Craftsman Auto Care Takes the Helm at Iconic McLean Automotive

Family-Owned Business Plans to Carry on Tradition at Local Auto Repair Shop

MCLEAN, VA– September 15, 2020. For the first time since 1953 when Paul Justice started the business, McLean Automotive opened its doors under the leadership of another local family. The shop, still in its original location in the heart of Old Town McLean, is a community landmark founded on the principles of honesty, hard work, and community service. When owners James and John Justice decided it was time to entrust their business to new hands, they knew Matt Curry’s Craftsman Auto Care was the best choice.

“We are honored that the Justice brothers trust us with the legacy their father started when he opened McLean Automotive in 1953. It’s a big responsibility, and I was humbled when I learned Craftsman was the only business that they considered to carry on their heritage,” said Matt Curry, owner of Craftsman Auto Care.

James, a Langley High School graduate, took over running the business from his brother John who had been in charge since their father passed away in 1975. The family built their reputation one car at a time and became fixtures in the close-knit community, supporting numerous organizations including McLean Little League, scout troops, churches, schools, and local charities.

“I’ve seen how Matt operates and how he treats his customers and employees, and I’d like that for my business. I’ll miss the people, but I know I’m leaving them in good hands. It’s time to let someone else tackle the challenges of keeping up with technology, and I’m ready to enjoy retirement away from the auto repair industry,” said James.

Matt Curry is a true native of Washington, DC having been born in Sibley Hospital. He grew up in Vienna, graduated from James Madison High School, and attended George Mason University. After working alongside his brother Bob at several auto shops, Matt started Curry’s Auto Service with his wife Judy and Vernon Abel, their VP of Operations and a 40 year ASE-Master technician. They grew Curry’s to 10 locations, employing more than 150 people and servicing 5,000 vehicles per month, before selling the company in 2013.

Matt was named a “Home Grown Hero” by The Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship, and bothNorthern Virginia MagazineandThe Washington Business Journalrecognized Curry’s: as Best Auto Repair Shop in Northern Virginia and as one of the Fastest 50 Growing Businesses in the Washington, DC area respectively.

Realizing how much he missed interacting with customers, creating jobs, and making a difference in local communities, Matt opened the first location of Craftsman Auto Care in 2017 and opened 3 more locations within 8 months. McLean is the company’s 5^thlocation, joining those in Alexandria, Chantilly, Fairfax, and Merrifield. With Craftsman, he’s found a niche in re-branding iconic community businesses, updating them with the best and latest in automotive repair technology and staffing them with certified master technicians. Combine this with an unwavering commitment to the highest level of customer satisfaction, it’s no wonder that the Justice family entrusted its legacy to the Craftsman Team.

Craftsman Auto Care has locations in Alexandria, Chantilly, Fairfax and Merrifield and is open Monday – Friday 7:00am- 6:00pm; Saturday 8:00am – 4pm. Contactwww.CraftsmanAutoCare.comfor more information or call 833-CRAFTS1 or McLean at 703-356-7730.

Tags: Locally run small business, Local Entrepreneur, Auto Repair business, Curry’s Auto Service, Craftsman Auto Care, McLean Automotive, Paul Justice, Matt Curry's Craftsman, McLean High School, George Mason University, Chantilly, Fairfax, Vernon Abel, Alexandria, Northern Virginia Magazine, The Washington Business Journal, ASE-Master technician, Growth during pandemic, small business