As far back as he can remember Kevin Blasic loved cars. Before housing developments took over the Hemet/San Jacinto landscape, Kevin and his friends would race their cars over miles of open fields and desert.

He pushed his cars hard, but instead of dismay at the damage caused, he enjoyed putting them back together. He had guidance from his dad, Mike, who has 35 years experience as a machinery mechanic.

At Hemet High School, Kevin played center on the football team for four years and considered becoming an English teacher. However, the lure of cars was too strong and his first job was as manager of Kragen Auto Parts. For the next few years he rounded out his automotive experience repairing massive weed abatement equipment for Rheingans Farm, and then as manager of Auto Zone.

“At Kragen,” Kevin said. “I diagnosed problems and learned how parts work together. And with each subsequent job I learned everything about repairs, business management, and the importance of great customer service.”

Kevin’s hard work and experience did not go unnoticed. A few years ago Brake Masters came calling with a good job offer. As a trouble-shooter for Brake Masters he had the responsibility for turning business around at some of their less successful franchises. After he was sent to the Norco Brake Masters, as manager, he said it became the number one franchise in California for four years in a row.

He liked the company so much that he wanted a Brake Masters franchise of his own. Last month that dream came true when he and his dad opened their franchise in Hemet.

Mike Blasic said the family has risked its financial security to make the franchise dream a reality.

“We cashed in our 401s, gave up paychecks and job security, and scraped together everything we could to make this successful,” Mike said. And he expressed confidence that Hemet locals will help them succeed.

“What’s different about Brake Masters,” Kevin said, “is that they don’t pay their employees based on parts and services that are sold to customers, as many repair shops do. And they guarantee parts and labor.”

In his opinion this makes a huge difference.

“The auto repair industry as a whole has had an unfavorable reputation,” he explained. “Employees are often motivated by commissions on sales and service. When you take that pressure away, as Brake Masters does, we have no reason to sell customers anything they do not need.”

Kevin said that Hemet is a great community, full of good people.

“Our customers come from all walks of life: classic car owners, teenagers, seniors, and hotrodders.” He said new customers are welcome to stop by for a free inspection of brakes, fluid levels, wheel alignment and suspension, or just to chat.

In addition to technicians Kevin, Mike and Gil Garcia—who worked with Kevin for 6 years previously—the shop is managed by Kevin’s wife, Amber. Kevin and Amber met at Auto Zone when they were both training for management. Amber’s focus is to keep the business running smoothly.

When Kevin and Amber’s daughter, Ashley, was born eight months ago, neither of them wanted babysitters, so baby Ashley goes to work with them every day. She has her own little play area where customers make a big fuss over her.

“We’re in business to succeed,” Mike said, “but we also want a fun place to work; a real family atmosphere where customers can enjoy their visit and come back whenever they need us.”

As soon as possible the Blasics want to get involved in community work, particularly fundraising for local schools.

Brake Masters is at 1200 W. Florida, Hemet. Its website, at www.brakemastershemet.com, offers free advice on car maintenance, driving safety, special offers and travel tips. For more information, call 658-8900.