Meet Our Technicians

Shad Hamedani – Service Director

Shad is our Service Director here at Japanese Auto Repair, and his path to this role started exactly where you’d expect: with a deep love for cars. That passion for automobiles is what first drew him into the automotive world, and it’s been driving him ever since. Shad holds ASE certification and is a Lexus Certified Master Adviser, bringing a high level of expertise to every customer interaction. But ask him what he loves most about his job, and the answer is simple: helping people. That’s his specialty, and it shows in the way he approaches every visit.

If you ask Shad about his favorite car, don’t be surprised when he says Lexus without hesitation, and yes, it’s also his current daily driver. His very first car was a 1983 Pontiac Firebird: a classic that tells you everything you need to know about where his love of cars got its start.

When he’s not at the shop, Shad stays busy with two very different passions: soccer and flying. If he weren’t in the automotive world, he’d certainly be up in the air.

As for his number one piece of advice for every car owner? Don’t just get an oil change. Perform the full service interval. Your car will thank you for it.

Raymond Moshglani – Shop Foreman

Raymond, our Shop Foreman and Master Technician, has been a mechanic for over 25 years. He brings serious credentials to the role. He holds a Master of Mechanical Engineering degree, giving him a level of technical depth that sets the standard for the entire shop.

When it comes to the work itself, Raymond’s passion is diagnostics. There’s something about tracking down a problem and solving it at the root level that keeps him engaged, and that analytical mindset is exactly what you want in someone overseeing the shop floor.

His very first car was a 1963 Thunderbird, which tells you right away that this is someone who has appreciated great automobiles for a long time. These days he keeps things practical and refined with his daily driver, an Acura RL, and he’s firmly in the automatic camp when it comes to transmission preference.

Outside of the shop, Raymond is a man who likes to keep busy. You’ll find him out in the yard doing yard work, which honestly makes a lot of sense for someone who enjoys working with his hands. His advice for every car owner is straightforward and something he clearly believes in: Do your service on time. No excuses, no delays. Stay on schedule and your car will take care of you.

Patrick – Service Manager

Patrick is our Service Manager at Japanese Auto Repair, and with 20 years in the automotive industry, he’s the kind of person who was basically born into this world. His grandfather owned a shop, his dad wrenched, and he grew up going to car shows. It was never really a question of if he’d end up in the automotive industry; it was just a matter of when.

What keeps Patrick coming back to JAR every day? The atmosphere and the positive vibes. It’s the kind of place that feels good to be part of, and that energy shows in the way the whole team operates. His advice for every car owner is simple but important: maintain your car. There’s more to it than just oil changes. He holds ASE Master certification and is an Infiniti Senior specialist, and Infiniti is also where his professional passion lies.

Patrick’s first car was a 1984 Datsun 300ZX Turbo, a seriously cool starting point. These days he drives a 2015 Lexus GX460, and when it comes to transmissions he’ll tell you: manual for fun, automatic for daily traffic. His dream car is a 1956 Chevy Nomad, and if he could only work on one brand for the rest of his life it would be Toyota/Lexus.

Outside of work, Patrick is all about family time, taking care of the house, and working on personal project and fun cars. And here’s a fun fact he’s happy to share: he considers himself the most Japanese part of this company.

Gayle – Office Manager – Buford

Gayle is our Office Manager at Japanese Auto Repair, bringing over 7 years of automotive industry experience and more than 35 years in the administrative field to the role. She has a background in Business Administration and Management and is also a commissioned Notary Public. When it comes to keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes, Gayle is the one making it happen.

What drew her to the automotive world? She learned early on how to work on her own vehicles after being taken advantage of by other repair shops, and that experience lit a fire. Over time, that knowledge and passion turned into a full career. What she loves most about JAR is the family-oriented atmosphere. Everyone works well together, supports each other, and genuinely cares about providing the best service possible. That kind of environment makes coming to work enjoyable every day.

Her very first car was a 1986 Chrysler Laser, complete with a futuristic Electronic Voice Alert system that would talk to you. Once, going around a sharp turn, it announced “Your rear right passenger door is ajar.” The car had two doors and a hatchback. There was no rear passenger door. Outside of work, she’s into arts and crafts, traveling, and spending quality time with her kids and fur babies. She’s also a self-described “Jacqueline of all skills,” with interests ranging from home renovations and photography to being a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant.

Edith – Office Manager – Suwanee

Edith is one of our Office Managers at Japanese Auto Repair, and this is her first time working in the automotive industry. She brings a fresh perspective to the team, and honestly, that energy is a great fit.

Her very first car was a 1999 white Toyota Celica, which is a pretty great place to start. These days she’s driving a 2020 black Honda Civic Sport as her daily.

Outside of work, Edith keeps it real: she likes to sleep in, be lazy, go out to eat, or head to random places with friends. No complaints there. And here’s something most customers would never guess: she cosplays at anime conventions. Yes, really. She’s got range.

If she weren’t working at JAR, she’d be a designer, which honestly tracks for someone with that kind of creative side.

David – Service Advisor

David is one of our Service Advisors at Japanese Auto Repair, with 5 years in the automotive industry under his belt. He’s the guy you’ll talk to when you bring your car in, and he’s good at it.

He drives a Toyota Tundra as his daily and keeps it simple with an automatic transmission. No fuss, just reliable.

When he’s not at the shop, you’ll find him fishing. And if he weren’t in the automotive world? He’d be president. Honestly, the confidence alone earns respect.

We’re glad he’s on our team.

Tom – Service Advisor

Tom is one of our Advisors at Japanese Auto Repair. What got him into the automotive world in the first place? He needed money. Refreshingly honest, and we respect it.

His all-time favorite car is a Corvette, though day to day he’s rolling in a Chevy Volt. When he’s not at the shop, he’s traveling.

Short, straightforward, and gets the job done. Tom fits right in.

Michael Cleary

With over 20 years as an automotive service manger/adviser, Mike enjoys the automotive industry mostly because of the opportunities to meet new people and educate them on the service and repairs related to their vehicle. Mikes interests/hobby include playing/watching sports and spending time with his family.

Paris Hamedani

Office assistant, Paris Hamedani has 27 years experience and mostly enjoys the great work environment, great opportunities and benefits with JAR. She enjoys swimming, biking and hiking and especially enjoys the satisfactory results on the customers face after having repair work performed. Her favorite cars are Infiniti and Lexus.

Amir – Technician

Amir is one of our technicians at Japanese Auto Repair. His role? Oil changes and sometimes brakes. His specialty? Oil changes and brakes. He knows what he’s good at and he owns it.

What does he love most about working at JAR? Raymond and Shad. The man is loyal.

His all-time favorite car is a Toyota, though day to day he’s driving a Buick and keeping it smooth with an automatic transmission.

Glad to have you on the team, Amir.

Angel – Technician

Angel is our Lead Technician at Japanese Auto Repair, with 5 years in the automotive industry. What got him into it? A love for cars and a passion for fixing things. Simple as that.

His specialty is engine and transmission work, which is about as hands-on as it gets. When it comes to working at JAR, he’ll tell you honestly: he loves everything about it. Great place, great boss, and amazing management.

His very first car was a silver 1996 Civic with a green hood. Character counts. These days he’s driving a 2015 Infiniti Q50. If he could only work on one brand for the rest of his life, it would be Honda: super simple and easy to get around.

Outside of work, Angel is all about fishing and cooking out for his family.

His advice for every car owner: basic maintenance is a must for a healthy, lasting vehicle. He means it with two exclamation points.

Joe

Technician

Nguyen – Technician

Nguyen is one of our technicians at Japanese Auto Repair and he comes loaded with ASE certifications: A1 Engine Repair, A4 Suspension and Steering, A5 Brakes, and A6 Electrical/Electronic. The man is certified across the board.

He drives a 2007 Honda Element BSC as his daily, and when it comes to manual vs. automatic, he’s firmly manual. His reasoning? Momma didn’t raise no girl.

If he could only work on one brand for the rest of his life it would be Honda. Easiest. That’s the whole answer and it’s enough.

If he weren’t in the automotive world, he’d be a fisherman. Honestly, not a bad backup plan.

Santiago Mezquita – Technician

Santi is a one-of-a-kind ASE certified technician at Japanese Auto Repair, and with 45 years in the automotive industry, he’s the kind of experience you can’t teach. He started out in a Toyota Corolla and these days he’s driving a 2006 Toyota Tacoma. Loyal to the brand through and through.

What does he love most about working at JAR? Shad and Raymond. Friendly people make for a great place to work, and Santi has been around long enough to know the difference.

Outside of work, he keeps it simple: time with family. After 45 years in the industry, that’s exactly the right priority.

Tony – Technician

Tony is one of our Service Technicians at Japanese Auto Repair, bringing 28 years of experience to the shop. That’s not a typo. 28 years!

What does he love most about working at JAR? It’s a stress-free workplace and a well-oiled machine. Coming from someone with nearly three decades in the industry, that means something.

His very first car was a 1995 blue Honda Civic LX. These days he’s rolling in an oldie but a goodie: a 2000 Cadillac DeVille.

Manual or automatic? Manual, and his reasoning is airtight: good chance it won’t be stolen by kids these days.

Wilson – Technician

Wilson is one of our Automotive Technicians at Japanese Auto Repair, with about 18 years in the industry under his belt. When it comes to the type of work he enjoys most, he’ll tell you straight: gravy jobs. No complaints there.

His all-time favorite car is a 90s Supra, which is an excellent answer. Day to day he’s driving a Toyota Tacoma, keeping it practical.

Outside of work, he’s spending time with his kids and working on cars. So basically, he’s never really off the clock, and he’s totally fine with that.