Hilltop Automotive

Steve Saporito was originally trained at Northrop University as an Airframe and Power Plant Mechanic for jet aircraft and graduated in 1983. There he studied electricity, hydraulics, pneumatics, physics, cleaning and corrosion control, mathematics, instrument systems, communications and navigation systems, air conditioning systems, de-icing systems, fuel systems, fire protection systems, electrical systems, lubrication systems, ignition and starting systems, security systems, braking systems, airflow systems, cooling systems, exhaust systems, and other subjects with regard to aircraft repair and modifications. In 1984 he leased a local Unocal service station (Steve's Union Service) two blocks from his home. Steve’s background from Northrop University made him a meticulous mechanic and enabled him to grasp the most complex automobile technology easily.

In 1992 Unocal cancelled his lease for the service stations, and he set out to purchase the station from them. Over the next 5 years he was in legal negotiations with Unocal, Banks, and the City to resolve purchase price, cleanup responsibilities, financing, and zoning issues. After these issues were resolved, he began building the current facility.

The current Hilltop Automotive facility opened on February 15th, 1997. He started the business with two employees, himself and his mother working the front office the business has grown since then. In December he hired two more mechanics to handle the workload. In 1998, as business increased, he started hiring more mechanics to assist in handling the workload.

Today the business employs a staff of 7-12 including 3-5 ASE-certified mechanics. The shop services all makes, years, and models of automobiles.

Read More