Business Profile Written by Holly Stupak Photos courtesy of C&J Automotive Specialists
New Look, Same Friendly Service
C
&J Automotive Specialists has been providing its customers with professional and friendly service since their first auto shop opened in 1988. When owner Jack Crowley Jr. took over most of the business from his dad in 2019, he made sure that his customers would get the same C&J experience that he grew up with. “My dad always taught me to be appreciative, truthful and grateful,” said Jack. “And that’s how I treat everyone.” And although C&J is rooted in old school service, their automotive shops feature new school technology. Jack Jr.’s father, Jack Sr. opened C&J Automotive Specialists in Berwyn, PA when Jack was a young boy. Over the past 34 years, this father and son have made a great team in the industry. Jack Jr. worked in the shop during high school and after he graduated. He knew he would likely be running his dad’s business someday. He studied Business Management and Geographical Information Systems at West Chester University and found that the courses really helped prepare him for running an auto service business. But it wasn’t just the coursework that taught Jack how to be a great business owner. “My dad also taught me to put other people first,” he said. “That’s C&J’s motto and it’s the reason why we have so many repeat customers, some of whom have been with us since my dad opened up the first location. We value building long relationships with everyone who visits our shop.”
Owner of C&J Automotive Specialists, Jack Crowley, Jr.
Shortly after Jack Jr. graduated from college, he worked with Jack Sr. to open their second location on Newtown Street Rd. in Newtown Square. Then in 2019 Jack Jr. bought both shops from his dad. However Jack Sr. just couldn’t stay out on retirement and now co-owns one of C&J’s newest shops located in Hammonton, NJ. “It’s a true testament to who my dad is,” said Jack. “Helping people and their cars is just who he is!” 2021 was a busy year for C&J Automotive Specialists. In addition to the new location in Hammonton, Jack Jr. also opened new automotive shops in Lansdale and Upper Chichester, both co-opened with long-standing employees, now owner-operators. “We're extremely excited to grow with our employees who are like family,” said Jack.
The new Gulf gas pumps at C&J’s Newtown Square location 10 Marple Friends & Neighbors / Bringing People Together
A typical day for Jack involves traveling between the various locations, to ensure that every customer gets the C&J experience that he grew up with. But with growing operations, he's also enlisted the help of the Newtown Square shop’s manager Aaron Brechbiel, who has since been promoted to Director of Operations. Although headquartered in Newtown Square, Aaron also bounces around to help with everything from making sure each shop has what it needs to serve their customers to ensuring their digital reports and communications with customers are running smoothly. C&J also welcomed
