In 1978, after graduating Santa Rita High School, I (Sam Santistevan) enrolled in the Automotive Technology program at Pima Community College. While attending college I took a part time job at Automotive Recalibration Center. Each day, I was excited to be applying what I learned in school to an actual working environment. In 1980 I graduated with honors, receiving an Associates Degree in Automotive Technology and immediately brought my skills and my education to Automotive Recalibration Center in a full time position. One might say that this is the only job that I’ve ever had. How lucky I was to do what I loved doing; working on cars and helping people. 1981 was a big year for me, not only did we move the car repair shop to our present location 2455 S. Craycroft in Tucson, but this was the year I married my wonderful wife Lydia.

Things were going great, and then in late 1982 the two founding partners split, I was offered the opportunity to become a partner in the business. I seized that opportunity. Then in 1985 my wife and I became sole owners of Automotive Recalibration Center. In the late 1980’s the business was incorporated, slowly we began the process of our evolution to the state of the art automotive repair center we have become today. We repair and maintain both import and domestic cars and light duty vehicles. We service and repair light to medium duty trucks. Our primary specialty is vehicle maintenance which gives us a unique opportunity to spot most problems before they become major repairs.

I am an A.S.E. certified Master Mechanic and Engine Performance Specialist. I take my education seriously and remain committed to ongoing learning as automotive technologies progress. I have served on the board of directors for the Southern Arizona Better Business Bureau for the last ten years where it’s been my privilege to become Chairman of the Board for the second time. I belong to the Tucson Association of Executives, where I have the honor of being past President. I have served on the automotive advisory council to Pima Community College. I have had the privilege of serving as an automotive expert witness as well as an independent arbitrator for warranty dispute settlements. Contact me at [email protected]