Former mechanic now running his own business, Torbitt’s Service Center

By Stefan Yablonski

After working for more than 20 years at a car dealership, Justin Taber decided to start his own business, Torbitt’s Service Center at 5837 Route 104.

Q: When did you start?

A: I’ve been here since 2022. Torbitt’s Service Center has been around since 1965.

Q: What did you do before this?

A: I worked at Burritt’s. I was there for 23 years.

Q: So, how did this all come about?

A: The former owner knew me and that I had fixed cars for a lot of people. He said he thought I’d be right for the job and he trusted me.

Q: How much did you have to invest to get started?

A: I invested $50,000. I kept the people — two techs and I hired a third recently. So it’s just the four of us right now.

Q: From employee to owner. Was there a learning curve?

A: Yes.

Q: Any problems?

A: The computer end of it. We have some new systems now, so it’s pretty much straight forward, user-friendly now. One of the hardest parts for me was not actually working on cars … just doing the customer service.

Q: What services do you offer?

A: We do everything from a flat tire to an engine overhaul. It’s pretty busy.

Q: You have a considerable background as a mechanic.

A: Yes. My grandfather was a mechanic, too. And he owned the Sunoco station in New Haven for many years. My dad was a mechanic, also at Burritt’s. Then he went to the Mexico [school district] bus garage and retired as a mechanic. So I was like third generation at Burritt’s.

Q: What has changed with today’s cars?

A: Nowadays you have all the hybrid nonsense. Now everything is basically with a computer — a computer to fix a computer on the car.

Q: What’s the best part of your job?

A: I enjoy working with the customers; just to see the variety of people from college kids to the people who come here yearly for their inspection and oil change. They have been coming here for years or they followed me because they trusted me. The numbers of customers are going up.

Q: If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?

A: I’d probably still be working on cars up there [at Burritt’s].

Q: What made you decide to take the leap?

A: Gone as far I could as an employee. I’m not getting any younger.

Q: So you thinking about slowing down, maybe retiring?

A: I have a ways to go before I think about retiring. I’m happy here.