Today we’d like to introduce you to Al Lopilato.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Al. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My Father worked for the Mercedes Benz factory in Germany and came to Boston in 1969 and started Gerardo’s Foreign Car Service. I took the business over about 23 years ago in 1994 and grew it to the level which it is today. Today we not only do automobile service, but also sales and body repair of luxury vehicles.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The business has completely changed in the 23 years I’ve been running it. It has done a complete 360. When I had first taken over normal procedure would be customers dropping off vehicles and we were told to “just fix them” Today’s customer is much more involved and informed. Customers shop services and parts on the internet and want detailed quotes before we do the work without even a formal diagnosis. This has definitely been a transition for the industry as a whole- but we have maintained our original values of delivering excellent customer service.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Gerardo’s Foreign Car Service & Sales story. Tell us more about the business.
We are known for European car repair. We specialize in high end automobiles such as Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, Audi, Bentley, and Rolls Royce. We treat each and every customer on a personal level that no dealer could ever match. Excellent customer service is our number one goal which we strive for.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I am very fortunate to have a successful business…but much more fortunate for having a father who was so well rounded in the industry. He truly taught me hands on what no school could ever teach me, There isn’t a day that I take that for granted, Although it is a lot of hard work and it has certainly changed me as a person, I enjoy the challenges it brings. When we are able to fix problems that no dealer has been able to fix for customers and that gives me great gratification.
Contact Info:
- Address: 640 Hyde Park Ave Roslindale Ma 02131
Gerardo’s Foreign Car Service - Website: gerardoscars.com
- Phone: 6173278371
- Email: gfcs09@yahoo.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gerardosforeigncar/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/gerardos-foreign-cars-service-roslindale
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Barbara Colantuoni
June 2, 2017 at 12:41 am
We have been fortunate to have known Gerardo LoPilato and have been his faithful customers for well over 35 years. We have seen his son Al work next to him in the garage as he learned and absorbed all things mechanical. It’s hard to know what was more evident…Al’s growing mastery and fascination with the business or the pride in Gerardo’s eyes and heart as he saw his son follow in his footsteps absorbing with passion his car business. All my cars have been serviced at Gerado’s, from my first Fiat many many years ago, including my Masseratti, my Volvo, all 3 Mercedes, and my current Highlander. Not only has Gerardo’s serviced all my cars but also has sold me my last 6 cars. I have seen this family business evolve into what it is today…a one stop car experience…Al will find you your dreamed of car, will maintain it for you in excellent mechanical condition, and if by chance you need body work…he will do it all…….What more can you ask for, and it’s all done with professionalism, honesty, and pride….after all…his business is family!