About Us
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Craig, Ben, and Jacob are all experienced, ASE-certified master technicians who enjoy working on European cars. Read on to learn what makes each of them unique. |
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Craig Duncan, Owner
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Craig Duncan grew up in Manchester NH and graduated from West High. In addition to his ASE certification he also has an L1 certification in advanced diagnostics. After many years working for other repair shops, Craig opened Duncan's European Automotive in January 2004. How did you get into cars? I was always a gearhead kid. I started with a '69 Mustang Mach 1 when I was 16. My parents got tired of me working on it in their garage, so I got a job working 5 nights a week at a gas station. I've been working on cars ever since. Why do you specialize in European cars? Most people who drive European cars hold their cars, themselves, and their professional dealings to a higher standard. That lets me repair cars to the standards that I want to repair them to, rather than "band-aid" something that's just good enough. What type of cars are your favorites? Of course I like European cars in general, and Swedish and German cars in particular. Swedish cars have the same level of mechanical and technological intricacy as German ones, but with a different approach to design. For example, Saab made airplanes before they made cars, and the first airplane they designed had the propeller on the back. I call that "Swedish logic." A lot of mechanics hate working on Swedish cars, but I find them fascinating. Why did you start your own business? To help customers in the way I thought they should be taken care of. To not have people be assigned a number like at a dealership, or be kept waiting hours for an oil change. Or be constantly upsold repairs with the sole idea of making a profit for the business establishment. I knew a business could be run better than that and I wanted to prove it. What's it like having a business here in Derry/Londonderry? My customers are very good to me, and I want to be here for them when they have issues with their cars. I like being able to see my customers not only here in the shop on a professional basis but also out and about the town. This is a great community and I'm happy to be part of it. |
Ben Duncan, Technician
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Ben Duncan graduated from Concord Regional Vocational School, then attended the Universal Technical Institute in Illinois for 1 year. Upon graduation, he was hired by Mercedes-Benz where he underwent 6 months of rigorous factory training. He worked for a dealership for 2 years, then spent 3 more at an independent repair shop. He joined his father Craig at Duncan's European Automotive in May 2005. How did you decide to become a mechanic? I've always been interested in how mechanical objects work. As a kid, I took apart stuff like the VCR and the lawnmower. (Ask his father about this one - Ben was only 3.) I also built go-carts. Most of my buddies were into cars, and my dad let us use our garage at home to work on them. By the time I was 15, I was pretty sure I wanted to be a mechanic. Do you have any areas of specialty? I especially like to work on Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, and BMWs because of the quality of their engineering. I like the challenge of doing electronic diagnostics. I also enjoy restoration work - large jobs where the entire car has to come apart. Last but not least, I'm into alternative fuels, which is why I converted my 1991 Mercedes 300D to run on used vegetable oil. |
Jacob Warshaw, Technician
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Jacob Warshaw enjoyed working on cars while he was growing up, but after high school he got a degree in business management and went to work for an insurance company. He soon decided to return to his first love, fixing cars, and earned his Associates Degree in Automotive Technology at New Hampshire Community College. He worked at an independent repair shop for 2.5 years before joining Duncan's European Automotive in September 2006. What do you like to work on? I like the way German cars are built. They're built well and built to last. I like the way they look and the way they drive. They're also built with the technician in mind, which makes them good to work on. I like doing electronic diagnostics and engine work. What's it like working here? Every day is different, so it's never boring. It's a nice environment, pretty relaxing, and the customers are really nice - really friendly. I look forward to coming to work. |
