S&A Auto Center: Faith, Family and Fueling the Future

by Jim Garrison

If there is one word that defines Hilda Mera, it is conviction.

Alongside her husband, Jose Masache, she built S&A Auto Center from the ground up, turning a bold idea into a respected business through grit, long days and a willingness to keep pushing forward when the road was anything but easy. Thirteen years later, that same determination still fuels everything they do.

The couple opened their flagship location, S&A Auto Center in Newark, in 2013. At the time, Jose brought technical training and hands-on experience as a graduate of APEX Technical School in New York. What neither of them had was experience running a business of their own. What they did have was a strong instinct for opportunity and a belief that, together, they could build something lasting. Jose supplied the technical know-how. Hilda brought vision, drive, and the kind of confidence that keeps a business moving even in uncertain moments. It was a leap of faith – but one that became the foundation for everything that followed.

As the Newark shop found its footing and earned the trust of the community, Hilda and Jose began looking ahead. Two years ago, they expanded with a second location in Kearny, a move that marked more than growth in size – it signaled growth in ambition. With two locations now carrying the S&A name, the business entered a new chapter, one defined by momentum, hard-earned experience and a reputation built over more than a decade of steady work.

Of course, building a business does not happen without challenges, and Hilda and Jose have faced their share of them. But where others might see setbacks, she sees room to improve, adjust and come back stronger. That mindset has helped shape the culture of S&A: practical, resilient and always focused on the long game rather than the temporary obstacle.

That spirit is especially clear in the way Hilda thinks about building a strong team. While many in the industry focus on the shortage of skilled technicians and mechanics, Hilda has chosen to focus on solutions. Under her leadership, S&A has partnered with local trade schools to create internship opportunities for students eager to gain real-world experience. It is a practical investment in the future – one that helps develop talent, strengthens the business and opens doors for the next generation entering the field.

Along with staffing, Hilda points to a few other key challenges as she and Jose continue to grow the business.

As she explains, “One of the key issues in our continued growth and expansion is working capital – access to it and how we use it.” Time is another constant challenge. Hilda and Jose are managing two shops while also raising a family. As Hilda puts it, “If you want to work nine to five,  you’re not a business owner – you are an employee.” They know their family comes first, but they also know that ownership requires the time and consistency needed to keep S&A growing.

Ask Hilda about the people at S&A, and she is quick to make one thing clear: she does not see them as just employees. She sees them as a team, united by shared effort and a common purpose. That perspective says a great deal about her leadership style. For Hilda, success is not only about running a strong business – it is also about creating a workplace where people grow, contribute and take pride in what they are building. As Hilda notes, “The way I see my role, I want to build leaders.”

For Hilda and Jose, the future of S&A looks full of promise. Faith, family, and a deep commitment to doing right by themselves, their team, and the community continue to guide the business forward. If the past 13 years are any indication,
S&A Auto Center is not simply growing – it is building a legacy.

Want more? Check out the June 2026 issue of New Jersey Automotive!