About Us Naperville, IL Auto Repair
A Reputation Over 45 Years in the Making
Naper Auto Works has provided premier customer service and auto repair in Naperville, since 1977. People who bring their vehicles to us are our friends, family, and neighbors, many of whom have trusted Naper Auto Works with their vehicles for decades. We believe that our quality auto repair in Naperville is a reflection of our shop’s character, and our team is dedicated to upholding the reputation for excellence we have built for more than 45 years. Our team members always strive to meet and exceed all of your expectations for service and auto repair in Naperville. Since opening our shop doors, we have diligently upheld our original business plan of developing ongoing relationships with our customers, rooted in confidence and trust. Our customers are always treated with the utmost respect. We recruit and retain the best auto repair technicians possible, so you have only the most qualified experts handle your vehicle.
Naper Auto Works History
Our original location was at 400 E. Ogden Ave. (at Loomis St). On September 1st of 1977, founding partners Jim Hess & Greg Waite, after much cleaning & refurbishing, re-opened the closed down 4 service bays at the Old “Gas Can” Gas Station there ~ only to find out a few months later that the property had been sold to a bank to build on. On March 1st of 1979 Greg & Jim relocated Naper Auto Works to our Current Location on Mill St where Naperville Ready Mix had been located for many years. Our company has grown at a constant rate ever since. We strive to treat our customers just how we would want to be treated. We look forward to serving you!
Meet the Owners
Jim Hess Sr.
Co-Owner & Founder Since 1977, ASE Certified Master Technician
Jim attended Naperville Central High School and concentrated his studies towards an automotive career. Following high school, Jim attended Waubonsee Community College and earned an Associate Degree in Automotive Technology in 1976. He then spent another year studying business at College of DuPage before partnering with Greg to start Naper Auto Works. Jim’s previous employment includes working at a Goodyear tire service center & the service department of a Ford industrial tractor dealership. Jim has spent many years coaching youth football, including teams advancing in the Pop Warner National Champions. He currently is an assistant coach for NNHS Varsity Football. He also enjoys attending Bears games with his family and friends. After spending the majority of his time in the shop and at the front counter Jim’s duties have shifted to a reduced schedule mainly in the back office.
Greg Waite Sr.
Co-Owner & Co-Founder of Naper Auto Works, ASE Certified Master Technician, ASE Master Truck Technician
Greg, a co-founder of Naper Auto Works, has been involved in its operations over 45 years. He has been Certified as an ASE Auto & Truck Technician. As he inches towards retirement, he can still be found daily at the shop. Growing up in Naperville, Greg is thankful for all that his town has to offer. His hobbies are many, including family travel, wood & metal working and keeping up with his grandchildren.
Trevor Silberhorn
General Manager
Trevor joined our team in 2019. He earned his Automotive Certificate from the College of DuPage and holds ASE certifications as a Master Technician, Advanced Level Specialist, Undercar Specialist, and Service Consultant. Trevor also plays an active role on the College of DuPage Automotive Advisory Board. In his free time, he enjoys golfing and spending quality moments with his wife and children.
Meet the Team
Our team specializes in many different types of vehicles, and since they work on a wider variety of vehicles than their dealer counterparts, their overall expertise is greater, too. By working on many makes and models, our technicians can be trusted to properly diagnose challenging repairs and other issues. As automotive technology advances, our team is continually updating their education & skills. We appreciate each one of our customers, and are proud to help them better their driving safety and experience with top quality maintenance and auto repair in Naperville, IL.
Mike Mahon
ASE Certified Master Technician
Mike is our Shop Foreman and an ASE Certified Master Technician with an advanced L1 Certification. A graduate of Wyoming Technical Institute in 1984, Mike has been a cornerstone of our team since joining in January 1996. His extensive experience and leadership play a crucial role in maintaining the high standards of our shop.
Tim Breedlove
ASE Certified Master Technician
Tim graduated from Universal Technical Institute in 2001. Since joining our team in May 2005, Tim has proven himself to be a dedicated and hardworking professional with a strong sense of integrity. His commitment to excellence and deep expertise make him an indispensable part of our team.
Al Vasquez
ASE Certified Master Technician
Al has over 38 years of automotive experience. A graduate of Lincoln Technical Institute in 1999, Al joined our team in December 2014. His extensive knowledge and experience have made him a vital asset to our team.
Jason Shubert
ASE Certified Master Technician
Jason Shubert brings over 35 years of automotive expertise as an ASE Certified Master Technician, having graduated from Lincoln Technical Institute in 1992. He became part of our team in June 2015, where his deep knowledge and commitment to the craft have greatly enriched our operations.
Robert Cappello
Service Advisor
Robert Cappello is a seasoned Service Advisor with a rich background in the automotive industry. Before joining our team in 2018, Robert honed his skills as an auto technician with Ford, complemented by extensive training in Ford and Volkswagen certifications. His impressive 12-year experience in the racing industry includes working with teams in ARCA and NASCAR Truck Series as a rear tire carrier and mechanic. Additionally, Robert has over 30 years of experience in OEM technical support and service management, making him a valuable asset to our team.
Bruce VanDevender
Certified Technician
Bruce VanDevender joined our team in January 2022 as a technician. He holds an Associate's Degree in Automotive Service Technology from the College of DuPage. In addition to his technical role, Bruce occasionally handles phone inquiries and provides estimates, showcasing his versatility and commitment to our team.
Guillermo Bahena
Certified Technician
Guillermo Bahena joined our team in January 2024, bringing with him a passion for all things automotive. A 2023 graduate of UTI, Guillermo gained valuable experience in the industry before becoming a part of our crew. A true car enthusiast, he loves working on and driving his Ford Mustang GT when he's not at work.
Eddie Ramirez
Certified Technician
Eddie Ramirez joined our team in 2024 and brings a wealth of experience and technical expertise. A 2018 graduate of Elgin Community College, Eddie holds four ASE certifications (G1, A4, A5, A6) and is actively pursuing additional certifications to achieve Master Technician status. With over five years of hands-on experience—two years at a dealership and the remainder in independent repair shops—Eddie is not only skilled but also highly tech-savvy. He has a deep interest in understanding and mastering the latest automotive technologies and the reasons behind their design.
Angel Lozano
Service Advisor
Angel Lozano is a dedicated automotive service advisor with five years of industry experience. He joined our team in 2024 after initially starting on the general repair side, where he quickly discovered his passion for customer service. Before joining us, Angel gained valuable experience working for Tesla. His enthusiasm for the automotive field drives him to continually expand his knowledge and skills. With a strong commitment to delivering exceptional customer service, Angel is a valuable asset to any team and looks forward to providing top-notch support to our customers as he continues his journey in the automotive industry.
Marianne Paulson
Office Manager
Marianne Paulson joined our team in 2024, bringing with her extensive experience as an office manager, primarily in the medical field. Seeking a change and living nearby, Marianne discovered Naper Auto Works. After getting to know her, we knew she was the perfect fit for our family. Her skills and experience make her a valuable addition to our team.
Give Us a chance to be your “one stop shop” for oil changes, maintenance & repairs!
At Naper Auto Works, we always go the extra mile in the shop so you can on the road! Give us a call today. We’re excited to show you why so many customers chose Naper Auto Works for all of their maintenance needs and auto repair in Naperville, IL!