Meet Mario Dorantes of Gardena

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mario Dorantes.

Hi Mario, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Our story began in 1994 on Jefferson Boulevard in Los Angeles, CA. For more than 30 years, we proudly served our community while building trusted partnerships with Hertz, Alamo, Dollar Rental Car, and Workmen’s Auto Insurance.

In 2017, we embraced a new chapter by relocating to Gardena, CA. It was there that our business truly flourished, earning public recognition for our commitment, expertise, and fast turnaround times. Later that same year, we proudly became a corporation and expanded our partnerships to include Enterprise Rental Car and Wheels Fleet Management.

Like many businesses, we have faced challenges, most notably during COVID-19 and other unforeseen circumstances. Yet, it is in those moments that our team has shown its greatest strength, uniting with resilience and determination.

Looking back, we are proud of every obstacle we’ve overcome and every milestone we’ve achieved together. And looking forward, one thing is clear: C&H is here to stay.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The business has faced challenges both big and small, whether working with customers, navigating insurance companies, or adapting to unforeseen circumstances. Through it all, Mario has remained the driving force, using his knowledge, experience, and dedication to uphold the business’s reputation. His leadership and commitment have ensured that every customer feels valued, heard and well cared for along the way.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Before becoming the owner of C&H Auto Center, my journey in the automotive industry began in 1984 at Scott Robinson Honda, where I worked as a car porter. My days were spent running back and forth, parking and receiving customer vehicles—but my heart was always set on becoming a painter. During my lunch breaks, I would stand outside the painters’ garage, carefully watching their workflow, their technique, and the way they mixed paint.

In 1987, I took a step closer to that dream by joining Torrance Mazda as a buffer. That experience opened the door to Adam’s Auto Body in Gardena, CA, where I started once again as a buffer but was soon trained as an automotive prep. With dedication and persistence, I eventually earned the opportunity to become a painter—and that is where my true story began.

I poured myself into learning everything I could, driven by the need to provide for my family and the desire to build a better future. Eventually, I left Adam’s Auto Body and joined C&H Auto Center in Los Angeles. Over time, I became the legal owner—and from there, the legacy of C&H Auto Center truly began.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The greatest quality that has shaped my success is the resilience I built through the challenges I faced on my journey. There was a time when my son and I slept in our car, relying on public restrooms just to get by. Those experiences fueled my determination and gave me an unshakable hunger to succeed. Today, that same drive not only keeps me moving forward but also serves as a lesson I pass on to my children. That no matter how difficult life becomes, perseverance and hard work can turn obstacles into opportunities.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://chautocenter.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cnhauto/?hl=en
• Other: https://abc7.com/videoClip/6237994/

Image Credits
Mario Dorantes