal transactions lacked loyalty. I committed to honesty and fairness above all else, which became the foundation of my business and even earned me the name ‘Honest Mike’. Especially in a service industry, but really in any business, operating with unwavering integrity builds a strong reputation, fosters customer loyalty, and creates a positive culture. It’s not just the right thing to do; it’s good business.
Q: How many hours do you work a day on average?
A: We typically dedicate about twelve hours a day to keeping Arizona drivers safely on the road. While our public hours are listed as 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m., you’ll often find our bays humming long before opening and well after closing. Those extra hours let our ASE-certified technicians tackle everything from quick oil changes and brake jobs to complex engine and transmission repairs, accommodate same‑day appointments, and even coordinate complimentary towing or shuttle service when a vehicle can’t make it in on its own. It’s all part of the commitment that has earned All Valley Car Care a reputation for thorough, dependable service across our Surprise, Gilbert, and Glendale locations.
Q: To what do you most attribute your success?
A: While technical skill was my foundation, I most attribute my success to a commitment to continuous learning and adaptation. Realizing my passion for cars wasn’t enough, and then actively seeking business knowledge through ATI was a major turning point. That willingness to identify weaknesses, learn new skills, whether technical or business-related, and adapt to challenges is what enabled us to not just survive, but to structure for growth and expand to multiple locations.
Q: How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?
A: We employ a multi-channel approach to marketing our shops – All Valley Car Care. Our foundation is a strong online presence, starting with a central website for all locations. Our Google Business Profiles and local SEO are actively managed by a dedicated marketing team to ensure visibility in Surprise, Gilbert, and Glendale. Online reviews are incredibly important to us, and we focus on maintaining a positive reputation on platforms like Google and Yelp.
To reach new customers, we utilize targeted paid advertising, including Google Ads, Yelp Ads, and social media ads featuring both static content and videos. We also stay connected with our existing customer base through email marketing and our CRM system. We don’t typically use traditional methods like flyers.
While all these channels contribute, I believe our most successful marketing truly stems from the trust and reputation we’ve built, amplified by strong word-of-mouth and our customer referral program. We have a ‘very good’ loyalty program where we offer $50 to a customer who refers someone new, and $50 to the new customer they referred. This generous program, combined with the positive online reviews driven by our commitment to honesty and great service – the ‘Honest Mike’ standard – generates powerful results. The online ads help people find us, but it’s the trust factor that often converts them and keeps them coming back.
Q: What is the best way to achieve long-term success?
A: A cornerstone of our business philosophy is a ‘no sales pressure’ approach. We focus on thoroughly advising customers about their vehicle’s condition and clearly explaining the importance and priority of any recommended services, empowering them to make informed decisions rather than pushing unnecessary work.
Furthermore, our employees are compensated based on their skills and quality work, not on the gross profit of repairs. This internal structure removes any incentive to oversell, reinforces our commitment to honesty, and allows us to maintain very competitive pricing while ensuring our team is focused purely on accurate diagnostics and excellent service.
Q: Where you see yourself and your business in 5 – 10 years?
A: Looking ahead 5 to 10 years, I definitely see potential for further growth, likely adding one or two more shops to our group. However, the past couple of years provided a valuable lesson: I realized you can grow too fast, so I’ve intentionally scaled back expansion temporarily.
Right now, my primary focus is strengthening our foundation across the existing locations – refining our standard operating procedures, nurturing our company culture built on honesty, and hiring experienced professionals who align with our values. Once that foundation is even more solid, we’ll be positioned for that next phase of sustainable growth.
Despite managing more locations down the road, I still absolutely see myself getting up every morning, putting on my uniform, and helping wherever I’m needed. I genuinely still love the challenge of diagnosing complex vehicle problems – there’s something incredibly satisfying about figuring out a difficult issue.
A: Q: Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
Excluding my own businesses, the company I admire most is Toyota. Their relentless focus on efficiency standards and rigorous quality standards is something I truly respect and find inspiring, which puts them high on my list.
This ties directly into the book that has inspired me the most: ‘The Toyota Way’. It delves into the principles and philosophy behind what makes them arguably the greatest manufacturing company in the world. Learning about their approach to efficiency, quality, and continuous improvement, particularly within the automotive sector, has been very influential for me.
Q: How important have good employees been to your success?
A: Exceptional employees are the reason All Valley Car Care works so well. Our trained and certified technicians do much more than fix cars. They have many years of experience, special training, and a real love for solving problems. At our locations in Surprise, Gilbert, and Glendale, they handle everything from computer checks to engine, brake, and air conditioning repairs. Their skills and honesty help turn new customers into regular ones.
Like a well-running car engine, our team works smoothly together, using their knowledge and always putting customers first. They take the time to explain repairs clearly, offer fair price estimates, and make sure the job is done right. This honesty and care have earned the trust of our customers across the valley. In simple terms, good parts can fix a car, but great people keep our business going.
Q: How long do you stick with an idea before giving up?
A: Too long
Q: What motivates you?
A: A good challenge keeps us going. Every car that comes to All Valley Car Care has its own mystery, maybe an electrical issue, a check engine light that won’t go away, or brakes that only act up on the highway. Finding and fixing these problems is what we love to do.
Our certified technicians enjoy figuring out what’s wrong, fixing it right the first time, and giving the car back knowing it’s safe to drive. Whether it’s a big job like fixing the transmission, regular maintenance, or a quick oil change, we’re here to make sure every car leaves running smoothly.
A good challenge keeps us going. Every car that comes to All Valley Car Care has its own mystery, maybe an electrical issue, a check engine light that won’t go away, or brakes that only act up on the highway. Finding and fixing these problems is what we love to do.
Our certified technicians enjoy figuring out what’s wrong, fixing it right the first time, and giving the car back knowing it’s safe to drive. Whether it’s a big job like fixing the transmission, regular maintenance, or a quick oil change, we’re here to make sure every car leaves running smoothly.We always work to get better, and seeing happy drivers when their car is working well is what keeps us excited about what we do at All Valley Car Care.
Q: How do you generate new ideas?
A: Innovation at All Valley Car Care starts in the garage but begins even earlier. We focus on three simple things:
Talking with customers – After every repair, we take a few minutes to talk with the customer about their visit. We learn a lot from these chats. For example, people often ask for same-day appointments or love our free pick-up and drop-off service. These ideas help us improve and make car care easier and clearer.
Working as a team – Our top-trained mechanics meet every week to share their toughest repair cases, new tools, and ways to work faster. They have to get re-certified every five years, so they’re always learning new skills and bringing those ideas back to the shop.
Learning all the time – We spend time every month reading manuals, joining online classes, and watching videos from car makers. This helps us stay updated on things like hybrid engines and safety systems. That way, we can offer new services like computer checks or tire pressure help before customers even ask.
By listening to our customers, learning from each other, and staying up-to-date, we keep coming up with smart and useful ways to take care of your car in Surprise, Gilbert, and Glendale.
Q: What do you feel is the major difference between entrepreneurs and those who work for someone else?
A: It all starts with motivation. Entrepreneurs wake up ready to work. They take risks, make their own plans, and keep going until they reach their goals. That’s how All Valley Car Care began. We didn’t wait for someone else to lead—we opened our own shop and built services that most repair shops don’t offer. Things like free towing when you get repairs, free rides, same-day appointments, and expert technicians who care for every car.
Since we own the shop, we can make quick choices, improve our work, and give honest service to drivers in Surprise, Gilbert, and Glendale. People who work for others can do great things, but entrepreneurs build new ways forward. That drive helps us keep getting better, so Arizona drivers always have a repair shop they can trust.
Q: What kind of culture exists in your organization? How did you establish this tone and why did you institute this particular type of culture?
A: At All Valley Car Care, we have a culture based on three main ideas: careful work, being honest, and building trust with our customers.
Careful Work – Every car that comes to us gets a full check by our certified experts. Whether it’s a small job like an oil change or a big one like fixing the transmission, we take our time and do it right. Our team has over 120 years of experience together. This means your car is in the hands of skilled people who always work with care.
Being Honest – After we check your car, we show you clear photos and explain what we found. We let you know which repairs are needed right away and which ones can wait. We use simple words, not confusing car terms, so you can understand everything and decide what’s best for your car and your budget.
Building Trust – We are a family-owned business with several locations in the Valley. We’ve built our good name one customer at a time. We chose this kind of culture on purpose because we know people count on us to keep their cars safe and reliable. That’s why we always treat people with honesty and respect. We want every customer to feel like a partner, not just a buyer, and to leave feeling happy with the service and care they received.
Q: If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
A: Honestly, I wouldn’t change anything. Since I was a kid fixing engines on my go-karts, working on cars has never felt like a job—it’s always felt like what I was meant to do. That same love for cars still drives everything we do at All Valley Car Care. Whether it’s checking a warning light, fixing brakes, or rebuilding a transmission, every repair is a chance to solve a problem and help someone. I also get to teach a great team of certified technicians who care about doing the job right and treating every customer like family. Looking back, I feel lucky to have turned my childhood hobby into a career of honest and reliable car repair in Gilbert, Glendale, and Surprise.
Q: How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?
A: Running All Valley Car Care has really changed our family life in big ways. It’s been both a challenge and a blessing. Since we have three busy repair shops in Surprise, Gilbert, and Glendale, I often work long hours. This means that sometimes we talk more about car repairs at the dinner table than anything else, especially when we get last-minute jobs or emergency tows.
But these tough times have also brought us closer. My spouse now takes care of the shop’s finances, and our teenagers help out with customer events. They have learned what it means to help people in the community. Because our business is small and family-owned, every choice we make, like offering a free shuttle, picking up and dropping off cars, or paying for advanced training, shows what we believe in: being honest, dependable, and caring.
It is not always easy, but seeing our kids grow up with these values and hearing customers call us their family mechanic makes it all worth it.
Q: What book has inspired you the most? (OR what is your favorite book?)
A: The Toyota Way by Dr. Jeffrey Liker is one of the most inspiring books I’ve read. It shaped how we work at All Valley Car Care.
The book shares 14 big ideas that made Toyota great. Two really stand out for us—always getting better and treating people right. We try to do the same at our shops every day.
Like Toyota cuts waste to save time, we make sure every repair runs smooth, from oil changes to engine work. Our techs follow clear steps, check their own work, and bring up new ideas in our daily team talks.
We also care a lot about people. We explain the problem in simple words, suggest only what’s needed, and stand by our work with clear promises. That honesty is what sets our shops apart in Gilbert, Glendale, and Surprise.
For me, The Toyota Way isn’t just a book—it’s how we bring real quality to car care.
Q: What are some of the biggest mistakes you have made?
A: Growing too fast and taking on too much.
Q: How can you prevent mistakes or do damage control?
A: Paying attention
Q: What sacrifices have you had to make to be a successful entrepreneur?
A: Time with my kids when they were young
