For over two decades, ATech Transmission in Hesperia has worked to get ailing foreign and domestic vehicles back on the road.

This month, ATech Transmission will celebrate 25 years of service to the High Desert from its shop sandwiched between Hesperia Road and the railroad tracks.

The shop drew much customer attention in the '80s and '90s due to positive word of mouth and two yellow Camaros parked next door at Auto Wrench.

Servicing every make and model

A recent tour of the shop revealed ASE-certified mechanics ordering parts, conducting clutch replacements and working on transmission overhauls.

With 50 cars on the lot ready to be serviced, owners Paul and Jessica Carrillo, along with service writer Keasha Kerestessy, answered calls, spoke to customers and communicated with mechanics.

“We’ve been here since 1999, working on every kind of make, such as Ford, Chevy, Dodge, Toyota, Nissan and more,” Paul told the Daily Press. “We see a little less of the European cars.”

The Carrillos said they’ve enjoyed serving thousands of customers over the years, while contributing to the community.

In the shop’s lobby, dozens of handwritten and typed letters from children and adults hung on the wall, thanking the shop for their “quality work” or contributing to organizations such as the 4-H Club.

Paul told the Daily Press that business partners and community leaders John and Lisa Hogue were instrumental in the company's success.

ATech Transmission service writer Keasha Kerestessy is flanked by shop owners Paul and Jessica Carrillo, ATech will celebrate 25 years of service to the High Desert from its shop sandwiched between Hesperia Road and the railroad tracks.

He added that the partnership ended after John died in 2024 and Lisa left the area.John was a pillar in the Hesperia and Victorville communities. He was a member of the Rotary Club and a supporter of the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds in Victorville, according to his obituary

John and Lisa would often bid and purchase a champion steer, sheep, or pig to support the local 4-H and FFA.

Lisa told the Daily Press a plaque honoring John was recently unveiled at the fairgrounds as it "Embodies what John did for the community by the integrity of ATech Transmission.

Challenges under the hood

Paul said the toughest challenge over the decades has been keeping up with how vehicles are manufactured.

“Today’s cars are so complex now, they have upward of 10 computers in them,” Paul added. “So, having diagnostic equipment to read that, and then keeping up with all the changes, is really tough nowadays.”

Paul explained that with all the computers communicating with each other, “Your transmission problem may not be a transmission problem, but a computer problem.”

The couple said another challenge is finding mechanics, due to the changing times and the younger generation's avoidance of hands-on mechanical work.

ATech Transmission will celebrate 25 years of service to the High Desert from its shop sandwiched between Hesperia Road and the railroad tracks.

“It seems like nobody wants to get their hands dirty, and fInding those that do is like a dying breed," said Paul, who added that many of the “good mechanics are older guys.”

His advice to young kids interested in entering the automotive repair industry is to begin by taking classes in high school and college.

“If it’s something you have a knack for or something you like, then it’s time to find a place to go hands-on,” Paul said. “If you pick up a wrench and get with someone with experience, then the rest is easy. Sometimes, the school of hard knocks is the best option.”

A plaque, honoring the memory of ATech Transmission business partner John Hogue, was recently unveiled at the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds in Victorville.

Putting customers at ease

Jessica said ATech has women employees on site, which usually puts women customers at ease.

“Sometimes, women can be intimidated when they go into a shop and see all men working there,” Jessica said. “We try to make everyone comfortable.”

Jessica added that most of the shop’s mechanics have been there since the start, including Marcos Del Villar Salcedo, who worked for ATech for 20 years.

Jessica said the anniversary celebration, hosted by the Greater High Desert Chamber of Commerce, is scheduled from noon to 1 p.m. on July 23, at ATech Transmission, 10675 Hesperia Road in Hesperia.

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Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz