Meet Carlos A. Robles Garcia | Certified Technician & Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carlos A. Robles Garcia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carlos A., how do you think about risk?
I think of risk as an opportunity to grow. In the automotive industry, there’s always going to be uncertainty, whether it’s trying a new repair method, switching shops, or learning a new skill. I don’t like to see risk as something to fear, but something to manage smartly. I try to weigh the pros and cons, trust my experience, and stay open to the lessons that come with taking on challenges. Most of the progress I’ve made in my career came from taking risks that pushed me to get better. It’s a necessary part of growth and innovation. Risk has played and still plays a big role in my journey. Becoming a certified technician took commitment and the risk of investing in myself without knowing exactly where it would lead. While attending Universal Technical Institute and at the same time having a part time employment at Baytown Ford to put my skills into use was a challenge. Then working at different automotive shops, some big and some small, meant stepping into unfamiliar environments and learning to adapt quickly. Each move came with uncertainty, but also opportunity. Eventually, I took the biggest risk of all, starting my own business. It hasn’t been easy, but taking those chances taught me to trust my skills, stay focused, and keep growing. Without risk, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Robles Customs is an auto repair shop located in New Caney, TX, in the suburbs of the Houston area. We offer a comprehensive range of services including wheel alignments, brake service, suspension work, A/C service, along with custom wraps for a personalized touch. From simple repair work to more complex repairs, we do it all to keep our customers safe and confident on the road. What makes us unique is our customer service, we pride ourselves on having a welcoming and friendly environment. We don’t just do the auto repair, we build relationships with our customers. We believe in fair, honest pricing and making sure every customer feels informed and confident about the work being done on their vehicle.

Robles Customs started as a dream fueled by my passion for automotive work and the desire to provide honest, high-quality service. Upon graduating high school I decided to assist Universal Technical Institute to become a certified technician. From early on, I was determined to own an auto repair shop, but I had to start somewhere. While attending tech school I also decided to apply at dealerships in the Houston area to put my skills to use. I was offer a part time job at Baytown Ford. We all know Houston is a great big city with endless opportunities. I was driving daily from North Houston to Baytown. Work and school work and school was all that was in my mind. After completing my certifications and graduating from UTI, I took the risk of every two years to pursue more opportunities. I would apply for employment to different shops and dealerships to continue to learn and grow from others. I thank all the automotive shops who gave me employment and lessons. Working at small shops and dealerships taught me a lot, not just about basic mechanic repair, but about work ethic, shop management, and customer service. In smaller shops, I learned how to be resourceful and wear multiple hats, from diagnosing to hands-on repairs to speaking with customers directly. At dealerships, I gained structure, process, and experience with more advanced tools and systems. Both environments taught me the importance of doing the job right, staying consistent, and always continuing to learn.

During the COVID year, I decided to take a break from the automotive industry to help with our family’s construction business. That experience taught me a lot, especially about customer service, managing multiple projects, and understanding how a business operates behind the scenes. It gave me a whole new perspective and helped build the skills I now use to run Robles Customs. In 2023, I took a major risk and bought a property with the goal of turning it into Robles Customs. It was a big step, but one driven by a clear vision, to build something of my own that reflected my passion, experience, and commitment to quality service.

I kept myself motivated and till this day I still do. Maintaining a positive mindset and a strong desire to succeed has been key to overcoming obstacles and staying focused on my goals.It hasn’t been an easy road and it still isn’t, but when you love what you do, it makes every challenge worthwhile, even the toughest repair jobs I take on.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If a good friend was visiting our city I’d start the day with some good coffee and breakfast because I know my wife would really enjoy that too. Depending on the day we would drive out to Galveston to enjoy the coast and try a few different restaurants along the seawall as well go for a walk or even fishing since it’s one of my favorite hobbies to do in my free time. I also really recommend checking out The Woodlands area. The Waterway there has a great atmosphere for walking, relaxing, and grabbing a bite to eat. It’s a beautiful spot to unwind in the evenings. For dinner on the evenings, we’d head to La Calle Tacos in Houston downtown for some great street-style tacos. For nightlife, I’d definitely recommend checking out some live music spots on Main Street or in Midtown. And if the Astros are in town, we’d catch a game. The goal would be to mix good food and a little bit of everything Houston and the surrounding areas have to offer.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my wife first and foremost. Her support, patience, and belief in me especially during the long hours, uncertain seasons, and big transitions have meant everything. I also want to thank my parents for their unconditional support and encouragement throughout my career. They have taught me the value of hard work and to keep pushing towards my goals. I have to give credit to Daniel’s Mechanic Shop for giving me my first opportunity and helping me get started in this industry. I’m grateful for the experience and support that set the foundation for my career. As well the dealerships and small shops I have worked in my career to gain valuable experience and skills. They taught me not just how to turn a wrench, but how to carry myself with professionalism and pride in my work. And of course, my customers, especially those who believed in Robles Customs from day one deserve recognition. Every job, every recommendation, and every word of encouragement pushes me forward. This journey has been mine, but I’ve never walk it alone with all the support I have received.

Website: https://sites.google.com/view/roblescustoms/home

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robles_customs/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572883111466