The DR. Independent Service, which specializes in repairs on BMW, Landrover, Lexus, Mercedes Benz and Volvo automobiles, has won the 2007 Orange County Small Business of the Year Award. From left are shop owners Blythe and Jerry Fair, office manager Amy Saksa, and Marc Kennedy. The prize was awarded at the 8th Annual Small Business Conference held June 6 at Orange Coast College.

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The doctor is “in” for luxury car owners in Fountain Valley who want an “extraordinary experience” when it comes to car repair.

The DR. Independent Service, which specializes in repairs on BMW, Landrover, Lexus, Mercedes Benz and Volvo automobiles, has won the 2007 Orange County Small Business of the Year Award.

The prize was awarded at the 8th Annual Small Business Conference held at Orange Coast College on June 6.

As winner of the 2007 Small Business of the Year Award, The DR. Independent Service received a computer printer donated by Electronic Marketing, Inc.

The conference, “Top 10 Tips to Build Your Business,” was presented by the Orange Coast College Business and Computing Division and the OCC Foundation. More than 65 exhibitors participated in the event, which attracted hundreds of entrepreneurs and persons interested in starting their own business enterprises.

Melinda Nish, OCC’s vice president of instruction, presented the award to The DR. owner Jerry Fair. She commended the car repair show for building a business “almost entirely on referrals and word-of-mouth.”

The Dr. began as a small garage 18 years ago and grew into a 20,000-square-foot shop with nearly 20 employees. Each employee was handpicked as the best in their specialty.

The repair shop shares its shop space with community groups, including youth organizations, civic groups and high school athletic teams that use the facilities for car wash fundraisers and meetings.

Fair also offers a seminar for women and retirees to help them learn how to purchase a used car. Most recently the shop owner has been working with C Scouts on a merit badge for auto repair.

Last year’s Small Business of the Year Winner, Julie Ruhlander, assisted with the award presentation. Ruhlander is owner of Clothing Solutions Inc., a firm that makes easy-to-use clothing for elderly and disabled persons.

Previous Small Business of the Year winners include Development Marketing Group in Laguna Hills, Fountain Valley Bowl, Taco Mesa in Costa Mesa, and Susan’s Healthy Gourmet in Irvine. 
 
Union Bank of California and KNX 1070 NEWSRADIO were major sponsors for the event.