The OptiAuto Story


While hanging out with some friends back in 2012, a friend called asking about fixing a battery for her Honda Civic Hybrid: “I need help!”

I excused myself from my friends, walked her through the different kinds of batteries for Hybrids, and helped her find the best solution. With my experience in the auto industry, I knew where my friend could get her battery, and how much she should be paying for it. When I returned to my group of friends, we joked over how I came across as a car concierge service rather than an established dealership.

We laughed, until I thought: Well…why not?


A few months down the road, and a young woman comes into the shop asking for a quote for a car repair. She was given a quote and after a little while admitted that she had been driving to many dealerships and repair shops to get quotes for that particular repair, trying to find the best deal. Now, I started and ran my dealership Autoflex LLC since 2009, but I realized there was nothing on the market that would give an instant quote for a car repair!

And that was when “why not?” became “why didn’t I think of this sooner!?”


OptiAuto was then created with the sole purpose of facilitating auto care needs, from maintenance to repairs and replacements. It was designed to be an auto care alternative to going around town to each and every shop looking for the best deals, parts, and prices. We do that for you so that there’s one less thing to worry about!

Our Team

Govinda

"If you want things to change, first you have to change."

I started up the local dealership Autoflex LLC back in 2009, here in Gainesville. Since then, I can’t count how many people call me when they are getting a repair done on their vehicle. I have gotten repairs done on thousands of cars so I know the ins and outs of almost every car. I can tell you the best rims to go with your tires, when to spend more on an important part and when a less expensive part does the trick. You could say I’m a little obsessed with cars.

Fun Fact: I am part Brazilian, Italian and Colombian. I grew up traveling to different countries and landed in Florida when I was nine; I’ve been here ever since ☺

Rose

"Try new stuff as often as possible"

After many years of starting (and working with) many small entrepreneurial ventures, I began looking for something more fulfilling. This came in the form of being a part of giving back and collaborating with many volunteer organizations small and large. Some of the more memorable ones included the Wounded Warrior Project, KMA, CITY, The CITY Gala, Unite4Humanity, and the Fame & Philanthropy Charity Gala (which Bill Clinton, James Cameron, Richard Branson, and Jane Fonda all attended).

Some of the Companies I have had the opportunity to work with are: Temporary Ink Studios, A4A, Freight Exchange, and even SRV Holdings.

Fun Fact: I'€™m like a child in a candy store. I enjoy the thrill in learning, experiencing, and exploring new areas and talents. I love to dance, travel, read, and spend quality time with friends and family.

Martin

"To attain new significance and peace, greater level of awareness is vital"

Martin is experienced in web, online marketing and audio-video.

Some of the clients Martin work with: Senator Bob Kasten, Orlando Brown, Carolyne Roehm, Pipin Ferreras, Football America, Fluke Networks, Embassy of Slovak Republic, BBT and more.

Fun Fact: Father of three boys. Passion for ice hockey, music and earthing.

Nila

I have mostly dealt with real estate since graduating from UF in 2007, overseeing my family's rental portfolio in Gainesville and originating mortgages with Chris Doering. With over 150 rentals, I've had my fair share of both preventative and emergency repairs. I've also experienced many of the frustrations and problems dealing with contractors, and the headache of trying to find a reliable and reasonably-priced one. That's why I'm excited at the prospect of helping sort through the headache with the auto repair industry locally.

 
Fun Fact: My wife Jahnava Rico and I spent 2 in New York helping run a vegan restaurant and boutique. We still cook and sell healthy vegan Indian food at music festivals locally, under the banner Higher Taste.