Exploring Life & Business with Jay Salas of JNM Auto LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jay Salas.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, Juan “Jay” developed a deep love for cars at a young age, captivated by their speed, design, and power. At just nine years old, he moved to Brooklyn, New York, where his passion grew stronger under the guidance of his uncle Leo—a skilled mechanic who introduced him to the world of engines, tools, and street racing. It was in those city streets that he learned the value of knowing how to fix your own ride, gaining hands-on experience that shaped his mechanical instincts.

In 2016, he relocated to North Carolina with his wife and children, seeking a quieter life while continuing his career in the airline industry. After dedicating over 20 years to aviation, including many years with JetBlue, he took a bold step in 2019 and purchased JNM Auto, turning his lifelong passion into a business. When creating the business logo he knew he wanted it to reflect the 2 things that meant the most to him, his children and his beloved English Bulldog. JNM stands for Jayson, Nyobie and Matthew and right in the middle of the logo is Porkchop our beloved dog. In 2022, he officially retired from JetBlue, shifting his focus fully to JNM Auto and his family—living proof that hard work, passion, and hustle can turn dreams into reality.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting JNM Auto back in 2019 was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I had no idea where to begin—I had never run a business before, and everything felt overwhelming at first. I didn’t know how to handle the paperwork, manage money, or even how to get people through the door. All I really had was a passion for cars, years of hands-on experience, and the belief that I could figure it out.

On top of that, I was still working full time in the airline industry, so I couldn’t be at the shop every day in the beginning. My wife stepped up and held it down—running the business, managing customers, and keeping things afloat while I balanced both worlds. She was the backbone of the operation while I juggled my job and tried to learn the ropes of being a business owner on the side.

Those early days were tough. I made mistakes, learned a lot the hard way, and had plenty of nights where I questioned if I’d made the right decision. But I kept pushing. I asked questions, stayed up late learning the business side of things, and poured everything I had into making the shop work. Slowly but surely, things started to click. Customers came back, word spread, and JNM Auto began to grow into something real.

In 2022, I officially retired from JetBlue and finally stepped into the shop full-time. It was a long journey, but every step—good or bad—taught me something I needed to know. And now, looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing.

We’ve been impressed with JNM Auto LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
When we started the business in 2019, the one thing we were sure about was our commitment to providing honest and reliable service. We knew too many people who had been through frustrating or unfair experiences with mechanics, and we were determined to be different. From the beginning, our focus has been on doing quality, honest work—no gimmicks, no pressure, just real solutions. Jay treats every car like it’s his own, because that’s the level of care and respect every customer deserves

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Networking has been a major part of our growth. We make it a point to talk to as many people as we can about the business—because you never know who you’ll meet, how you can help someone, or how they might help you. Some of our strongest relationships, both personal and professional, have come from simply starting a conversation and building connections.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jnmauto.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jnmautollc