The Platinum Auto Service Story

The Start...

Over the years, many customers have asked how Platinum Auto Service came to be. Some have assumed we're part of a national franchise because of our branding, while others believe we're a family business that's been passed down through generations. Some have never thought to ask, and even those who have been with us since the beginning may not know the whole story.

What most people don't realize is that Platinum Auto Service was started with just $568 in rolled change. It may sound hard to believe, but that's exactly how this journey began. So, I'd like to share the story of how Platinum Auto Service started and the path that has led us to where we are today.

After graduating from Cape Cod Regional Technical High School in Harwich, where I spent four years studying Automotive Technology, I began my career at a local Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep dealership in Hyannis. It wasn't long before I advanced as a technician, earning my ASE Master Technician certification along with Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep Gold Technician status.

During those five years, I recognized a growing need for a quality independent repair shop that could offer customers a true alternative to the dealership. Many independent shops at the time simply weren't keeping up with rapidly changing vehicle technology. As vehicles became more advanced, many shops either chose not to invest in the training and equipment required or simply couldn't justify the expense.

Meanwhile, I had rented a small warehouse bay with a few friends after high school so we could work on our own vehicles. Before long, friends, family, and personal customers began bringing me their vehicles. Word spread quickly, and the customer base continued to grow. I found myself working a full day at the dealership before spending evenings and weekends repairing vehicles at my own shop—sometimes until one or two o'clock in the morning. Eventually, I had two friends helping part-time, but even with the extra help, we still couldn't keep up with the demand.

I was burning the candle at both ends, and eventually I realized something had to change.

I had recently put a down payment on my first house, so money was tight. At 23 years old, however, I had no wife, no kids, no car payments, and very little to lose beyond the money I'd already invested in my home. In April of 1999, I gave my two weeks' notice at the dealership, rolled the change I had been saving over the previous couple of years, and with $568 in rolled change, Platinum Auto Service was born.

Moving On Up...

Just three years later, Platinum Auto Service had already outgrown its original 1,000-square-foot warehouse bay. We had added a full-time technician, hired office staff to answer phones and schedule appointments, and implemented systems to help us become more organized and efficient. Business continued to grow, but our space simply couldn't keep up.

After approximately three and a half years in business, we found a building in South Yarmouth that fit both our needs and our budget. It definitely needed some work, but it gave us the opportunity to expand into a larger facility with three service bays, two lifts, additional parking, and our first dedicated customer waiting area.

It was another exciting milestone and the next step in building the business I had envisioned.

Perfect Timing...

Four years later, business was thriving, but once again we had run out of room. Fortunately, the neighboring building and the two lots behind it became available at exactly the right time.

Acquiring the additional property allowed us to create a larger customer waiting area, a more professional service counter, an accessory showroom, two additional service bays, and the extra parking we desperately needed. The building required even more renovations than our first expansion, but we knew the investment would allow us to better serve our growing customer base.

Around that same time, Bill Arseneaux and his brother Rick made the decision to retire and sell their family business, Bass River Sunoco, after approximately 40 years. Their customers needed a trusted repair shop, and we were ready to welcome them. It truly was perfect timing for everyone involved and became another important milestone in Platinum Auto Service's continued growth.

Fast Forward...

Today, Platinum Auto Service has grown far beyond what I could have imagined back in 1999. What started in a small warehouse bay has become a multi-building automotive service center serving drivers throughout Cape Cod.

Over the years, we've expanded our facilities, invested in advanced diagnostic technology, added accessory sales and installation, and built a team of talented professionals who share the same commitment to quality and customer service. Most importantly, we've had the privilege of earning the trust of thousands of loyal customers, many of whom have been with us for years.

While much has changed since those early days, our mission has remained the same: provide honest recommendations, quality workmanship, and the personalized service that gives our customers a trusted alternative to the dealership.

Looking back, it's incredible to think that it all started with $568 in rolled change. Looking ahead, we're excited to continue growing, improving, and serving the Cape Cod community for many years to come.

– Jay