“From 1959 to 2009 –
Celebrating 50 years of serving our Community”
Jay’s Story
Standing the test of time, Jay’s Automotive, 3808 N.E. Michigan St, has proven its ability to cross generations while remaining committed to its founding principles. The story began in 1959 when Jay Robertson opened his first auto repair facility at Ninth St & HWY 123 in Dewey, OK. In that small, tin shop, adjacent the old Joe Inda’s 66 Gas Station, Jay began building the foundation for future success. Customer satisfaction and dependable service remain engraved into the fabric daily operation. “Terms that are almost cliche today were a part of our dad’s philosophy 41 years ago,” said Dean Robertson, one of several family members who continue the legacy. “We respect where we started and understand our responsibility to uphold both our father’s reputation and the confidence of the public we serve.”
Jay was an inventor in his industry; a man with vision. In the late fifties, he was the first in our area to develop an oscilloscope, an instrument used to record the electrical impulses critical in fine tuning engine operation. “Working at home after regular shop hours, over about a month, I built an oscilloscope using a Heath Kit,” said Jay. “It gave me the ability to see the ‘heartbeat’ of an engine. Much like a heart monitor, we learned to read messages received from the machine and how each ignition modification was affected.” That pioneering spirit received its fuel from a desire to provide customers with more: not just an educated guess, or the process of elimination, but rather the perfect diagnosis and widest array of service options.
From those visionary beginnings, Jay’s has grown into a modern, cutting-edge facility with four service bays and team of nine veteran technicians. Dean and his brother Mike bring together the family tradition and experiences from their youth and blend them with today’s automotive requirements. “We grew up working in dad’s shop,” Dean said. “Mike and I learned first hand how to diagnose problems and communicate effectively with people. Today, our customers can be reassured that we have a personal commitment to their total satisfaction. For example, if a customer requests that a car be prepared for a cross country trip, we see that as a monumental responsibility. We still have second and some third generation drivers who remain loyal customers because of our diligence.”
What has changed? Technology. “When it comes to technology, education and training,” says Dean, “we have the same vision our dad has.” Jay’s, which services all makes and models of domestic and import vehicles, currently conducts five continuing education courses annually at its facility to keep the team up to speed on the latest automotive advancements. “Our shop is cutting edge. We maintain state-of-the-art equipment which gives the consumer better information to make the appropriate buying decision," Dean stated. “Our industry is driven by cause and effect. By the time we see the vehicle, it’s often in the effect stage. We see it as our responsibility to determine the cause so the effect can be eliminated for good.”
Jay’s Automotive is also staying ahead of the learning curve by being prepared to work on the growing number of vehicles utilizing alternative fuels. The facility was certified by the state in 1994 to service vehicles burning compressed natural gas (CNG), and has been involved in training and testing with alternative fuels in locations as far away as Costa Rica. That is commitment to the future. Jay’s Automotive offers service with distinction. Stranded? Receive courtesy rides to work or home with people you know. Receive prompt follow-up calls from the same person you spoke with at the facility, someone with first-hand knowledge of the diagnosis. Have your questions answered thoroughly. Jay’s is also authorized to perform extended warranty service and repairs. Simply put, Dean said, “doing what’s right, just and fair....that’s the most important thing.”
