About Us

Paul Criswell first opened Paul’s Automotive on V Street in 1974. He later moved the shop to the current location on 20th and O Street in 1981. He wanted an automotive shop that was part of the community and that people could trust. Paul retired in 2015. Mike Spellman started as a tech at Paul’s in 1992. He now owns the shop and continues the tradition of Paul’s today. Mike’s philosophy is to do whatever it takes to be the best automotive repair shop in town and to have his customers have a great experience.

Meet Our Team

Mike Spellman, President and Owner

Mike has been a car enthusiast since an early age, watching his uncles and dad drag race. He has worked in the industry all his life. He loves the feeling of taking a car that isn’t running right and fixing the problem, and to watch the customer drive away happy and safe. First a tech at Paul’s since 1992, and now the owner, he brings this wealth of knowledge and a determination to provide the best customer service experience. In his free time, Mike enjoys drag racing his 1972 Challenger and spending time with his family.

Tracilyn Peters, General Manager

Tracilyn has been a car lover all her life. Her passion began when as a young girl, her family’s old cars became her playground. As she grew older, she helped her grandfather work on cars and enjoyed “cruising” her 1967 Cougar XR7 on the weekends (she still has it, by the way). Tracilyn puts her years of Business Management and Finance experience to use making sure that our shop runs smoothly.

Froylan Flores, General Manager

Froylan was first a technician and then transitioned to service writing in 2018. Given his background as a technician, you’ll be confident that Froylan knows the ins and outs of your car when he’s working with you. He always ends each day with the satisfaction of knowing that he has helped people with one of the most important parts of their lives, their ability to drive to where they need to go. When he’s not at the shop, you’ll find him spending time with his family and two daughters.

Jonathan Berni, Service Advisor

Jonathan started working on motorcycles and lawn mowers in high school. Jonathan joined the US Army after high school and served in the motor pool. When his time serving our country ended, Jonathan attended South Seattle Community College and received an Automotive Associates Degree in 2002. After graduation Jonathan was a Service Technician at various shops in New Jersey, Washington and California. Jonathan uses his experience as a Service Technician to help customers make informed decisions and prioritize needed repairs.

Ray Chau, Service Advisor

Ray grew up repairing and modifying cars even before he had his license. Although he did not professionally enter into the automotive industry until 2018, his enthusiasm for cars and being in the sales/customer service sector most of his career has made his switch into the Service Advisor position a natural transition. His commitment to meeting the customers needs and high expectations is his biggest asset. Ray enjoys traveling and relaxing with the family but still finds time to tinker with his cars.

Greg Smith, Smog Technician

Greg has always been interested in cars, especially all of the technology involved. He formerly was a welder on heavy equipment, but made the switch to working on cars in the 1990s to follow his love for cars and to learn more about them. He later got his smog license in 2013. On the weekends, you’ll find Greg working on the cars he has at home or enjoying the outdoors, whether it’s fishing, archery, or doing gardening and yard work.

Owen Musgrove, Service Technician

From an early age, Owen loved taking things apart and putting them back together. Combining the fascination with mechanics and a love for cars, Owen is excited to bring his enthusiasm and knowledge to the Paul’s Automotive team. Growing up in the Sacramento area, Owen is happy to be a part of a local team providing excellent service to his hometown. A graduate of Universal Technical Institute, Owen earned 7 Director’s Honor List awards and four Student of the Course awards. His spare time and money goes towards building his 1989 Nissan 240SX drift car, helping friends and family maintain their vehicles and playing with his rescue cat Nismo.

Shane McCoy, Service Technician

Shane's interest for cars started very young. His father worked at an Italian Specialty shop (before his passing) and that inspired Shane to find a passion in the automotive field. Working on cars is something Shane loves to do as it teaches him how to maintain his own vehicles, and his families’ vehicles when they need help. Shane likes to spend his free time cruising in his Lexus LS400, relaxing with family/friends, and taking photos. Shane has worked on cars since he was 16, and has gained 3 years of experience working in the automotive field. He’s excited to be at Paul’s Automotive so that he can broaden his skill set.

Cesar Hernandez, Service Technician

Cesar started working on cars when the need arose on his own vehicles and those of his friends and family. Cesar grew up Sacramento and doesn't plan on leaving. When he is not at work Cesar enjoys camping, hiking and going on any outdoor adventure. He also enjoys volunteering to help his community.

Lee Gonzales, Technician

With Lee, working on cars began as a hobby that eventually blossomed into a profession. Lee mentions that working on cars is one of the few jobs where he has feels a true sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, everyday. His favorite job, is "R&R", or remove and replace, work. On the weekends, he enjoys playing basketball with friends.

Jacob Spellman, Quality Control Specialist

Since January 2018, Jacob has personally inspected every car that leaves the shop, making certain that the services performed meet the high standards of Paul's Automotive. If something isn't to Jacob's specifications, he announces his concerns, loudly. Always smiling or laughing, he is a joy to work with.

Jackson Spellman, Customer Service Expert

Since May 2016, Mike oldest son has been providing the shop with high quality customer service. In his free time, Jackson enjoys reading books and playing with cars.

Benjamin "Benny" Spellman, Director Of Outreach & Community Relations

Since January 2018, Benny is always on the move with an energetic and animated personality, making him the perfect fit to develop positive relationships with our community partners.