Richard Deffenbaugh - Owner
Richard Deffenbaugh opened the shop in 1969 as part of the ARCO station where he serviced and maintained the vehicles of most of the original residents of Dana Point. He is a pillar of the community and the shop is also part of historic Dana Point. He recently donated the original light beacon from the richfield tower on the old ARCO station to the Historical Society. He is a well rounded mechanic and holds certifications in nearly every area of the automotive repair industry as well as his Bureau of Automotive Repair certifications in Engine Performance, Advanced Engine Performance, Electrical Systems, Clean Air Car, Advanced Clean Air Car, and his Bureau of Automotive Repair Enhanced Emissions Specialist Smog Technician License. He is also the longest member of the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce.
Steve Weinmann - Manager
Steve took interest in automotive repair at a very young age, After getting out of the Navy, he worked at numerous shops. He has been at Dana Point Auto for a little over ten years and has over twenty years experience in the auto repair industry. He holds ASE certifications in Brakes, Suspension and Steering, and Bureau of Automotive Repair certifications in Engine Performance, Advanced Engine Performance, Electrical Systems, Clean Air Car Course, Advanced Clean Air Car Course, and his Bureau of Automotive Repair Enhanced Emissions Specialist Smog Technician License. He also holds certification in HVAC,
Jason Smith - Technician
Jason started out apprenticing at Dana Point Auto Service at 12 years old. He is currently ASE certified in Engine Repair, Transmissions, Brakes, Suspension and Steering, Heating and Air Conditioning, Electrical and Electronics, Engine Performance, Light Duty Diesel, Advanced Engine Performance, and Service Consultant. He attended Automotive Diagnostic Training in Anaheim, Ca. Jason also holds California Licenses for Emissions Testing and Repair, Brake Adjusting, and Lamp Adjusting as well as an EPA 609 license for handling of refrigerant. He is a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers and is part of their Service Technology Program Committee. He was just awarded the highly distinguished Jack Heyler Award from the SAE for his expertise as well as his work to help create a better industry for everyone involved. The SAE is a body of Engineers and Manufacturers who have been creating industry standards for every component of the Automobile, Commercial Vehicle, and Aerospace for over a century.