New Look, Same Friendly Service

Business Profile Written by Holly Stupak

Photos courtesy of C&J Automotive Specialists

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.

C&J Automotive Specialists’ new look at the Newtown Square location

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

Nick Ortiz and Mike McGeary to the team this year. Thanks to their years of experience in the industry they’re able to hold down the fort at the Newtown Square location.

Our goal is to hire 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.

The new Gulf gas pumps at C&J’s Newtown Square location

This past year, all of C&J’s facilities were updated inside and out with a look that is both retro and modern.

Customers often come in and say, ‘you don’t get service like this anymore.’” Jack explained. “We redesigned our shops with old school shops in mind, like the one you may stumble upon on a long road trip down Route 66, while still keeping it clean, modern and welcoming!

In addition to the inside/waiting area changes, they’ve also updated their Gulf gas pumps with new concrete pads at the pump islands, all new underground lines, high speed dispensers and tap to pay features at the pump. Customers will also like the fact that C&J can now accept all forms of payment and they support all retail fuel needs including fleet accounts.

C&J also rebranded and updated their logo. Even with all these changes this past year, their business philosophy and tagline for their auto shop remains the same: Let Our Family Put Your Family First. Whether it’s a yearly PA State Inspection, a routine oil change, new tires or other vehicle needs, visit C&J Automotive Specialists and you can be assured that Jack and his team will Put Your Family First!