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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17th Street automotive core values and excellence 17th Street Automotive using ATI (automotive training institute) core values: 1. Do the right thing 2. Bring IT every day 3. Check EGO at the door 4. Make quality personal 5. Be performance driven 6. Go the extra mile 7. Continuously improve on everything you do 8. Take Responsibility 9. Strong processes are the foundation of success 10. Honor Commitments 11. We're all in the customer service business 12. Demonstrate passion and our mission 13. Listen generously 14. Recognize the power of beliefs to influence actions 15. Speak the unvarnished truth 16. Practice blameless problem-solving 17. Set and ask for expectations 18. Embrace change 19. Appearance counts 20. Be punctual 21. Be a source for acknowledgement and appreciation 22. Be quick to ask and slow to judge 23. We are a FAMILY 24. Keep things FUN 17th Street Automotive: Auto Repair in Virginia Beach Built on Core Values When drivers search for auto repair in Virginia Beach , they’re not just looking for a quick fix. They want a repair shop they can trust —one that treats them like family, communicates openly, and delivers lasting results. At 17th Street Automotive , that’s exactly what we do. Our team lives by guiding principles that keep your experience front and center: Do the right thing – Honest, transparent repairs every time. Bring it every day – Passion, energy, and professionalism in every service. Check ego at the door – Teamwork and collaboration to solve problems quickly. Make quality personal – We treat every repair as if it were for our own family’s car. Go the extra mile – From digital inspections to Carfax updates, details matter. Continuously improve – Training on hybrids, EVs, and advanced diagnostics keeps us ahead. Strong processes, strong results – Tekmetric workflow, warranties, and safety checks keep you covered. We’re family – Customers aren’t just transactions—you’re part of our Virginia Beach community. Keep it fun – Because good service should also feel good. By staying true to these values, we’ve earned a reputation as one of the most trustworthy car repair shops in Virginia Beach . Whether you need brake service, alignments, hybrid/EV expertise, or routine maintenance, our focus is always on safety, performance, and customer care . Why Choose 17th Street Automotive? ✔ ASE-certified technicians ✔ Honest and upfront estimates ✔ Carfax-documented service ✔ 3-year/36,000-mile NAPA warranty coverage ✔ A local team that treats you like family At 17th Street Automotive, values drive everything we do . Schedule your next appointment today and experience why so many Virginia Beach drivers choose us for reliable automotive repair and maintenance .
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August 26, 2025 Don't forget! Our VAA Fall Social events are happening across the state this November! Whether you’re in the mountains, the city, or by the coast, there’s a gathering near you — and we’d love to see you there. Join fellow VAA members for a casual evening of conversation, connection, and fall fun for FREE. Here’s where we’ll be: Charlottesville ️ November 6 | ⏰ 6–8 PM Three Notch’d Brewery Warrenton ️ November 6 | ⏰ 6–8 PM 4J’s Farm Richmond ️ November 20 | ⏰ 6–8 PM The Park RVA Virginia Beach ️ November 20 | ⏰ 6–8 PM Beachside Social Club ️RSVP now and reserve your spot! We can’t wait to reconnect and celebrate the season with you. Sincerely, Virginia Automotive Association
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Essential Shop/Job Supplies for Every Auto Repair & Body Shop – 17th Street Automotive, Virginia Beach When it comes to providing top-notch auto repair and body shop services, having the right shop supplies on hand is key. At 17th Street Automotive in Virginia Beach, VA, we believe that quality repairs start with top-quality products and tools. That’s why we stock a full range of automotive shop supplies to tackle any job — whether you need a routine oil change, brake service, or full-body restoration. Here’s a look at the essential shop supplies we use every day to make sure your car is safe, reliable, and back on the road as soon as possible: ✅ Fluids & Lubricants From topping off your engine oil, power steering fluid, and coolant, to using specialized brake fluid and transmission fluid, our team keeps all the standard automotive fluids in stock so we can address any low-fluid condition immediately. ✅ Cleaners & Degreasers Professional-grade brake cleaner, carb and choke cleaner, and glass cleaner help us deliver a spotless finish. Our shop also uses battery cleaner and protector spray, so we can remove corrosion and keep your battery working like new. ✅ Adhesives & Sealants To ensure every repair is durable and long-lasting, we use RTV silicone, weatherstrip adhesive, epoxy, and threadlocker (such as Loctite Blue and Red). This prevents leaks and keeps fasteners secure. ✅ Shop Consumables & Safety Products A well-equipped shop also needs high-quality shop rags, disposable gloves, masking tape, zip ties, and floor absorbent for oil or coolant spills. Safety gear like safety glasses and ear plugs help protect our technicians while they work. ✅ Specialty Products At 17th Street Automotive, we don’t cut corners — we use trusted products like: PB Blaster to loosen rust and stubborn bolts Dielectric grease to protect electrical connections Spray lubricants for moving parts Bondo and seam sealers for professional body repair heat-shrink tubing, wire connectors, and electrical tape for dependable wiring fixes 🔧 Shop Supplies Inventory ✅ Chemicals and Fluids Brake Cleaner Carb & Choke Cleaner Battery Cleaner & Protector Spray Battery Terminal Protectant Penetrating Oil (e.g. PB Blaster) RTV Silicone (multiple types: black, grey, ultra-black, etc.) Thread Locker (e.g. Loctite Blue, Red) Anti-Seize Compound Dielectric Grease Power Steering Fluid Brake Fluid Windshield Washer Fluid Transmission Fluid Engine Oil (various viscosities) Coolant / Antifreeze ✅ Shop Consumables Shop Rags / Terry Towels Microfiber Cloths Nitrile Gloves Disposable Seat, Floor, and Steering Wheel Covers Parts Cleaning Brushes Zip Ties (assorted sizes) Sandpaper & Sanding Blocks Masking Tape / Duct Tape / Painter’s Tape Sanding & Grinding Discs Wire Wheels & Wire Brushes Scotch-Brite Pads Emery Cloth Grinding Wheels / Cut-Off Wheels ✅ Sealants and Adhesives RTV Silicone Gasket Maker Weatherstrip Adhesive Plastic Trim Adhesive Two-Part Epoxy Super Glue / Instant Adhesives Seam Sealers ✅ Fasteners and Hardware Hose Clamps (various sizes) Cotter Pins Assorted Nuts, Bolts, Screws, and Washers Zip Ties ✅ Lubricants Multipurpose Grease White Lithium Grease Spray Silicone WD-40 Specialty Greases (e.g. wheel bearing grease) ✅ Cleaning Supplies Shop Towels (paper rolls) Disposable Gloves Floor Dry / Oil Absorbent Glass Cleaner Degreaser Hand Cleaner with Pumice Cleaning Wipes Vacuum Filters and Bags ✅ Safety Equipment Safety Glasses Ear Plugs Face Masks / Respirators N95 Masks Fire Extinguishers First Aid Kit Refills ✅ Paint & Body Supplies (for body shop work) Primer Paint Reducer / Thinner Mixing Cups & Stir Sticks Tack Cloths Bondo & Body Filler Spreaders Plastic Sheeting & Drop Cloths Masking Paper ✅ Miscellaneous Consumables Heat Shrink Tubing Electrical Tape Fuses Wire Connectors & Terminals Bulbs (headlight, marker light, etc.) Vacuum Caps Grease Fittings 🏅 Why Shop Supplies Matter Using the right shop supplies isn’t just about making the job easier — it’s also about making sure your repair is completed safely, correctly, and efficiently. From clean rags that prevent contamination to specialty adhesives that seal leaks for the long run, every detail matters. 📍 Ready for a Repair? Choose 17th Street Automotive in Virginia Beach When you visit 17th Street Automotive, you can trust that we have the tools, materials, and expertise to get you back on the road quickly — and safely. Our team is proud to use industry-standard shop supplies to perform every job the right way. 📞 Contact us today to schedule your next service, or stop by our shop at 17th Street Automotive in Virginia Beach. Let our experienced team take care of your vehicle — because you deserve only the best!
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17th Street Automotive Re-Torque Wheel Policy Effective Date: 06/10/2024 Applies To: All Customers Receiving Wheel Removal/Reinstallation Services Purpose This policy is designed to ensure customer safety, prevent wheel-off incidents, and maintain the integrity of our service standards. Proper re-torquing after wheel installation is critical to avoid potential hazards caused by wheel nut loosening due to thermal expansion, vibration, or initial settling. When Re-Torquing Is Required Re-torquing is strongly recommended for the following services: Tire replacement or wheel rotation Brake jobs involving removal of wheels Suspension work involving wheel hub or bearing components Axle-related repairs Any reinstallation of wheels for any reason Customer Acknowledgment Process Upon service completion involving wheel removal or installation, each customer will receive a Re-Torque Reminder Form, either printed or sent digitally via email/text. The reminder includes: Torque specification for their vehicle Date of service Recommended date or mileage to return (usually within 50–100 miles or 3–7 days, whichever comes first) Waiver of liability for failure to return for re-torque Re-Torque Service Details Cost: Free of charge Time Required: 10–15 minutes, walk-ins welcome No appointment required, but customers are encouraged to call ahead if visiting during peak hours Performed by: Certified technicians using calibrated torque wrenches to manufacturer specs Customer Education At the time of service, advisors and technicians will inform customers: Why re-torquing is critical What risks are associated with skipping the re-torque That alloy wheels especially are susceptible to torque loss due to temperature and material expansion Documentation & Liabilit y All re-torque reminders and service completion notes are logged in the Tekmetric system under the customer's vehicle history Customers who choose not to return for a re-torque will have a note added to their file stating they were advised of the importance and declined or did not follow through A disclaimer is included on all relevant invoices, noting that 17th Street Automotive is not liable for wheel-related issues if the recommended re-torque is not performed Policy Sign-Off (Optional But Highly Suggested) For high-risk jobs (suspension/lift kits/custom wheels), a customer acknowledgment signature may be required, stating they understand and accept responsibility for following up with re-torque recommendations. Technician Accountability All torquing is performed with calibrated tools and logged under the tech’s ID Spot checks are done weekly to ensure calibration standards are being upheld Any issues are documented and reviewed during technician performance evaluations Policy Review Cycle This policy is reviewed every 12 months or as needed in response to new safety data, equipment updates, or legal requirements. goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.
