Meet Martin Lugo | Collision Center Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Martin Lugo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Martin, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I never really thought about starting a business while I was employed. To be honest, being a first-generation college graduate really helped me in the field I was in along with growing up helping my dad in the auto repair industry. I spent the first few years looking for a marketing job after graduating but it wasn’t panning out too well. So decided to work for my father’s employer. I applied all the knowledge I learned there. After I left that job, I went to work for a bigger shop where I quickly thrived and was doing very well. My father’s employer closed the shop down and my dad really wanted to do his own thing. It had been a dream of his ever since we moved from Long Beach, California in the late 90s. So i quit my job and said, “Let’s do it.” I did it thinking of my father and how much he’d sacrificed for myself and my brother. He paid all my traveling soccer team expenses while I was growing up and worked countless late nights just so I could go to all those soccer tournaments and showcases. He came here looking for a better life for his children and this is how I am repaying him. He always says he wants this for us, which I believe and know is true. I do not want to see him working at an old age as a necessity. God knows he won’t ever quit though.

What should our readers know about your business?
I own a family collision center where we actually care about our client’s vehicles. We’re not like your big-name shops where your car is just another one on the lot. We make sure we deliver the best possible product we can. Vehicles are test driven, paint work is buffed, and throw in extra stuff. I am a very picky person along with my father, so if it gets by us then chances are quality is great. We really do take pride in what we do at Chamblee Dunwoody Collision Center. It wasn’t an easy process getting the shop going and to continue operating it. It can get very stressful at times, but all we can do is keep pushing. You have to believe in what you are doing and that it will ultimately pan out. It was hard for me to embrace that at first, but hard work pays off.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
To be honest I don’t go out much as my work takes up a lot of time. I definitely enjoy live music so I would take them to my favorite music venue (Tabernacle) if there was a concert going on. That’s my thing. Live music.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to thank everyone that has mentored me in the growth process including my parents, brother, coaches, teachers, employers, and girlfriend Linda for all encouragement and feedback they have given me. It has been very valuable to me in stressful times.

Instagram: chambleedunwoodycc