“Our dad insisted on regular, Sunday, and automotive schools”
By L.A. Nicholson
Founded by Jonathon Clarke, Jaay’s Automotive Services has been in existence since June 2023. Some of its operations include general servicing for engines and transmissions, front-end and back-end repairs, and diagnosing faults that are causing or will cause problems for motor vehicles.
What had led Jonathon to establish his own business at this time was the first question asked by Freedom Come Rain newspaper.
“One day it just hit me – working 9 to 5 in the customer service department of the company where I work was just never going to be enough to cover my monthly obligations ” he stated frankly. “I have a few debts to clear, and at age 26, I am well overdue owning my own motor vehicle. I wasn’t making enough to make ends meet, much more to save.”
DAD INSISTED ON SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AUTOMOTIVE SCHOOL
A Christian since age eight, Jonathon grew up in a home where his dad, a certified automotive technician, took him and his three brothers under his wings from early, teaching them the nuts and bolts of the business. The senior Clarke enjoyed having his boys around him as apprentices, as he wanted to pass on to them those ‘secrets’ of the trade that he himself had learned only from years of experience.
You could hear the pride in Jonathon’s voice as he lauded his father: “My dad has been very influential to my growth and what I have accomplished already in life. He not only took me and my brothers to Sunday school, but he also sent all four of us to automotive school. It was important to him that we learned a skill that we could fall back on or branch out into full-time if we so desired.”
Jonathon further shared that the idea of starting his own auto mechanic business began formulating after he graduated from the Jamaican German Automotive School (JAGAS) in 2018 with an Associate Degree in Automotive Technology. “Close friends, a few relatives, and people from my church kept asking me what I was doing with my degree,” he admitted. “They kept urging me to start my own business so they could utilise my service.
“It probably appeared like I was sitting on a gold mine and wouldn’t even take up a shovel to start digging, but my biggest constraint was time, really. Where would I find the time since I was fully employed and not in a position to resign? I didn’t want to be taking anyone’s vehicle and not be able to complete the work properly, for if you cut corners in your work, especially this kind of work, it can cause a life, you know.”
So, after subjecting the matter to much thought, a lot of prayer, and getting the approval of his dad, Jonathon decided to “rev up the engine” in June.
Motor vehicles are constantly upgrading, but with more and more people now owning and driving these complex machines, the need for additional skilled and certified repair personnel in the industry is increasing. This is where Jaay’s Automotive Services comes in to help bridge that gap.
“So, along with the senior expertise from my dad at my disposal, the business is up and running and in full swing,” Jonathon remarked. “I share premises with my father, and while he works during the week, I only open on weekends. It’s been going well, and I’ve had customers almost every weekend since starting out.”
The young entrepreneur confessed that there is another advantage to sharing space with his father, for the trade requires some high-end tools and equipment that he does not have, and his dad is very willing to assist in whatever way he can. Though grateful for his mentor’s support, Jonathon identifies his need for specialised tools as a burning goal to achieve as he builds up revenue from the business.
NAVIGATING THE MOBILE AND ONLINE SPACE
One of the strategies that he implemented to fast-track his earnings was to go mobile. “There are some jobs that can be carried out from the comfort of the customer’s home or business. If you need an assessment done, we can come in to see you,” he explained, adding that his areas of focus are Japanese and non-European vehicles at the moment, with the exception of hybrids.
Knowing the benefits to be accrued from an online presence, Jaay’s Automotive is currently recording content for their social media page and can be reached via phone or WhatsApp at (876) 368-9749 or (876) 840-7828. “Or send us an email at [email protected],” the new CEO invited, “We’d love to hear from you!”
We pray that the LORD will expand this auto mechanic business, widening its base and lengthening its cord as Jonathon Clarke continues to honour Him, hiding in his heart this, his favourite Bible verse: “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? Micah 6:8.
