Ravi Mathur’s journey from a humble background to becoming the proud owner of Akin Auto Care showcases the power of determination, hard work, and a passion for what one loves. Even his business logo is a tribute to making the American dream come true.
Ravi Mathur’s journey began in India, where he grew up in a humble family. With hopes of finding better opportunities, Ravi’s parents made the courageous decision to relocate to the United States in 1997. Inspired by Hollywood movies and the allure of big cities, Ravi followed in their footsteps, embarking on a quest for a brighter future. Arriving in Memphis, Ravi soon realized that his American dream would unfold just a little bit differently. Settling in a small town in Mississippi, he experienced the challenges of living in an area where even the nearest grocery store was miles away.
Determined to create a successful life, Ravi discovered his passion for automobiles. Cars became more than just a means of transportation; they became a symbol of his aspirations. Recognizing his love for the automotive world, Ravi made a pivotal decision — he would pursue a career in the industry. Even in the face of potential failure, he was determined to chase his dreams.
Ravi met his wife Alyssa in Chicago; they have now been married for six years and have been blessed with a wonderful two-year-old son. Ravi began his career working as a Chevrolet product trainer and eventually was transferred to the Houston area. A few years ago, the news of his wife’s pregnancy became a turning point for Ravi. Motivated by his deep love for his unborn son and wife, he wanted to provide a better life for his growing family. With determination, Ravi began exploring various opportunities of acquiring his own car shop.
After a failed initial deal, Ravi’s agent presented him with an intriguing option — an independent auto shop in Cleveland, Texas with an excellent reputation. A visit to Akin Auto Services revealed shared values with its previous owner, and Ravi saw this as the chance to seize his dreams. In July 2021, Ravi officially became the proud owner of Akin Auto Care.
Embarking on his new venture, Ravi took a leap of faith, pouring their savings into his new business. Initially, rebuilding trust with the customers took time and work. However, through perseverance and dedication, they managed to win the loyalty of the Akin clientele. Ravi’s guiding principles of honesty, continuous learning, and a strong work ethic formed the bedrock of their success.
When Ravi’s father passed away a year ago, it presented him with a choice — should he sell his newly acquired business and start over in Memphis to be with his mother? A visit to his mother solidified Ravi’s question. The pride his father took in his shop and the encouragement from his family compelled Ravi to stay true to his dreams. Akin Auto Care became a dedication to his father’s memory and a testament to the fulfillment of his own American dream.
His wife Alyssa adores that Ravi dedicates himself wholeheartedly to his business, along with his amazing ability to balance work with being a husband and father. She is not only proud of his work ethic, but of where he has brought the business today by putting in a lot of long hours and never giving up. She is most proud that Ravi provides all his customers with the red-carpet experience.
To Ravi, his employees are more than staff — they are family. Every July, he celebrates with his staff in honor of their business anniversary. Every December, his team and their family members are invited to an annual Christmas party. Ravi also treats his customers like family, stating that his goal is to be the best with honesty and integrity. Joel, one of the longest-serving employees at the shop, sums it up, stating, “We take care of our customers like our family.” This commitment to exceptional service and building strong relationships has been instrumental in the growth and reputation of the business.
With a drive for improvement, Ravi invested heavily in upgrading the shop’s facilities. The introduction of new camera systems, cutting-edge computers and diagnostic machines, and refurbished bay doors transformed Akin Auto Care into a modern, efficient operation. Demonstrating his dedication, Ravi even painted the building (as a birthday gift to himself) in his business colors of red, white, and blue–symbolizing the fulfillment of his American dream. When Ravi purchased the shop, he changed the name from Akin Auto Service to Akin Auto Care and designed a new brand around the American flag. The A in the logo represents the flag with stars, the wings represent the eagle, and (of course) the car represents the auto shop. The logo is a tribute to making Ravi’s American dream come true.
Akin Auto Care remains deeply committed to giving back to the Cleveland community. Actively involved in supporting local sports and various charitable endeavors, Ravi and his team prioritize being a positive force in the neighborhood. New initiatives are coming soon, such as free AC and brake checks that further demonstrate their commitment to serving the community and providing exceptional care.
Ravi’s story is a reminder that dreams can be achieved with unwavering commitment, even in the face of adversity. His pursuit of excellence, strong values, and dedication to family, customers, and community make him an inspiration to all. Stop by for a visit and give Ravi and his team a chance to win you over with the quality of their work and customer service.
Akin Auto Care
1309 N Washington Ave
Cleveland, TX 77327
281-592-8749
akinautocare.com
Postcards Magazine
936-293-1188
PO Box 690
Huntsville, TX 77342
