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14 SANTA CRUZ WOMAN SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 2015 A woman-owned business, in operation since 1982. Jane Story, Owner/Agent Ph: (831) 476-2667 E-mail: jane@handymanco-op.com Handyman Co-Op is a referral agency for a group of skilled, independent, licensed and unlicensed contractors specializing in home repair. They are on call for most types of home repairs. They have been screened for their skills, character and dependability. No job too small - and if we can't do it, we'll tell you who can. Since 1982 our affordable prices and reliable, versatile, skilled tradesmen have served the community, up-grading the handyman image with workers of integrity and personalized, friendly attention to clients. Our clientele includes homeowners, landlords, property managers and realtors; we give special attention to women's handyman needs. Handyman Co-Op serves all of Santa Cruz County. Phone (831) 476-2667. We have satisfied customers in Aptos, Ben Lomond, Boulder Creek, Capitola, Felton, Freedom, Monterey, Santa Cruz, Seaside, Scotts Valley, Soquel & Watsonville. WE RETURN PHONE CALLS - AND ACTUALLY SHOW UP! the Carpentry Plumbing Electrical Drywall Painting Carpet Hardwood flooring Vinyl flooring Ceramic tile Marble & Granite Concrete & Cement Remodels Appliances Organizing Phone hook-up Gutter cleaning Yard clean-up Hauling E-mail: jane@handymanco-op.com y for a group of skilled, independent, licensed and Phone (831) 476-2667 Handyman Co-Op "Get Results With Ruth!" Thunderbird Real Estate 2601 41st Ave, Suite A Soquel, CA 95073 #01799929 www.ruthbates.com ruth_bates56@yahoo.com RUTH BATES Broker Associate & MBA Hello. I am a Santa Cruz County Top Producer and my goal is Satisfied Clients. I am also active in the community supporting Cabrillo College Foundation, WES, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Midtown Café. In 2015, I have closed deals for 10 Sellers and 8 Buyers. SELLERS: It is a SELLER'S MARKET right now! Inventory is very, very low, and the Buyers are ready! Your home is probably worth more than you think. Call or email me today for a FREE CMA! BUYERS: interest rates will be moving up soon – the time to A CT IS NOW! Call Me Today! 831.359.2212 #01799929 K im Johnson is the owner of AAMCO Transmissions Total Car Care in midtown Santa Cruz. She is unique among a male dominated auto repair industry where grease and grime-covered technicians are the norm. That does not intimidate Kim nor stop her from being one of the most respected automotive repair shops in town. In fact, it inspires her. "We started our business 10 years ago" said Johnson, "My husband and I wanted to work together as a couple." A former Jazzercise instructor and stay-at-home mom, Kim learned everything transmission from on the job training including instruc- tion from her own technicians. As she grew into the business partnership with her hus- band, so did he later pursue another great job opportunity. This new growth for the both of them gave Kim the chance to take full reins of the shop. "Women aren't really comfortable going in to a mechanic shop because they rely on the technician to understand what's wrong. They feel vulnerable," she noted. Being a woman gives Kim a great advantage, not only because she helps other women to feel more comfortable about heading to the mechanic, but also because she cares to give everyone a clear picture and diagnosis of what is wrong with their car. She follows a hands-on approach by showing and giving her customers exactly what they need: an honest fix. "Santa Cruz is a small town com- munity where you get to know everyone. It has a good feel," she said. This notion is apparent from the excellent references that she receives by other automotive shops, who refer their own customers to her shop when they are in need of transmis- sion repair. This notoriety has continued to establish AAMCO of Santa Cruz as a highly regarded business. Kim further transforms her business and personal felt duty to take care of the com- munity by giving to charitable causes. To- gether with being a leader in the mechani- cal world, she gave back to Harbor High School by donating $1500 in order to help build their new baseball field. Johnson says she wants people to feel comfortable about the decisions that they make. "I'm not in it to be a millionaire," she said cheerfully, "I want to feel good about what I do." Kim Johnson and her transmission specialists/total car care technicians can be reached at 831.454.9388. They are located at 1915 Soquel Avenue and open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. See www.aam- cosantacruzca.com for their full list of services. WOMEN TAKING THE REINS IN MECHANICS by Susan Webb