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Under the Hood … in Rio & London!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 6, 2010
Contacts: Kyle Rizzoli, General Manager, (805) 541-1082

Local mechanic wins top honors in automotive Olympics

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA—Earlier this year, a local 21-year-old mechanic won a silver medal in the International Automotive Skills Olympics held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Since only Brazilians are awarded the gold, this was the highest award possible for non-Brazilian competitors in the grueling four-day competition, and the most recent of many such awards for Daniel Lehmkuhl.

Called an “automotive mechanical wizard in the genius category,” by his current employer, General Manager Kyle Rizzoli of Rizzoli’s Automotive, Lehmkuhl was also just named to the U.S. World Championship Team and will compete in London next year. Rizzoli’s has sponsored Lehmkuhl in both these endeavors.

“We are extremely proud of, but not surprised by, Daniel’s achievements in these national and international competitions,” said Rizzoli. “In addition to the skills he’s worked hard to cultivate, he just has this intuitive and uncanny ‘feel’ for what’s wrong with an engine and what to do about it.”

Lehmkuhl, whose father has been the auto shop instructor at San Luis Obispo High School for 21 years, started competing at a young age in Skills U.S.A., the vocational equivalent of such organizations as Future Farmers and Future Teachers of America. By the time he was a high school senior, he’d won the regional, state, and national competitions. Overall, he’s racked up a dozen awards in automotive technician contests, with the pinnacle being when he was named to compete as part of the USA World team at the World Championships slated for London in late 2011.

“The U.S. has never won at the international level,” said Lehmkuhl, “so that’s my goal for the next year—preparing for that event.”

Currently working full-time at Rizzoli’s, Lehmkuhl attends Cuesta College and will transfer to Cal Poly to earn his bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology, along with a teaching credential.

“I’ve learned so much at these competitions,” he said, recalling that the manuals he used in Brazil were all in Portuguese. “I get to travel around the world, and the experience is amazing. … Rizzoli’s has been very generous in their support of me and I’m really grateful to them for everything.”

Follow Lehmkuhl’s travels and competitions at www.daniellehmkuhl.blogspot.com or call Kyle Rizzoli at 541-1082 for more information.

Scouts Earn Merit Badges “Under the Hood” at Rizzoli’s Automotive

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 29, 2010
Contacts: Kyle Rizzoli, General Manager, (805) 541-1082

Boy and Girl Scouts Get Hands-On Automotive Training

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA—Twenty local Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts recently earned their Automotive Merit Badges after an evening of hands-on instruction at Rizzoli’s Automotive in Santa Maria. An even mix of boys and girls ages 9 to 15 received instruction and were given the chance to change tires, check fluids, and spend time “under the hood” at the Rizzoli’s shop on W. Tama Lane in Santa Maria.

General Manager Bruce Best provided information about vehicle, airbag and child restraint safety, as well as the braking and other automotive systems.

“We tried to give everyone the opportunity to work with an actual vehicle,” said Best, “And it was great seeing just as many girls as boys interested in learning about cars.”

At the end of the evening, each of the 19 participants passed muster and were signed off for their badges.

“My son is an Eagle Scout,” said Best, “and I helped him with his projects, so I enjoyed myself immensely. It was really a joy to spend time with these kids and to help them in the process of earning their merit badges.”

“I’m sure we’ll be doing more of this is in the future,” said Kyle Rizzoli, general manager of the San Luis Obispo shop. “It’s always been important to us to be a part of our communities, and this was such a great way to help out.”

Family-owned and operated since 1976, Rizzoli’s Automotive services and repairs all makes and models at two locations: 2584 Victoria Lane in San Luis Obispo and 1149 W. Tama Lane in Santa Maria. Visit www.rizzolisautomotive.com for more information.

AAA Gives Rizzoli's Automotive Highest Marks for Customer Satisfaction

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 15, 2010
Contacts: Kyle Rizzoli, General Manager, (805) 541-1082

Family-Run Auto Shops Receive 100% on Annual Evaluation

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA—Emphasizing quality customer care for three generations, Rizzoli’s Automotive scores consistently high marks on the American Automobile Association’s (AAA) annual customer satisfaction evaluation. For 2010, the longstanding family-run business scored 100% in both their San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria locations.

“AAA holds their approved auto repair facilities to very high standards and continually screens and monitors them to assure all criteria are met,” said Rizzoli’s General Manager Kyle Rizzoli. “So we are really proud to have received such high marks from this respected organization.”

In the most recent survey, respondents were asked to evaluate customer service, professionalism in solving problems, accuracy of estimates, service completion on promised date, and customer loyalty. From those who responded to the survey, Rizzoli’s shops each received 100% in all areas.

Now in its third generation of family ownership, Rizzoli’s Automotive has won several awards for excellence in quality of work and customer loyalty. They service all makes and models, with shops located at 2584 Victoria Lane in San Luis Obispo and 1149 W. Tama Lane off Skyway Drive in Santa Maria. Call 541-1082 for more information, or log onto www.rizzolisautomotive.com.

New Year Brings Little Relief for the Hungry

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 1, 2010
Contacts: Kyle Rizzoli, General Manager, (805) 541-1082

Rizzoli’s Automotive accepts donations all year long to help the hungry and homeless

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA – As the first month of the new year comes to a close, some 40,000 San Luis Obispo County residents still go hungry on a regular basis, according the Food Bank Coalition―a figure that has climbed by 25% just during the last year. But Rizzoli’s Automotive is helping to do something about that, and invites the community to contribute to their efforts.

What began three years ago as an Annual Holiday Food Drive to benefit local food banks is now an all-year, all-out effort to help keep the food banks in both counties full. Throughout 2009, Rizzoli’s has collected a total of 1,805 pounds of food at their two locations. Anyone who wishes to help can stop by Rizzoli’s at either their San Luis Obispo or Santa Maria locations and drop off non-perishable food. Rizzoli’s will deliver all donations to the San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara County Food Banks that serve the needy.

To show their appreciation, Rizzoli’s will give out a certificate for $5 off to anyone dropping off food, which can be used for any service or repair at either Rizzoli’s location.

With unemployment rates at 9.3% for San Luis Obispo County and 8.9% for Santa Barbara County, hunger and homelessness continue to loom large in the lives of many. With the weather growing cold and wet, now is a great time to give. Rizzoli’s Automotive is located at 2584 Victoria Lane in San Luis Obispo and 1149 W. Tama Lane off Skyway Drive in Santa Maria. Non-perishable food items of any size are welcome.

For more information, please call (805) 541-1082 or 922-7742

Three Generations of Rizzolis Honored with “Spirit of Small Business” Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 23, 2009
Contacts: Kyle Rizzoli, General Manager, (805) 541-1082

Rizzoli’s Automotive selected by Pacific Coast Business Times for annual honor

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA―Staying power, high standards, green practices, and community involvement were among the reasons that Rizzoli’s Automotive was honored with this year’s “Spirit of Small Business” Award from Pacific Coast Business Times (PCBT). With shops in San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria, the family-owned business has been repairing and servicing cars since 1976.

Expected to be featured as this year’s winner in a special July 24th edition of PCBT, Rizzoli’s will also be acknowledged at a “Spirit of Small Business” awards luncheon to be held in August.

“We were completely surprised by this announcement,” said Kay Rizzoli. “It’s such a wonderful acknowledgement of our hard-working staff and the relationships we’ve built over the years.”

Criteria for the award included size (under 100 employees), longevity, demonstrated green practices, and contributions to the community. In addition to its multiple awards for quality from entities such as AAA, Rizzoli’s gives back to the community year-round with ongoing food drives and past partnerships with United Blood Services. Rizzoli’s also offers a “Go Green” package to customers to promote greener practices for staff and patrons alike.

“My grandfather Mario, who started our company, would have been so pleased to know about this,” said Kyle Rizzoli. “He always used to tell me that at Rizzoli’s, we fix cars, but we’re really in the people business.”

For more information, please call (805) 541-1082 or 922-7742

Rizzoli’s Reports Generous Results for Extended Food Drive

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 15, 2009
Contacts: Kyle Rizzoli, General Manager, (805) 541-1082

Public Encouraged to Donate Food Items to Replenish County Food Banks

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA – Even as news of a recovering economy trickles onto the airwaves, the number of Californians who go hungry every day is still rising. Responding to this crisis, Rizzoli’s Automotive extended their second Annual Holiday Food Drive to last throughout 2009, ending on December 31, and invited the community to join them. Since January of this year, they have collected over 1100 pounds of food to help feed the hungry in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties, which is the equivalent of more than 750 meals. This includes the 344 pounds of food donations collected at the Santa Maria Chamber of Commerce Membership Mixer hosted by Rizzoli’s at their Tama Lane location on May 21.

Rizzoli’s is one of only two drop-off locations in San Luis Obispo for Food Bank donations. The family-owned automotive service company has been collecting non-perishable food items in both their San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria locations, delivering all donations to the San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara County Food Banks. To show their appreciation, those who contribute at Rizzoli’s will receive a $5 off service or repair voucher good through the end of this year.

“Last year, we collected almost 800 pounds of food just during the two-month holiday season. This year, with so many more people in need, we decided to extend the drive,” said Kyle Rizzoli, general manager of Rizzoli’s Automotive. “We were overwhelmed by the number of our customers and others in the community who contributed to our food drive during the holidays. We are thrilled that this generosity has lasted so far beyond that time, and hope it will continue into the next holiday season.”

Rizzoli’s Automotive is located at 2584 Victoria Lane in San Luis Obispo and 1149 W. Tama Lane off Skyway Drive in Santa Maria. Non-perishable food items of any size are welcome.

“During inauguration week this past January, our new U.S. President asked us all to step up and be of service in order to get our country back on track,” Rizzoli added. “This ongoing drive is one small but important way to answer that call.”

For more information, please call (805) 541-1082 or 922-7742

Rizzoli’s Extends Food Drive Past Holidays to Feed More Families in Need

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 29, 2009
Contact: Kyle Rizzoli, (805) 541-1082

Public Encouraged to Donate Food Items to Replenish County Food Banks

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA – As news of the worsening economy continues to dominate the airwaves, the number of Californians who go hungry every day rises as well. Responding to this crisis, Rizzoli’s Automotive has extended their 2nd Annual Holiday Food Drive throughout 2009, ending on December 31st, and invites the community to join them. They are one of only two drop-off locations in San Luis Obispo for Food Bank donations. Since November 15, 2008, Rizzoli’s has been collecting non-perishable food items in both their San Luis Obispo or Santa Maria locations. The donations are delivered to the San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara County Food Banks. To date, they have collected over 700 pounds of food to help feed the hungry in these two counties, which is the equivalent of more than 500 meals.

To show their appreciation, those who contribute at Rizzoli’s or at local grocery stores will receive a $5 off service or repair voucher good through April 2009.

“Last year, we collected almost 800 pounds of food during the holiday season. This year, with so many more people in need, we have decided to extend the drive,” said Kyle Rizzoli, general manager of Rizzoli’s Automotive. “Giving during the holidays is a great thing to do, and we were overwhelmed by the number or our customers and others in the community who contributed to our food drive. We hope that generosity will last beyond the holidays so that those in need can be helped in this New Year as well.”

Rizzoli’s Automotive is located at 2584 Victoria Lane in San Luis Obispo and 1149 W. Tama Lane off Skyway Drive in Santa Maria. Non-perishable food items of any size are welcome.

Rizzoli’s wants to share its success with the community and encourages its customers and fellow residents to take a stand in assisting those in need.

“This week our new U.S. President has asked us all to step up and be of service to get our country back on track,” Rizzoli added. “This drive is one small but important way to answer that call.”

For more information, please call (805) 541-1082 or 922-7742.

Rizzoli’s Collaborates with Other Local Organizations to Feed the Hungry this Holiday Season

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 12, 2008
Contact: Kyle Rizzoli, (805) 541-1082

Second Annual Holiday Food Drive will donate to food banks in two counties

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA – As the number of Californians who go hungry every day rises, Rizzoli’s Automotive invites the community to contribute to their 2nd Annual Holiday Food Drive to benefit local food banks that feed the needy. Beginning November 15, 2008, anyone who wishes to help can stop by Rizzoli’s at either their San Luis Obispo or Santa Maria location and drop off non-perishable food. Or they can fill the grocery bags being hand-delivered to individual doorsteps in both cities for pickup on the weekend of November 22nd and 23rd.

To show their appreciation, those who contribute at Rizzoli’s or at local grocery stores will receive a $5 off service or repair voucher good through April 2009.

Partnering with Food 4 Less and Von’s, who will supply the grocery bags, and Cal Poly Student Community Services, who will help with bag distribution and pickup, Rizzoli’s will deliver all donations to the San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara County Food Banks when the drive ends on December 31st.

“Last year, we collected almost 800 pounds of food, and we are committed to giving even more this year,” said Kyle Rizzoli, general manager of Rizzoli’s Automotive. “One out of every six Californians go hungry every day,” he explained. “And that figure is growing daily as the economy worsens. This food drive is one way to tackle that problem in our own backyard.”

Rizzoli’s Automotive is located at 2584 Victoria Lane in San Luis Obispo and 1149 W. Tama Lane off Skyway Drive in Santa Maria. Non-perishable food items of any size are welcome.

For more information, please call (805) 541-1082 or 922-7742.

Local Dragster Goes to London to Break Records

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 24, 2008
Contact: Jim Rizzoli, (805) 441-0133 or (805) 541-1082

SLO native, Jim Rizzoli selected as crew chief at European Drag Race

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA – Two new European drag racing records will likely be set next month and a San Luis Obispo man has been selected to help set them. Thirty-five year drag racing veteran and automotive repair shop owner Jim Rizzoli will travel to England’s SantaPod Raceway north of London during the first week of September. Chosen as crew chief for a custom-built Top Alcohol Dragster (a National Hot Rod Association classification) recently purchased by Englishman Derek Flynn, Rizzoli will direct the crew and help make the crucial decisions that will guide the car and its new driver to victory.

“When you are dealing with tenths, hundredths, even thousandths of a second,” said Rizzoli, “precision is paramount.”

A San Luis Obispo native, Rizzoli’s love affair with hot rods began in the 1970s with a 1967 Camaro that he raced locally. He’s been racing for some 30 years now and in recent years began consulting. Rizzoli has been working on this particular dragster for many years, so when Derek Flynn purchased it, former owner Larry Miersch strongly suggested Rizzoli as crew chief.

The two records at stake in this race are Elapsed Time (the time it takes to travel one-quarter of a mile from a standing start); and of course, Miles Per Hour, in this case 264 mph. While this will be Rizzoli’s first European race, he has crewed and been chief on numerous stateside races, winning several. More information is available about Rizzoli and Flynn on Flynn’s blog. “Jim and Larry and I all believe that if track and weather conditions are with us, a new European record may be on the cards,” said Flynn.

Established in 1976, the family owned and run business is committed to serving the automobile owners of San Luis Obispo County and services all types of vehicles, including hybrids and alternative fuel cars. Rizzoli’s Automotive is located at 2584 Victoria Lane in San Luis Obispo and 1149 W. Tama Lane off Skyway Drive in Santa Maria. For more information or tips on maintaining your vehicle please call (805) 541-1082

Rizzoli’s Automotive Scores 100% on Customer Satisfaction, According to AAA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 24, 2008
Contact: Kyle Rizzoli, (805) 541-1082

2008 continues long trend of earning high marks on AAA’s annual evaluation.

San Luis Obispo, Ca – Rizzoli’s Automotive received the highest score possible on the American Automobile Association’s (AAA) annual customer satisfaction evaluation. Rizzoli’s has consistently scored in the top 10% every year since 1982 and the recent surveys show a 100% satisfaction rate.

AAA holds their Approved Auto Repair facilities to high standards and continually screens and monitors them to assure all criteria are met. On an annual basis the association evaluates and scores the customer satisfaction index and customer loyalty for all AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities. According to General Manager Kyle Rizzoli, the family-owned business places an emphasis on a high standard of service, both in terms of how they treat the customer and in getting the work done right the first time. “It’s a family tradition,” adds Rizzoli.

In the most recent survey, 300 responses were received, evaluating customer service, professionalism in solving problems, accuracy of estimates, service completion on promised date, and customer loyalty. Rizzoli’s received 100% in all areas.

Rizzoli’s Automotive is located at 2584 Victoria Lane in San Luis Obispo and 1149 W. Tama Lane off Skyway Drive in Santa Maria. For more information please call (805) 541-1082.

Rizzoli’s Automotive Goes Green to Facilitate Environmental Sustainability

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 29, 2008
Contact: Kyle Rizzoli, (805) 541-1082

“Go Green” service provides care for vehicles and the environment

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA – Local automotive service shop, Rizzoli’s Automotive, has added a “Go Green” package to its services in an effort to help environmentally conscious clients keep their cars as eco-friendly as possible.

Regularly changing oil and maintaining a car acts not only as insurance for the longevity of a vehicle but decreases the number of harmful pollutants emitted into the environment. Vehicles without proper maintenance can release 10 times the emissions of a well-maintained car.

According to the AAA Director of Auto Repair Networks, “Fuel and induction system cleaning is a service with real benefits that improve performance, reduce fuel consumption and lower emissions.” The “Go Green” package adheres to these standards, providing clients with a service that maintains the vehicle, increases fuel economy by four percent, and decreases harmful emissions into the environment. The service includes a Quality First oil change and a Motorvac fuel injection cleaning along with a check of the spark plugs, oxygen sensors and air filters.

“As part of our commitment to the community, we must adjust to the growing pollution concern. We can’t pretend that the environment isn’t in bad shape and that vehicles aren’t a part of the problem,” said Kyle Rizzoli, general manager. “Most drivers want to be as environmentally conscious as possible but are unable to give up vehicle use. Our “Go Green” package helps their vehicles be as eco-friendly as possible.”

In addition to the “Go Green” package, Rizzoli’s offers a number of tips for eco-friendly drivers, available at their San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria locations.

Successful Food Drive

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 14, 2008
Contact: Kyle Rizzoli, (805) 541-1082

Rizzoli’s Automotive Celebrates the End of the Year with Successful Food Drive

Automotive business’ holiday food drive a success for SLO County

San Luis Obispo, Ca – Rizzoli’s Automotive collected almost 800 pounds of food at their first-annual food drive this holiday season. The drive was part of Rizzoli’s commitment to assist in the community and contribute to the well-being and development of the people of San Luis Obispo County.

Customers and community members were asked to drop by any nonperishable food items at either the Santa Maria or San Luis Obispo business locations through December 31. In addition, Rizzoli’s hand delivered collections bags to over 1,500 doorsteps during the month. The bags were donated by Vons and Food 4 Less. As a result, 426 pounds of food were collected in San Luis Obispo and 365 pounds were collected in Santa Maria, totaling 791 pounds.

“We want to thank the community for contributing so much this holiday season,” said Kyle Rizzoli, General Manager of Rizzoli’s. “Food donations are decreasing all around the country. I am glad to see our community is working against the trend. I look forward to doing even better next year.”

All food was delivered to San Luis Obispo County and Santa Maria food banks following the collection for distribution to local families in need.

Holiday Food Drive

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 20, 2007
Contact: Kyle Rizzoli, (805) 541-1082

Rizzoli’s Automotive Continues Commitment to the Community through Holiday Giving

Automotive servicing company establishes a holiday food drive to benefit local food banks

San Luis Obispo, Ca – When people think of Rizzoli’s Automotive, they may think of their cars and driving. But this holiday season, Rizzoli’s is focusing on a different kind of “drive” – a food drive. The automotive service center will be holding a holiday food drive to benefit the local food banks that feed the needy community in both San Luis Obispo and Northern Santa Barbara Counties.

Beginning on November 23, members of the community can stop by either the San Luis Obispo or Santa Maria locations of Rizzoli’s Automotive and drop off food items in specified donation receptacles. Anyone who makes a donation at either location will receive a voucher for $5 off service at Rizzoli’s, good through April of 2008.

Rizzoli’s Automotive will also be hand delivering approximately 1,500 bags to people’s doorsteps throughout San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria. In San Luis Obispo, this will include the vicinity around the Country Club, Arbors and the Foothill area. In Santa Maria, bags will be delivered to the new housing developments close to Rizzoli’s Automotive, and the general Orcutt area.

All donations received will be delivered to various local food banks when the drive ends December 31.

Rizzoli’s Automotive is committed to sharing its success with the community and encourages its customers and fellow community members to take a stake in assisting those in need.

“One out of six Californians go hungry every day,” said Kyle Rizzoli, general manager of Rizzoli’s Automotive. “We want to tackle that statistic in our own backyard and lower the percentage of local population that deal with malnutrition and hunger.”

Rizzoli’s Automotive is located at 2584 Victoria Lane in San Luis Obispo and 1149 W. Tama Lane off Skyway Drive in Santa Maria. Imperishable food items of any size are welcome.

For more information please call (805) 541-1082

Santa Maria Open House

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 1, 2007
Contacts: Kyle Rizzoli, (805) 541-1082, Bruce Best, (805) 922-7742

Rizzoli’s Automotive Santa Maria Open House Offers Food, Fun and Philanthropy

Santa Maria location of automotive business invites customers and the community to join them in supporting UBS

Santa Maria, CA – Rizzoli’s Automotive is inviting the public to an open house benefiting United Blood Services on October 20 from 11 am to 3 pm. Rizzoli’s will host an onsite blood drive during the event, as well as food and attractions for both adults and children.

In addition to holding the blood drive, Rizzoli’s Automotive will be offering an incentive to donors. Those who donate blood at the event will automatically be entered in a drawing for a 50-gallon gas giveaway. The 50-gallon prize is part of a 150-gallon gas donation Rizzoli’s granted to United Blood Services in its efforts to assist the community. The additional 100 gallons were awarded to two other blood donors through UBS.

The open house will feature hot dogs and a bounce house for children as well as a special reaction time test for attendees to test reflexes. Additionally, Rizzoli’s Automotive invites guest to visit the racecars that will be on display at the event.

United Blood Services Gas Giveaway

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 26, 2007
Contacts: Kyle Rizzoli, General Manager, (805) 541-1082

Replacing Gas Tanks with Blood Banks, Rizzoli’s Automotive Gives Gas to Blood Donors

Automotive business partners with United Blood Services in blood drive and gas giveaway

Santa Maria, CA - Roughly one out of every 10 patients entering hospitals will require a blood transfusion and over 60 percent of the population will at one point in their lives need donated blood. Teaming with United Blood Services (UBS), Rizzoli’s Automotive gave away 150 gallons of gas at their Santa Maria location and also donated 150 gallons of gas in efforts to promote blood donations. Donors who contribute blood will be entered in a drawing to win the gas, distributed in 50-gallon amounts to three lucky community members.

By challenging the community and offering the gas drawing incentive, Rizzoli’s Automotive and UBS are helping stop the blood shortages that occur in the late summer months and promoting donors to give more blood (two to four donations a year from eligble donors could stop shortages from occurring in the United States).

Of the 150 gallons, 50 gallons were awarded to donor and Santa Maria resident Mike Arias in a drawing of those who donated to the Labor Day weekend blood drive. The additional 100 gallons will be divided between two donors in the coming month. Anyone who donates through September 30 at the UBS Blood Center will be automatically entered in the gas drawing to win another 50 gallons. The remaining 50 gallons will be awarded to one lucky donor at the Rizzoli’s open house on October 20. The open house will run from 11 am to 3 pm and will include food, activities for children and an onsite blood drive.

To qualify to give blood, donors must be 17 years old and at least 110 pounds. A single donor can donate every 56 days. No purchase is necessary and you need not be present to win. The gas card is provided through JB Dewer and Pacific Pride Commercial Fueling System.

The UBS blood center is located at 1770 S. Broadway, Santa Maria. To donate during the Rizzoli’s Automotive open house, please visit their Santa Maria shop located at 1149 W. Tama Lane, on Skyway Dr. near Betteravia.

For more information on Rizzoli’s Automotive or their open house, call 922-7742 or log on to www.RizzolisAutomotive.com. For donation days and times, United Blood Services can be reached at 928-2546 or by visiting www.unitedbloodservices.org/centralcoast.

Kyle Rizzoli, Bruce Best, winner Mike Arias with UBS employees Jim Rodlin and Claire Sheehy

SLO winner Verdun “Duke” with Kyle, Jim and Kay Rizzoli

Santa Maria General Manager Bruce Best with winner John Shockly along with Kay, Jim and Kyle Rizzoli

Third Generation Joins Rizzoli’s

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 2, 2007
Contact: Kyle Rizzoli, General Manager (805) 541-1082

Coming Full Circle from “Clean Up Boy” to General Manager of Auto Maintenance Shop

Kyle Rizzoli takes the helm at three-decades-old Family Business

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA – When Kyle Rizzoli was 12 years old, he got his first job: Clean Up Boy at his family’s auto maintenance shop, Rizzoli’s Automotive. Over the years, Rizzoli says he has “worked every position at the shop, from secretary to mechanic. Whatever was needed, I did.” Through this hands-on education, Rizzoli found he had an aptitude for the mechanics of the job, as well as the business acumen for management. Rizzoli, now 23, graduated from Cal Poly on June 16, and moved into the position of general manager of Rizzoli’s on June 25.

Rizzoli studied Mechanical Engineering at Cal Poly, with the intent of pursuing a career in the racing industry. Both he and his father, Jim, have been involved in racing and maintaining racecars. The younger Rizzoli even had an engineering internship during school at a high performance racecar assembly and fabrication company. But, as he says, it became evident through his schooling that he really enjoyed the business side of engineering. So when his parents offered the opportunity to run the family business, he “jumped at it.”
Kyle’s sister, Karen has also been involved in the family business most of her life. She is officially part of the team now as well, working as administrative assistant.

Rizzoli’s Automotive was started in 1976 by Kyle Rizzoli’s grandparents, Mario and Mary, and Kyle’s father, Jim. Well-known and liked in the community, the Rizzolis were able to establish a booming business. In 1989, Jim and his wife Kay purchased the business. Currently, Jim and Kay are still actively involved in the running of Rizzoli’s. Jim is the president and Kay chief financial officer. But the younger generation is now the lead on determining the future direction of the business. “It’s natural that we’d have some changes we want to make in the business,” says Kyle Rizzoli. “But one thing that will never change is the philosophy with which my family started the business: Do things the right way, the first time, and treat everyone as you would like to be treated. These have always been the core values of Rizzoli’s, and I will continue that tradition. We care and I think that shows through to our work.”

For more information or for an interview, please call Kyle Rizzoli at (805) 541-1082 or log onto www.rizzolisautomotive.com.

Last Updated: September 2010