2025 Virginia Beach Small Business Q and A (Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce)
Billy Cadaing • June 5, 2025
2025 Virginia Beach Small Business Q and A (Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce)
What inspired you to start this business?
This journey began when I inherited the business from firefighter Tommy Courtney—a mentor, friend, and someone who truly believed in me. He not only helped me move and settle in but also taught me the fundamentals of running a business and leading a team. More importantly, he gave me the chance to pursue something greater—to realize my full potential. One day, I hope to repay that gift in full, however I can.
I’m also profoundly grateful to the friends and family who stood by me, offering both financial support and emotional encouragement. Their belief in my vision made all the difference, and I carry that with me every day.
What are the core values that drive your business decisions?
At 17th Street Automotive, our decisions are grounded in patience and integrity. We believe in taking the time to do things right—listening to our customers, thoroughly diagnosing each vehicle, and never rushing the process just to move on to the next. Integrity means being transparent, honest, and standing by our work, even when no one’s watching. These values are the foundation of the trust we've built with our community, and we’re deeply grateful for the opportunity to uphold them every day.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting your business?
While fixing cars has always come naturally to me, the real challenge was learning how to run a business—understanding the financials, managing a team, and making decisions that impact more than just myself. I’m just a humble mechanic at heart, and for over 25 years, I’ve poured in blood, sweat, tears, time, and relentless effort to build something meaningful. The transition from turning wrenches to leading a business has been one of the most demanding and rewarding journeys of my life. I’m incredibly grateful for the lessons learned and for the people—mentors, staff, family, and customers—who have supported me every step of the way.
How do you differentiate your business from competitors in your industry?
At 17th Street Automotive, we pride ourselves on professionalism and a deep commitment to the people we serve—especially our local community, first responders, and military personnel. What truly sets us apart is not just the quality of our work, but the purpose behind it. We invest heavily in continuous improvement—upgrading our tools, expanding our services, and supporting the professional growth of our team.
We believe in building for the future. That’s why we host a high school mentorship program, offer ongoing in-person and online training for certifications and licenses, and actively engage the community through events and meaningful projects, like our locally inspired murals.
I’ve always believed in investing in oneself, in our employees, and in our neighbors. This mindset drives every decision we make—from offering 24-hour emergency contact, fleet delivery and drop-off services, free loaner cars, and rental options, to backing our work with a 3-year/36,000-mile nationwide warranty, loyalty programs, and even lifetime warranty plans for eligible services.
We’re also embracing the future of transportation by expanding into hybrid, electric, and autonomous vehicle service. Everything we do is centered on growing as a team, serving with integrity, and building a business that truly champions people.
What are some key factors that have contributed to your success?
Our success has been shaped by a combination of resourcefulness, continuous learning, and staying open to innovation. Leveraging free resources from organizations like The Hive has been invaluable in helping us build a strong foundation, especially in the early stages. We've embraced A.I. technology—using advanced repair management software like Tekmetric, integrated with a powerful ShopGenie CRM and an intuitive online scheduling system—to streamline operations and enhance the customer experience.
We've also benefited greatly from coaching and guidance through the Automotive Training Institute (ATI), which has helped us grow as leaders and sharpen our business practices. And when it comes to marketing, we’ve learned the importance of authenticity. Who better to represent your business than you? Staying engaged, being present, and sharing our story with honesty has allowed us to connect deeply with our community. I’m profoundly grateful for the tools, mentors, and people who have helped shape our journey at 17th Street Automotive.
How do you give back to the communities you serve?
At 17th Street Automotive, giving back is at the heart of who we are. We proudly support our first responders through community car washes, midnight car shows, and contributions to organizations like the VB Fire Foundation and the Samaritan House.
We’re especially passionate about mentoring the next generation, dedicating time and resources to local high school mentorship programs at First Colonial, Green Run, and Kempsville.
Each year, we host our 9/11 First Responders Appreciation Day—a heartfelt event featuring free food, cornhole tournaments, and giveaways—as a small way to honor the men and women who sacrifice so much for our safety and well-being.
Giving back isn’t just something we do—it’s part of our identity. We’re continuously looking for meaningful ways to show our gratitude and invest in the community that has given us so much.
What’s your go-to source of inspiration when you hit a creative or motivational slump?
In moments of challenge or doubt, I draw strength from many places. My faith in God grounds me and reminds me of my purpose. I’m deeply inspired by my mentor and the previous owner, Tommy Courtney, whose guidance helped shape the values of this business. I also find motivation through my ATI coach, Eric Twiggs, who continues to push me to grow as a leader.
Whether it’s a powerful message from a YouTube video, an insightful article, or an uplifting book, I seek out resources that fuel both my mind and spirit. But above all, it’s the people around me—my incredible family, my best friends, my partner, and our loyal customers—who remind me why I do what I do. Their encouragement, trust, and belief in this journey keep me going even on the toughest days.
If your business were a person, how would you describe its personality?
If 17th Street Automotive were a person, it would be proudly eccentric—a little unconventional, deeply passionate, and full of character. It’s someone who doesn’t just follow the crowd, but carves their own path with purpose and heart. This "person" would be the kind of neighbor who shows up when it matters most, always ready to lend a hand, share some wisdom, and never afraid to get their hands dirty.
There’s a deep sense of pride in being different—because it’s that difference that allows us to connect more meaningfully with people, build trust, and serve with empathy. Every quirk reflects the heart of our team: hardworking, community-focused, and driven by the belief that doing things the right way matters.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?
Every challenge has a solution—your job as an entrepreneur is to find it. Don’t become the obstacle to progress; instead, be the one who brings clarity, improvement, and vision to the table. Focus on making things better, and then make them look professional. Start with a solid foundation: develop a clear business plan with 5- to 10-year growth goals, and seek out the many free resources available in your community—like The HIVE in Virginia Beach.
Collaboration is key. Connect with other business owners, join programs like the UPLIFT Program sponsored by the City of Virginia Beach and AGH Advisory, and never underestimate the value of a good coach or mentor. Often, the support you need is already around you—you just have to reach out.
Most importantly, protect what you’re building. Remember the acronym B.A.I.L.: Banker, Accountant, Insurance, Legal. These are the four pillars that will help safeguard your business as it grows.
Running a business takes heart, grit, and humility. We at 17th Street Automotive are living proof that with the right mindset and community support, anything is possible.
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Company Information
Owner: Billy Cadaing, CEO
Main location: 1780 Virginia Beach Boulevard Virginia Beach VA 23454
Website: 17thstreetauto.com 17thstreetsales.com anythingEV.com
Employees: 17 (14 full time, 3 mentees)
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