Business Profile
A Family-Owned Business that Puts YOUR Family First Written by Holly Stupak Photos courtesy of Jack Crowley, Jr. Jack Crowley, Jr., Owner
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ack Crowley, Jr., Owner of C&J Automotive Specialists (www.CandJAutoRepair.com) in Newtown Square, has fond memories of growing up in the auto service business. His father, Jack Crowley Sr., opened C&J Automotive Specialists in Berwyn, PA in 1988. Over the past 32 years, Jack Jr. and his dad have made a great team in the industry. “We are a tight-knit family,” said Jack Jr. “As kids, my sister Katelyn and I would be in the Pack-n-Play in the auto shop while my parents were working there. And as we got older, we loved roller skating there. We really grew up in that shop!” Shortly after college, Jack Jr. worked with his dad to co-open their second location on Newtown Street Rd. in Newtown Square. In 2019, Jack Jr. bought both businesses from his dad, who has stayed on as a consultant. Together they look forward to expanding and opening a third location. The philosophy at C&J is something Jack learned from his dad, which became a tagline for their auto shop: Let Our Family Put Your Family First. Growing up, Jack Jr. and his family lived in Malvern, close to the auto shop. After he graduated from Conestoga High School, knowing he would likely be running his dad’s business someday, he studied Business Management and Geographical Information Systems at West Chester University. The courses he took there really helped prepare him for running an auto service business. But it was his dad’s influence that showed him how to be a successful business owner. “My dad always taught me to be appreciative, truthful and grateful,” said Jack, “and that’s how I treat everyone.”
Jack and his staff at C&J Newtown Square are proud to serve repeat customers who have been with them since his dad opened up the first location. “We have some people who were my father’s customers, including one who hit the 300,000mile mark on her car,” he said. “And we’re now seeing some of C&J’s original customers' sons and daughters.” C&J Automotive Specialists really pride themselves on being like your family’s mechanic while still being able to provide value and an industry-leading warranty. “When we look at your car, we’ll give you a list of what we’ve noticed, what you need to do now and what you need to do down the road,” explained Jack. “But we are not pushy. There’s nothing wrong with customers taking time to think about the suggestions.” C&J recently purchased a digital repair system that they’ll be onboarding in January. “This auto repair software gives us the ability to show and educate customers on what we’ve found, what the repair is, and why it’s so important,” explained Jack. “I know our customers will appreciate the transparency and additional education that not only helps them become a more informed car owner, but builds trust and a great relationship between us.” Not only does C&J Automotive Specialists put their customers first, that’s how they also treat their employees. “Our goal is to hire young, talented people and see that they keep moving up,” Jack said. “We want them to have room to grow and hopefully be a partner in one of our shops in the future.” “Our business is truly a family affair!” added Marketing Director, Leah Grubb. Many of us who work here were born and raised in
Jack Crowley, Jr. and Jack Crowley, Sr. (center, L-R) and the C&J Automotive Specialists Newtown Square Team 14
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