When Maria Loaisiga took her personal vehicle in for service over the years, she often had an experience lamented by many people, particularly women.
She’d be misled on the scope of the problem or upsold on services she didn’t need.
“If I go somewhere, they can tell you anything,” she said.
Loaisiga and her husband, Francesco Altamirano, have owned a heating, ventilation and air conditioning business since 2020. They were looking for another investment when they had a fortuitous conversation with a friend who had two decades of experience as a mechanic.
That conversation led to the opening of Bulldog Sales & Repairs at 491 Lincoln Way West, Chambersburg, last December.
Loaisiga is proud of the customer feedback and reviews the business has received. Now, she wants to grow its customer base outside the Latino community.
“We are here to help,” she said.
Bulldog Sales & Repair, which has added a second mechanic, seeks to be transparent with its prices for parts and labor. It attempts to provide clear, accurate estimates.
Loaisiga said the people involved with the business are Christians who want to act with honesty and integrity. While Hagerstown residents themselves, she and her husband found they liked the opportunities and lease prices in Chambersburg, so they are enjoying building a reputation there.
With the HVAC business’ trucks regularly carrying heavy units across three states, the mechanic bills in the past were totaling in the thousands of dollars for the couple. Their experiences at major dealerships contributed to their decision to open the auto shop, which counts towing, general engine and transmission repair, and state inspection among its services. The business also sells a limited number of preowned vehicles.
“We put it in God’s hands first and tried to be honest, make a difference,” Loaisiga said.
Bulldog Sales & Repair is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. Its office phone number is 717-446-0053 and website is bulldogsalesrepairs.com.
