For 52 years, David Martin, the owner of Martin’s Auto Repair in Central Phoenix, has been selling himself and trying to convince people that he could do anything he set his mind to. He also prides himself on being a creative
problem-solver and adept at overcoming all kinds of hurdles. These skills have been essential in David becoming a successful entrepreneur – especially since he was born with Spina Bifida.
Spina Bifida is the most common, permanently disabling birth defect in the United States. Literally translated, “split spine,” Spina Bifida happens during fetal development when the spinal column doesn’t close all the way. Approximately eight babies are born every day in the U.S. with Spina Bifida or a similar birth defect of the brain or spine.
“When I was a kid my parents worked hard to make sure I knew I could be successful,” said David. “I grew up in a time where very few places were wheelchair accessible. I had to be perseverant, creative and determined just to get from point ‘A’ to point ‘B.’ These tactics are the same ones I use daily while running my business.”
Martin’s Auto Repair has been a family-owned and operated business in the Valley since 1971. The company’s goal is to always prioritize customer service and ensure the repairs they provide are done right the first time. They want customers to leave the shop feeling positive about their experience and confident that the job was performed correctly and efficiently.
David has been a member of the NARPRO (Neighborhood Auto Repair Professionals) organization for about a year. He joined because he wanted to be part of a group of like-minded business owners who weren’t competitors but collaborators willing to share best practices for the benefit of customers across Metro Phoenix.
“By pooling resources among all the NARPRO shops we are able to make a bigger impact in the community and help clients find high-quality, reliable and reputable places to take their vehicles,” said David. “I like being surrounded by allies who are doing the right things, for the right reasons.”
In addition to being a business owner, David also dedicates time to a non-profit organization close to his heart – the Spina Bifida Association of Arizona. For the last five years, he has served as the Chairman of the association, which is geared at not only raising awareness about the Birth Defect, but also helping enhance the lives of those afflicted with Spina Bifida. They provide networking tools, educational opportunities and advocacy support.
NARPRO (Neighborhood Auto Repair Professionals) has supported the Spina Bifida Association of Arizona’s “Walk N Roll” fundraising event for the past two years. In 2015, they donated a refurbished wheelchair-accessible van to a family in need.
NARPRO will be participating in the event that will take place at Steele Indian School Park on November 5th for a morning of food, exercise and entertainment, while raising awareness for Spina Bifida. For more details: http://www.firstgiving.com/sbaaz/walknroll
To donate and get your gift card, CLICK HERE. We hope to see you there, November 5, 2016. Any amount is appreciated!. When you donate at least $20.00, we’ll send you a $25.00 NARPRO gift card.
NARPRO (Neighborhood Auto Repair Professionals): The Neighborhood Auto Repair Professionals (NARPRO) helps car owners find skilled and honest car repair shops. NARPRO only recommends independent, family-owned, full-service auto repair shops that have passed 26 rigorous tests. Visit www.NARPRO.com to find recommended shops near work or home. NARPRO is the easiest way to find an honest mechanic in the Valley.