Franchise Owner Chris Anderson has been in the automotive industry for over 30 years. While in high school, he started vacuuming cars at a quick lube and worked his way up to managing dozens of locations in multiple states. In 2003, he came to vacation in Florida and that was all it took. He returned home, sold his house and immediately moved to the Tampa Bay area. He’s originally from Long Island, West Islip to be exact. Interestingly, when asked who his favorite sports team is, he answers, “Bacon!” since he doesn’t follow sports.
Our 16th Year! Free Oil Change for Toys to Support the Marine’s Toys for Tots
Ice Cold Air Discount Auto Repair is giving away a free oil-change including a tire rotation to any customer who brings in a new, unwrapped toy for the Marines’ “Toys for Tots” program from now until December 11th. This is the Pinellas-based auto repair franchise’s 16th year giving away oil changes to those who donate toys. Customers have the option of trading the new toy for an oil change and tire rotation on the spot or exchanging the toy for a voucher for a free future oil change and tire rotation or $20 off any service. There are 17 Ice Cold Air locations throughout Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties. “We are very proud to join the Marines and their exceptional program for our 16th year. It is an honor to help facilitate our customer’s support and making positive impacts in the lives of children in our community,” said Tina M. Denham, President of Ice Cold Air Discount Auto Repair. “Our customers and community have been very good to us for 50 years, and acting as a drop off location for Toys for Tots is an excellent way for us to give back to the community and our customers for their support.” Over the years, it is estimated that Ice Cold Air Discount Auto Repair customers have donated 28,000 toys. This year Denham says they aspire to donate over 2000 more, “our loyal customers have a proven history, and I know they are eager to support the program again this year. We are asking for even more community members to take advantage of this offer and help us meet our goal.” The toys should be of similar value, in the original packaging and unwrapped. Donations will be accepted at almost all of the 17 Ice Cold Air locations. Those interested in taking advantage of the promotion should call or stop by their local Ice Cold Air location to ensure participation. Visit www.icecoldair.com for a list of locations. # # #
The Perks of Becoming an Automotive Technician
Becoming an automotive technician is a rewarding path for anyone looking in the trades or to change careers. Getting to work with your hands all day and knowing that you finished your day with a job well done is a huge positive on its own.
If you’re looking to start a new, exciting career as an automotive technician, we’d like to share some of the perks of the job!
Stability
Variety
Advancement Opportunities (plus, great pay and a signing bonus!)
Satisfaction
These are just a few of the perks that come with becoming an automotive tech! We are constantly looking for new talent and unique individuals to join our team. If a new career is something you’re interested in, let’s look at what’s in it for you in your career as an automotive tech:
#1. Stability
There will always be a need for good automotive mechanics. You can choose to live anywhere and there will always be a way to find steady employment. You never have to wonder where your next paycheck is coming from, you will always have security for you and your family.
#2. Variety
Every day is a little bit different in the life of an automotive technician. Different cars, different parts, and always a new thing to learn! Trust us, there is a steady stream of change that keeps you active and prevents boredom in the day-to-day work.
#3. Advancement Opportunities
Becoming an automotive technician also opens you up to a world of opportunities. You can advance your career and eventually become a master in the field. This guarantees higher pay (Master Technicians in the US make an average of 123,527 per year) and more opportunities to do the type of work that you want to do.
In fact, the Ice Cold Air® Discount Auto Repair franchise makes a bit of a habit of turning former shop employees into successful entrepreneurs and business owners. Many of our franchise owners include both former managers and former technicians. We pride ourselves in our ability to offer a chance for those who’ve always dreamed of owning their own shop.
#4. Satisfaction
After a long day of work, you have the satisfaction of knowing you’re doing good work for your local community. You are keeping people safe in their cars, you are making their transportation more reliable, and you are spending every day doing the best work that you possibly can.
Plus, we care about giving back wherever we can to others in Tampa Bay. As a team, we conduct back-to-school and food drives, Toys for Tots for 15 years now, and so much more.
Join Our Team as an Automotive Technician
We have the BEST job! Every day is as different as the cars we work on. Become an automotive technician, diagnose and solve problems, and make repairs to keep cars on the road longer and keep our customers safe.
If you’re a seasoned automotive mechanic or just getting started, consider joining our team. We would love to hear from you; tell us why you’d be a good fit for our car care team. We are always interested in meeting and hiring new talent in the Tampa area. Send in your resume here!
Our 15th Year! Free Oil Change for Toys to Support the Marine’s Toys for Tots
Ice Cold Air Discount Auto Repair is giving away a free oil-change including a tire rotation to any customer who brings in a new, unwrapped toy for the Marines’ “Toys for Tots” program from now until December 12th. This is the Pinellas-based auto repair franchise’s 15th year giving away oil changes to those who donate toys. Customers have the option of trading the new toy for an oil change and tire rotation on the spot or exchanging the toy for a voucher for a free future oil change and tire rotation or $20 off any service. There are 17 Ice Cold Air locations throughout Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties. “We are very proud to join the Marines and their exceptional program for our 15th year. It is an honor to help facilitate our customer’s support and making positive impacts in the lives of children in our community,” said Tina M. Denham, President of Ice Cold Air Discount Auto Repair. “Our customers and community have been very good to us for 50 years, and acting as a drop off location for Toys for Tots is an excellent way for us to give back to the community and our customers for their support.” Over the years, it is estimated that Ice Cold Air Discount Auto Repair customers have donated 25,000 toys. This year Denham says they aspire to donate over 2000 more, “our loyal customers have a proven history, and I know they are eager to support the program again this year. We are asking for even more community members to take advantage of this offer and help us meet our goal.” The toys should be of similar value, in the original packaging and unwrapped. Donations will be accepted at almost all of the 17 Ice Cold Air locations. Those interested in taking advantage of the promotion should call or stop by their local Ice Cold Air location to ensure participation. Visit www.icecoldair.com for a list of locations. # # #
4th Street Location in St. Petersburg Now Servicing Vehicles using 1234yf Refrigerant
We are thrilled to announce we can now service newer vehicles that utilize HFO-1234yf refrigerants. This product is becoming more popular and can be found in many new vehicles starting as early as 2014 models. As of 2018, 50% of new vehicles from “original equipment manufacturers” (OEMs) are estimated to use HFO-1234yf.
We are the AC Experts in the St. Petersburg and we have the equipment to service these vehicles! PLUS, in most cases, we can SAVE YOU hundreds of dollars on recharging your system over the dealership. Call us to find out just how much money we can save you! 727-821-2653.
HFO-1234yf is the first in a new class of refrigerants with a global warming potential rating 335 times less than R-134a and an atmospheric lifetime of about 400 times shorter. HFO-1234yf has a global warming potential of less than 1, compared to 1,430 for R-134a. Carbon dioxide’s global warming potential is exactly 1. This colorless gas is being used as a replacement for R-134a as a refrigerant in newer model automobile air conditioners.
Service Manager Becomes Shop Owner
Chris Anderson was announced as the newest franchise owner of the Ice Cold Air® shop at 1406 North 4th Street, near beautiful Downtown St. Petersburg (DTSP). Anderson is a familiar face to the loyal customers of his neighborhood’s shop; he has served as the Manager at the location since last year. Chris moved to St. Pete in 2009 and usually walks or bikes to work. “I walk and bike everywhere: work, the grocery store. It’s funny right? I am a mechanic that rides his bike everywhere.” But Anderson also has 30 years of experience in the automotive industry. He started vacuuming cars at a quick lube and worked his way up to managing dozens of locations in multiple states.
Born and raised in West Islip, Long Island, in 2003 Chris came to Florida on vacation and fell in love with the area. He returned home, sold his house and immediately moved down to the Tampa Bay area. He says when he later moved to DTSP, “that was when I knew I was where I wanted to be. I just love this city. It’s beautiful, fun, full of great people,” Anderson said. He adds, “it’s a great place to search for happiness and that’s what I enjoy doing.”
Anderson is looking forward to making the shop a family business later this year. His 19-year-old son, Chris Jr., graduates from Fivay High School in Hudson. “He loves cars and already has some experience as a lube-technician. We have a great team for him to apprentice under. I can’t wait for the opportunity to work together.”
Franchise Owner Chris Anderson has been in the automotive industry for over 30 years. While in high school, he started vacuuming cars at a quick lube and worked his way up to managing dozens of locations in multiple states. In 2003, he came to vacation in Florida and that was all it took. He returned home, sold his house and immediately moved to the Tampa Bay area. He’s originally from Long Island, West Islip to be exact. Interestingly, when asked who his favorite sports team is, he answers, “Bacon!” since he doesn’t follow sports.
