Today we’d like to introduce you to Denvil & Crystal Cook.
Hi Denvil & Crystal , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Well, Denvil and I had met in my small hometown in Ohio and it was love at first sight, literally. We had met in April 2021 and were married in May 2021! We had gotten married in Gainesville Florida. We had traveled up the east coast, making our way back to Ohio so I can pack up and move down to start our life together in Florida. We were driving and as soon as we had gotten into Florida, Quincy Florida to be exact, we looked at each other and said “we made it” and then BOOM. This guy doing 45 in a 25 had smashed into my car while I was at the red light. Denvil was knocked unconscious hanging out of the door and I was in shock. While he was getting check out in the hospital, it had hit both of us that all the money we did have to start our life together is now basically gone because now that the car is totaled, we have nothing.
So we were in Tallahassee staying in a college 4 for 4. A few months had passed and the insurance had finally sent me a check so the first thing we did was get a car. Then we were doing little side hustles like Instacart, door dash, etc….
Meanwhile, this whole time, Denvil had been an ASE Master Certified Automotive Tech. But at that time, his heart wasn’t really into it anymore and he had ran so many shops that he couldn’t see himself working for anyone or starting as a basic tech.
One day, I was just scrolling through the Next-door app and I had seen a post of someone asking for help for his wife’s Audi and I messaged him and said “My husband will come help” Then I told Denvil that he had to go look at a car and he wasn’t too impressed with me. I mean, we didn’t even have any tools then. But he went, and the man we went to help had turned out to be the one who helped kick this whole thing into motion. He was blown away with Denvil’s knowledge and work ethic, the next thing we know our phones are ringing nonstop. We had grown a customer base very fast. So we had decided to make this thing legit. That’s when D&C Auto was born.
It is just the 2 of us, and we really do try help everyone as much as we can. We offer to pick up and drop off, free diagnostics, we don’t over charge on parts and our labor rates are half the price as any shop or dealership. We had thought about “well people don’t use their cars at night, so why don’t we repair them at night, drop them off and when they wake up, they will have a fixed vehicle ready to start the day without any interuptions” We have worked our assess off and continue to do so daily. I cant even tell you the last day off we took. But we understand how much of a pain automotive repairs can be, so we try to make it as painless as possible. We met most of our friends by accident.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Basically starting out with barely anything. When we did get paid for a job, we would just take the money and invest in tools, equipment, and diagnostic equipment. Basically we were trying to catch up or keep pace with the customers needs while growing our business. And we’ve had to deal with some not so pleasant people. Its insane how much mechanics get a bad rep. Like yeah, there are some shady ones out there, but we all aren’t that way. Weve had people slander us and lie on us and even try to take us to court. But, we don’t do shady work, and we keep records of everything, so those issues don’t linger around too long.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Denvil is an ASE Master Certified Auto Tech, which we both are very proud of. The industry is always evolving so were constantly learning. He also specialized in Europeans. There aren’t a lot of mechanics out there that do Euros, because they are so complex. He has grown his diagnostic equipment massively and does not just assume something is wrong with someone’s vehicle. We offer free diagnostics and well stand shoulder to shoulder with you and show you everything that we see on the computer and go over any and all options to get you back on the road without destroying your bank account.
I would have to say that the thing I’m most proud of is that no matter what, we don’t quit. We don’t give up and we will go above and beyond for people. We are just trying to spread kindness in the way we know how.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Wide Range of Services: They specialize in servicing both domestic and foreign vehicles and offer comprehensive solutions for gas and diesel engines. Services include engine repair, suspension, transmission, oil changes, and detailing.
Convenience & Pricing: D&C operates 24 hours a day, offering free pick-up/returns and shuttle rides. Customers report prices are significantly cheaper than dealerships.
Expertise: The team features an ASE Master Certified Tech and European Specialist, praised for being knowledgeable, quick, and efficient.
