About Us
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Craig, and Ben, Pete and Josh, are 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. |
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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? Do you have any areas of specialty? Ben and Celeste’s daughter Drew was born in September 2008. Baby #2 is expected in November. |
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Pete Gelinas
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Pete has been friends with Ben since their days as “the car guys” in high school. After graduating from Pembroke Academy, Pete went with Ben out to UTI in Illinois and completed their 1-year program, followed by 3 months of Volkswagen factory training. Pete worked at a VW dealership for several years before coming to our shop. Why did you choose Volkswagen? What’s it like working here? Pete and his wife Tori welcomed their son Cooper in February 2010.
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Josh Mercer
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Josh graduated from Nashua high school. He worked briefly for a moving company, then as a car porter at a Volvo dealership “where I met my beautiful wife.” After completing UTI’s program in Massachusetts, Josh joined us in 2008. What got you into cars? Do you have a favorite type of car? Josh and Melissa recently bought their first home in Nashua.
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