Clinton Small Business Spotlight: Cardone and Daughter Automotive, Inc.

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this exciting series — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

Thank you for this opportunity. I’ve attached a photo and also a flyer of our upcomingMay 2nd “Open Shop”.
Here are the questions you asked, briefly answered:

Small Business Spotlight Questions:

Business: Cardone & Daughter Automotive, Inc.
Owners: David & Nancy Cardone
Website: www.CardoneAndDaughter.com
Address: 177 Boston Post Road, Westbrook CT 06498, right over the Clinton town line.

How did you come up with the name?

David started this business with his daughter, Kyona. She has since gone on to become an optometrist and a mother to a 6-year-old grandson, Sano. Nancy’s daughter, Natalie, has taken over duties for Kyona. So, there is still a daughter in the business!

Why start a business in this town?

This part of the Shoreline is not only beautiful, but centrally located and easy to get to from all areas.

What business are you in?

Vintage and contemporary automotive repair.

What’s the most difficult challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

Keeping up with technology; tech training and specialized tools and equipment needed to keep up with new vehicles.

What’s been your proudest achievement since opening?

We have been in business for over 20 years, performing well over 38,000 vehicle repairs on cars of all makes, models and years. We are proud to have established a reputation for preserving and promoting vintage and classic cars. We were voted “Best Repair Shop on the Shoreline.” And, we are very proud to be “female friendly!”

How does your business give back to the community?

We have been having “Open Shop” days here at Cardone and Daughter Auto for several years. Anyone in our community is welcome to stop in, have a free hot dog or hamburger and enjoy meeting some vintage and classic car owners and seeing their special cars. We collect canned goods for the Shoreline Soup Kitchens in our office and on “Open Shop” days. We have been doing car club events here at the shop for years as well. We have also had a nice relationship with Clinton Youth and Family Services, having presented a program for youth drivers and having a job shadowing program in place. We are happy to contribute to local community projects through donations and program advertisments. We are also Clinton Chamber of Commerce members.

Would you like to see your small business showcased in this series? Email wendy.mitchell@ patch.com.