We’re all getting older and that includes the age of the average vehicle on the road today. Over 12 years ago it felt fitting that Duane DeSouza would open a business within about a mile of where he grew up. It’s also fitting that the average age of a car on the road today is over 12 years old too! In 2010 Duane’s Dealer Alternative opened for business as a simple one-man operation when many of the cars we see today would have been brand new.
For long time residents, you may remember Western Auto which is where Duane started in the automotive parts industry in High School. Always looking to build his skill set, he had the opportunity to work at Lokey Oldsmobile as a porter. Becoming evermore familiar with the automobile industry, the step was a tow truck driver. All of these stepping stones created quite the network for Duane in the car world. In our early 20’s we don’t always really know what we want to do for work, but this network he began creating early in life got him pointed in the direction of this new car dealership in Tampa – Lexus of Tampa Bay.
Little did Duane know that the next 15 years would be the building blocks for him to start his own business. The next 14 years at Lexus afforded an immense amount of training from the Factory and hands on experience. While dealerships are typically franchises for car manufactures, they had the resources directly from the manufacturer, Lexus to educate and train the staff on all of the models. Duane embraced this training and excelled quickly, earning the status of the youngest Lexus Master Technician in the state of Florida in the early 2000s which he maintained while also becoming ASE Master Certified.
Sometimes we choose our next step, and sometimes we are told our next step in life. Both are designed to create change which is where Duane found himself for a year as he was building resources to start Duane’s Dealer Alternative. Wanting to continue the pursuit of perfection is what helped start this business and it’s what we work toward every day.
Along the way Duane did get married. He and his wife Kimberly of 21 years have a 16 year old son, a 5 year old Doberman and chickens for some added entertainment.
We approach every day finding a way to make our customers day better. Car maintenance and repairs can be scary. (Happy Halloween!) We go out of our way to explain, educated and understand where the customer is in their journey with their particular car. With a staff of friendly professionals, we look forward to being of service to you and your vehicle! You can reach via our website, AutoRepairSafetyHarbor.com; email Info@DuanesDealerAlternative.com or call 727-725-4373.