Matt Balin (Owner and Master Technician)Hello, I am Matt Balin, one of the luckiest people that I know. I have a wonderful wife, three great kids, I regularly participate in community service, I have a nice home, a smart dog and a happy turtle (well, it seems happy)! Opening our shop has taken 30 years of automotive training, education and experiences and put them all together to benefit my family, friends and clients alike. If you wonder if I am really as happy as I state, come in and let's chat. Life is Good and I am grateful to be where I am today. I look forward to meeting you at Matt's Imports! |
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Tracy Halter-Balin (Office Manager)Given my educational background, I think it’s safe to say that I never thought that I would be adding the title of “Office Manager/ Auto Repair” to my list of jobs or careers. And yet, here we are, pursuing one of Matt’s dreams of opening and running an independent shop … and it’s quite an adventure! In the role of Office Manager, I am happy to keep the paperwork and behind-the-scenes details organized while Matt makes the auto magic happen. It’s wonderful to watch him meet and greet the potential clients while gaining their trust in an industry filled with skepticism and distrust. My past jobs have all been in the Early Childhood Education and/or music fields thanks to my music and single-subject credential degrees from CSULB. When I’m not at Matt’s Imports, I can be found helping out at Halter & Associates (now known as Heather R. Chambers, CPA) or at First Congregational Church, Long Beach where I am the Assistant Director of Music. As time permits, we love spending time playing tennis, biking, kayaking and taking our dog for walks along the river bed. |
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Sean Balin (Apprentice Technician)I'm Sean Balin, son of Matt and one of the two apprentice technicians here at Matt's Imports. My life revolves around working with my hands so it was only natural that I eventually tried my hands as a mechanic. Growing up I worked on various building projects with my Grandfather, and every so often I would help my Dad replace brakes or other parts of our cars in our driveway. When I am not here working I am normally expressing myself artistically. I am the one who designed our company logo, and I've also designed many tattoos for family and friends. I understand that I am at a critical point in my life when I am supposed to decide what I am going to do, so I am trying many different things to see what works best for me. I love working at Matt's and can't wait to strengthen my skill set. |
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Brandon Gay (Apprentice Technician)I am Brandon, Matt's nephew and have been an apprentice technician ever since this shop began. To be honest I feel completely lucky, everything I am learning here at Matt's Imports is vital and will carry on with me for the rest of my life. I am currently pursuing a degree in archaeology, and enjoy backpacking and other outdoor activities. Working here has helped me to start thinking outside of the box when pursuing a problem and has already started helping me in my everyday life. I am always happy to help, and look forward to seeing you at the shop. |