Exploring Life & Business with Hector Maldonado Jr. of Second2None AutoSpa LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hector Maldonado Jr.

Hi Hector, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Well, my love for cars started at a very early age. Many of my family have been into cars, and I grew up with them working on cars and doing bodywork, etc. So while in high school, I took automotive classes to learn even more than I already knew. So after high school, I enrolled to be an auto technician. I finished trade school quickly due to my prior experience working in cars. So after school graduation, I got a job at a dealership as a technician. I was born in San Jose, CA. I graduated from San Jose high school in 1994 with a full scholarship for playing baseball. In 2000 I decided I wanted to change my life and moved to Mesa, AZ. I got a job at a Dodge dealership, was there for 5 yrs, and got a better opportunity at another dealership. I was at the dealership for 10yrs.

While working there, I was also working at a body shop. I wanted to work at a body shop to learn and be able to do anything I wanted to a vehicle build. So I accomplished it all how I wanted. I am an ASE World master tech and ASE Automotive Painter. After working for a business, I made a big decision. I wanted to start my own business, take advantage of my work experience, and earn and be paid what I am worth. In 2002 I started my own business Second2None AutoSpa LLC. While having my own business, I bought my dream car, a 1989 Saleen Mustang. I built it entirely from the engine to the suspension and the paint; from my build, it represents me, all the work I can do, and my years of doing it. It has won every top car show in all the shows it’s been to. In my experience, all the cars I detail come out perfect because of the understanding of paint and more. I am also very well known for my work in auto detailing and am IDA and LLCRC certified; I was the first to apply ceramic and graphene coatings in AZ. When I do customer care, I give it my heart, and I love to do what I do and have my customers always happy. My big inspiration for all I do is my dad always being by me and supporting me. He would sit and watch me do my engine builds and painting etc. But on March 1st, 2022, my father passed away, and no doctor knew what was wrong with him. To this day, it hurts so much not having him around and watching and hearing his voice and watching loving all the cars. So all my builds I do I dedicate to him. If it wasn’t for him and his support and pushing me to be the best, I wouldn’t be where I am today and the man I am. But at least he got to see and hear top auto builders respect and love my work, such as legend Chip Foose. He w aged to meet me at the SEMA show in Las Vegas, and it blew my mind to meet a car master like himself. He found out my dad had passed away and gave me perfect words, respect, and loving condolences. He knew how I felt. He lost his father, also. So yeah, it’s pretty emotional talking about it, but I know he is proud of me, and I will continue to do what I love and know he is watching me. As we speak, I have a build I am doing for him, a 2014 Mustang GT. It’s all most all done and will be at shows and sema this year.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been fairly smooth?
Oh no, it’s been harder than a few times, but we have a deal and learn from them. It’s all part of life and being a business owner. But I love it all in gods hands and let him guide me thru it.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Second2None AutoSpa LLC?
We specialize in paint and paint correction, ceramic coatings, etc. Anyone who wants to have us get your car done knows it’s being done right, and no guesswork or half-fast work. Also, never bs or lie to any customers. Nobody comes close to the work we get done and will always have that peace of mind.

We love surprises, fun facts, and incredible stories. Can you share something that might surprise us?
They all know I am always picky about how all the work I do is perfect, no matter what. One thing about me few know that is hilarious is that I almost got into a fistfight with a known big actor. Lol, it happened when I was in 8th grade at Disneyland. I had a massive argument with Mario Lopez, aka Slater, from the show Save the Bell.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/second2noneautospa?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Other: www.tiktok.com/@detailking01 

Image Credits
All photos and images are all done before and after cars are done. All credits are for Second2None AutoSpa LLC