Fix Auto Downey celebrates 65 years and honors two 40-year employees

The milestone event brought together staff, family, former employees, and friends to honor the legacy of the business and two longtime team members

Downey, Calif.—Fix Auto Downey recently celebrated its 65th anniversary of serving the Downey community, located south of Los Angeles.

Rick Halopoff and David Shubin — **Bodyman **David Shubin** (left) and General Manager David Shubin.**

The milestone event brought together staff, family, former employees, and friends to honor the legacy of the business, and to recognize two longtime employees for their 40 years of service: AJ Gaston, general manager, and David Shubin, bodyman.

“Sixty-five years ago, my father built this shop on the principles of integrity, hard work, and dedication to quality,” said owner Rick Halopoff. “Seeing those same values carried forward by team members like AJ and David for four decades is something truly special, not only to our business, but to the Downey community we serve.”

Gaston joined the team in 1985. With a background in electrical engineering and applied math, he entered the collision repair industry while attending California State University, Long Beach.

“What started as a part-time job to buy my first computer turned into a career,” he said. “The technology has evolved significantly, vehicles have changed dramatically from frame to unibody structures, new metals, welding methods, and advanced electronics but our commitment to safe, proper repairs has stayed the same.”

Shubin, who also joined in 1985, began his career sweeping floors at a shop near his home before working his way into body and paint work.

“I’ve always enjoyed working on cars, and that hasn’t changed in 40 years,” he said. “The work may have changed, more parts are replaced than repaired now, but the satisfaction of doing the job right is still there.”

Damien Reyna, Chief Operating Officer, Collision, Driven Brands, stated, “It’s not often you see this kind of longevity in this industry. Reaching 65 years as a business is a significant accomplishment, and having two team members with 40 years each is a testament to the strength of the leadership and culture at Fix Auto Downey. We’re proud to have them as part of the Fix Auto USA family.”