Close-up on Clint’s Auto

Written by Anna Ferraro

Photos by Lynn Colburn

If you love what you do, your customers notice. If you’re living your dream in your business, chances are, your clients are, as well. And such is the case for Clint’s Auto, a relatively new automotive repair business in Jacksonville. Located at 106 Ankrom Court, Clint’s Auto is quickly becoming a hub of activity for clients who want a mechanic that they can trust with anything – including their credit card numbers.

Owner Clint Wortman shares, “Since I was about 13 years old, I’ve been passionate with cars. It all started with my grandparents’ garage, tinkering around with my grandpa’s vehicles. Working on lawnmowers, then cars, to anything motorized. Having parts out everywhere at the house.” He commented with a chuckle, “During the summers, I would get in trouble a lot, too, with Grandma, for leaving stuff hanging in the trees, and leaving the garage floor a mess.”

At 16 years old, Wortman started acquiring his own tools and solidified his goals – as an adult, he wanted to become a mechanic. He completed an associate’s degree at Lincoln Land Community College, and went to work. For years, he worked for various dealerships on the regular 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. shifts. After hours, he worked in his own garage. During that time, he confirmed his calling and honed his craft, saying, “I realized I wanted to do it on my own.”

Since opening Clint’s Auto in June of 2016, Wortman is acquiring a reputation as a trustworthy mechanic with exceptional skills. With a full-time employee and a rapidly growing customer base, Clint’s Auto is expanding and thriving. It’s recent additions? Three lifts and the new installment of a 4-post alignment rack, “A big plus!” In addition to doing basic engine repairs to full rebuilds, Wortman offers tire services, alignment services and computer programming on-site. He shared, “We may be small … but the stuff we offer is everything you can get at a dealership. A lot of people don’t realize that there’s only one other shop in town that does all the computer programming.”

While you would expect Wortman to be a certified technician, he takes skill and integrity in his business to an unexpected level. Check this out. He said, “If you bring your car in for a new brake job [for example] … I would take you out there [into the shop], show you the problem … and show you how I would fix it.” No surprises there. In Wortman, you’ve got a mechanic you can trust. He shares, “The main thing I love about being in business for myself is getting the feedback from customers. When they write a review, at the end of the day, I feel like I’ve done something.”

Wortman’s customers reinforce his credibility. In 21 Facebook reviews to date, his business has all 5-stars and one 4-star review. Not bad. The reviews include comments from customers about his outstanding services, “not only did he do a great job but his prices are the best around.” Or his love for his customers, “Always able to get right in and love going to a place with passion.” Are car repairs painful for you? How about this one, “Never thought I’d see the guts of my new truck but [Clint] made the experience painless.”

So, next time you’re in need of some car repairs, give Wortman a call at 217-320-8822. Fixing your car is his dream come true. Once it’s fixed, the dream come true is all yours.