Dirty hands

>> Former speed racer is one of the sharpest mechanics in town

by CHRIS BARRY

Name: Zaven Darakjian

Age: 53

Occupation: Mechanic extraordinaire, proprietor of Pit Stop garage on Peel.

Bio: This husky and articulate grease monkey has been working on cars for close to 35 years now, 30 of them at the same location on Peel. A former race car driver, Zaven is one of the sharpest mechanics in town, capable of diagnosing a spongy master cylinder or seized Johnson rod in a fraction of the time it might take a mere mortal. A gentleman's mechanic, he has never been heard uttering profanity and prides himself on the personal relationships he has with his customers.

On why people mistrust mechanics: "A car is an extension of a person, and people are very particular about trusting others with such an important thing. In any trade you have individuals who will try to take advantage of people. But because mechanics are generally uneducated and unprepared they are easy prey. A lawyer has the tools to talk himself out of the deepest grave, but most mechanics lack this ability. Some mechanics are in it only for the money, and others do it just because they love cars."

Why he chose to become a mechanic: Because he loves cars.

On why there are so many inept mechanics doing business: "The industry wants to keep wages down. But the end result is you tend to wind up with a lot of crooks who don't know anything about fixing cars and who try to screw people to make a living. It takes about 10 years to become a good mechanic."

Average starting salary for a novice mechanic: $6.95 an hour. "And you're usually required to have your own tools, which cost a fortune and aren't even tax deductible."

Best part of the job: When a client acknowledges his good work.

Worst: Always having dirty hands. Zaven washes his hands throughout the day but still must scrub for at least half an hour every night after work before they are even remotely clean.

His childhood ambition: To become a general in the army.

Hobbies: Coaches boys' basketball at the Armenian Community Centre.

One thing he is very into: Personal development. "I'm very into human communication and exchanging wisdom, and the best way is through education. First I educated myself and then others. I have multiple mentors who've helped me put together my personal philosophy."

A few of his mentors: Tony Robbins, Les Brown, Jim Rohn, Napoleon Hill.

Another thing he is very into: Developing his public-speaking skills.

Where he does some of his public speaking: At his basketball practices and wherever else he gets the chance. He sometimes speaks at Armenian get-togethers, lunches etc.

A few of his favourite books: How to Sell to Women, by Loren Dunton; The Art of War, by Sun Tzu, which he is "constantly referencing."

Musical tastes: Tchaikovsky, Mozart.

Favourite film of all time: West Side Story. "It's a real eye-opener with respect to people living with one another in America."

Philosophy: "My philosophy is very simple. Try to help others to succeed. It's all about the pleasure I get giving other people pleasure."

Comments? dimwit@openface.ca