Fidel Naranjo, owner of Kwik Lube Service Center marked 30 years in business last month. Photo by Maire O’Neill/ladailypost.com
Joe Atencio, left, has worked for Fidel Naranjo for almost 29 years. Photo by Maire O’Neill/ladailypost.com
Fidel Naranjo was only 21 years old when he opened his Kwik Lube Service Center. A 1983 graduate of Los Alamos High School, he studied Civil Engineering at New Mexico State University for a while but returned to Los Alamos where he paid his first and last month’s rent and started his own business. Last month, Naranjo marked 30 years in business.
“I can’t express how grateful and blessed I am to have had such great customers for all these years,” Naranjo said. “So many people here have trusted me with their business since day one and I appreciate that very much.”
He said Kwik Lube is the oldest owner-operated shop in Los Alamos. He said the business prides itself on having repairs and service completed in a timely manner.
“We are busy in the morning and our parking lot is full, but by the time we leave in the evening, it is pretty empty,” Naranjo said. “Our prompt service has gained us a lot of commercial accounts such as GSA and Los Alamos National Laboratory, and we are very grateful for their business.”
Naranjo said his shop has gone through the hard times for businesses in Los Alamos but he has ridden the roller coaster and never gave up.
“I love what I do. I’m the first one here every morning. I like my work and dealing with the public,” he said.
Kwik Lube services include full mechanical repairs, preventive maintenance, glass, tires and brakes. Naranjo says he only hires journeymen mechanics with several years of experience. One of his original mechanics, Joe Atencio, has worked for Naranjo for almost 29 years. His head mechanic, Francisco Chavez, has worked for him for nine years.
Kwik Lube is at 2155 Trinity Dr. For more information, call 505.661.0606.
Lisa Howze checks in a vehicle at Kwik Lube Service Center. Photo by Maire O’Neill/ladailypost.com
Francisco Chavez has been the head mechanic at Kwik Lube for nine years. Photo by Maire O’Neill/ladailypost.com
Zack Garcia is one of many young people who have started out with Kwik Lube. Photo by Maire O’Neill/ladailypost.com
