I’m the owner and operator of Smitty’s Service, right here in the heart of Normal Heights. Smitty’s is proud to be San Diego’s oldest family-run auto repair shop, and our story is all about family.
My grandfather, “Smitty,” was a Ford-trained mechanic who worked at Convair during WWII, keeping the planes flying while others went off to fight. He always had a dream of running his own shop, and in 1945, he took the leap and bought a Rio Grande Gas Station on Adams Avenue. He worked at Convair during the week and ran the shop on weekends, earning a reputation as an honest mechanic who treated everyone like family.
I started out pushing a broom and stocking shelves as a kid, learning the ropes from Grandpa. We were inseparable, and I grew up with the same passion for cars and customer service that he had. In 1995, I took over the business and have been working to keep Smitty’s legacy alive ever since.
I’ve lived in Normal Heights most of my life, raising my kids here and staying active in the community. I’ve served as President of the Adams Elementary PTA, on the Normal Heights Planning Group, and the Adams Avenue Business Association. I’m still involved with the Normal Heights Community Development Corporation today.
My oldest son, Enrique, started as a Service Writer Assistant and eventually took over payroll from my wife Debbie in 2005. He’s since taken on more responsibility, handling everything from bookkeeping to management. We’re working on a gradual succession plan, and one day soon, Enrique will become San Diego’s only 4th-generation automotive shop owner.
At Smitty’s, we’re all about keeping Grandpa’s tradition of honesty and hospitality alive. We treat every car like it’s our own and every customer like family.
About Mike Magers
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Family means the world to me. My grandfather was my mentor and best friend for many years, and my wife and three grown children continue to inspire me every day. I’m also really close with my parents, sisters, and mother-in-law—we’ve got a strong bond that makes the legacy of our family business even more important.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
What I’ve always loved about being a mechanic is taking a bunch of parts and breathing life into them. Over time what I’ve grown to love more, as the owner of Smitty’s, is the chance to make a real difference in the lives of our employees, customers, and community. Every day brings a new opportunity to inspire and help others, and that’s what keeps my passion for this work alive.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
A key piece of advice I give to people, especially my kids, is to live an intentional life. This means making conscious, deliberate choices about how you spend your time, energy, and resources. Align your actions with your values, goals, and purpose. Rather than reacting to circumstances or going through the motions, focus on what truly matters to you and actively work towards it.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In 10 years, I see myself immersed in the next chapter with my wife, figuring out how to be something other than the owner of Smitty’s. It won’t be easy, because that has been my identity for so many years. Without getting too specific, my goals are all about serving my wife, family, and community. As the time gets closer, I’m ready to embrace whatever God has planned for us in this next adventure.
Mike Magers & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
My lifestyle keeps me on the go, so I usually opt for takeout. We’re regulars at Jyoti-Bihanga for vegetarian dishes, Ponce’s for some great Mexican, and Burger Lounge when we’re craving a good burger. I also swing by Hanna’s Gourmet every now and then. On weekdays, I pick up egg bites from the Starbucks on Felton to keep my wife’s protein levels up. And when we’re in the mood for a treat, we like to enjoy a sit-down brunch at Madi’s. For a good beer, we head to Blind Lady, and for the best margarita in town, Cantina Mayahuel is our go-to spot.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I’ve worked at Smitty’s here in Normal Heights off and on since before I could drive. (and I’m old!) I bought my house on Hawley Boulevard in 1995 and raised out kids here.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Top of my list of community volunteers has to be Lois Miller, who quietly goes about making a difference without seeking any recognition. Living across from the community center, I often catch her at 7 AM by herself, pulling weeds and tidying up. Then there is Jim Baross, who I know from Pack 958 Cub Scouts—he’s still deeply involved with the Normal Heights Planning Group. Doug Generoli played a key role in developing the Adams Avenue Business Association and continues to serve on the board. Let’s not forget the Godfather of Normal Heights, Gary Weber. Scott Kessler, who, even though he doesn’t live in the neighborhood, is active in just about every group around here. Honestly, Normal Heights is full of wonderful people—I could go on and on, but I’ll stop there.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
This one hits close to home because of our long history on the street. DiMille’s Italian Restaurant is bringing back some serious nostalgia for me. My grandfather and I used to spend time with the Deanna brothers there. As he got older, they asked him to rebuild a sausage-making machine, and he poured his heart and soul into it. When he finished, he even had his name engraved on the machine. Here’s a cool video that captures what a special place it was: https://archive.org/details/youtube-vurczKTZTp4. A couple of years ago, the property was sold as part of the city’s push for new housing. A developer planned to put up a 175-unit, 7-story building with no parking at 35th and Adams Ave. The community rallied hard against it—we gathered 3,000 signatures, held a rally with 140 people, raised $43,000, and hired a great land-use attorney. Recently, the bank foreclosed on the developer, and now we’re actively looking for someone who will develop the land in a more responsible way.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The most iconic thing about our neighborhood has to be the Normal Heights sign. It’s more than just a sign—it’s a symbol of the community spirit that brought folks together almost 45 years ago, with a mission to light it up and keep it shining bright. What really makes us special here is that we’re living the American dream, the real deal. We’re a melting pot of everyone, from the young hipsters to the Greatest Generation, all living together in harmony. We’ve got every race, color, sexual orientation, and religious belief under the sun, and we all coexist in a way that makes me proud to call this place home.
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
I’d love to sit down with Elon Musk. I’m really curious to hear his thoughts on where we’re headed with renewable energy and what the future holds for A.I. I wouldn’t care where we eat and I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t either. If I could pick someone to have lunch with, it’d be Kelly Slater. Crowned the WSL’s world champion 11 times, he is widely regarded as surfing’s GOAT (Greatest of All Time). I would treat him to Caroline’s Seaside Café in La Jolla and if I’m lucky we would surf Scripps right after.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I’m an action fan. So, my favorite movie is probably Terminator 2 or Die Hard. I like to laugh, so Meet the Parents, but then there’s Sandlot, Jurassic Park and yea, JAWS. LOL
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Friends know that I have a passion for all water sports and travel. Most people don’t know that I’m secretly auditioning for a position as a full-time beach bum. Unfortunately, my work at the shop and my side hustle as an automotive expert for the federal court system keep disqualifying me.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Automotive maintenance at Smitty’s of course!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My wife, my family, our team at Smitty’s. Each in their own right has had a tremendous impact on me and I feel I am a better leader and person because of their influence.
Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?
St, Didicus, Surfrider Foundation, San Diego Food Bank, I Love A Clean San Diego, Jewish Family Service, Lahaina Strong, Humane society…
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
“You Can Have Everything In Life You Want If You Will Just Help Enough Other People Get What They Want.” ~ Zig Ziglar.
Q: What Neighborhood do you live in?
NORMAL HEIGHTS
What I love about my Neighborhood:
The most iconic thing about our neighborhood has to be the Normal Heights sign. It’s more than just a sign—it’s a symbol of the community spirit that brought folks together almost 45 years ago, with a mission to light it up and keep it shining bright. What really makes us special here is that we’re living the American dream, the real deal. We’re a melting pot of everyone, from the young hipsters to the Greatest Generation, all living together in harmony. We’ve got every race, color, sexual orientation, and religious belief under the sun, and we all coexist in a way that makes me proud to call this place home.
Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend:
Surfing early Saturday morning with my buddy Mike. Riding my bike around the bay with Scotty and Bill. Bar B Que with family. Sunday, hit the local mountains for some ATV trail riding with the guys from the shop. Sunday night Netflix and chill with my wife. Could I work in a Padre game in there somehow?
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Welcoming, Loving, Laughter around a table with good food.
