180 Degrees Automotive

	Sarah "Bogi" Lateiner started 180 Degrees Automotive to provide individualized automotive repair service and educational programs about automobile maintenance, and to break the stereotype that "women don't know anything about cars." Her mission is to inform and empower her clients to take an active role in caring for their vehicles, and to encourage other women to pursue careers as auto mechanics. She is currently writing a handbook for women, and anyone else, who wish to learn more about their cars and about the world of automotive repair. Bogi developed an interest in automotive technology at Montclair High School, NJ, where she rebuilt her first car, a 1974 Volkswagen beetle, and convinced the school board to continue funding industrial arts programs, arguing the value of teaching skills that would be useful throughout life. A graduate of Oberlin College in Ohio, where she majored in pre-law and women's studies, Bogi decided to pursue her dream of becoming an auto mechanic. She earned an Associate Degree in Automotive Technology at Universal Technical Institute in Phoenix, AZ, completed post graduation training at the BMW STEP Program in Montvale, NJ, worked as a BMW technician in New York, and distinguished herself as a Master Technician and ASE Certified Specialist at Scottsdale BMW before starting 180 Automotive.

	Christina is Bogi’s right hand woman, and sometimes her left hand too. Her energy and enthusiasm, and willingness to be the brunt of many a shop joke, is the glue that keeps us together. Christina’s obsession with cars began as small girl who really just liked the idea of getting dirty, high school auto shop was a natural fit. After high school she tried her hand at a few other fields, but kept getting pulled back to her original passion. In 2005 she gave in and enrolled at Universal Technical Institute where she earned her associates in automotive and diesel technology. She worked for Firestone for a year before getting snatched up by 180 Degrees Automotive, where she is thriving not only as a mechanic, but in handling all aspects of the business. When not expertly juggling a million things at the shop Christina is diligently working on her bachelors degree in business at Phoenix College and enjoys cruising around town on her vintage bicycle and pickling strange vegetables with her crazy but lovable roommates.

	Matt is our most recent addition to 180 Auto. His experience with cars and all things mechanical is far too extensive to bore you with, but definitely makes up for his refusal to wear a skirt to fit in with the ‘all female’ theme. Hey – we tried! Matt has been turning wrenches as far back as he can remember, and probably bleeds hydraulic fluid. ASE certified and dealer trained by Chrysler Jeep Dodge, Matt will work on anything from a lawnmower to a freightliner with confidence and ease. Plus – his tool box will make any tool loving person drool. When not at the shop - Matt enjoys cruising town on his Harley, devouring his incredible wife’s amazing cooking, playing with his ‘too cute for words’ grandson, and assisting his wife in her business with Primerica (for information you can get in touch with him through the shop at info@180auto.com) Of course, while he will never admit it, he really is a big teddy bear, and the shop wouldn’t be the same without him.

	At just 17 years old, Roland is already distinguishing himself as a fine mechanic. His work ethic and dedication combined with his ability to put up with all of our excentricities, shows a maturity beyond his years. A senior at metro tech high school, Roland spends his afternoons with us at the shop for school credit soaking up as much about cars as he can. A first generation German American, Roland is absolutely (sometimes frighteningly) obsessed with BMWs particularly his own 91 525i which I’m pretty sure he would take into his bedroom each night if he could. When not at school or at the shop, Roland also works at AJ’s Fine Foods and helps his father detailing cars.

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