Torrance Area Auto Repair

Paul Dice - Service Manager

ASE Master technician / Ase certified consultant

Paul Dice has been with Walt’s Auto Service for over 26 years, enhancing every customer’s experience with his expertise and warm presence. Once, while working on a truck at Walt’s, Paul spotted bright little eyes peeking back at him from inside a fender well. It was a little black kitten. After gently retrieving and bathing it, he discovered Yukon, as he named the kitten, was white and orange and has since become a happy member of the Dice family.

Paul’s favorite food is sushi, and he appreciates the simplicity of stock cars, believing they’re the best because they can be fixed without complications. He enjoys making customers’ days by playfully using the nicknames of their cars when they visit the shop. Additionally, Paul is deeply involved in model railroading and is the current vice president of engineering at the Belmont Shore Model Railroad Club. Located in Angels Gate Park in San Pedro, the club is renowned for having the most extensive N-scale layout on the entire West Coast. Paul finds great joy in keeping these trains running smoothly.

Angel Santillano - Service Advisor / Quality Control

Meet Angel Santillano, a skilled technician at Walt’s Auto Service who loves the constant learning that auto repair brings. Inspired by the movie “Fast and Furious” as a pre-teen, Angel was drawn to cars early and began his career through a family friend’s guidance. He especially enjoys working on Honda Civics for straightforward repairs and customer satisfaction.

After a busy day, Angel cherishes playing with monster trucks with his son, whose smiles light up his world. His first car was a 2002 Pontiac Grand Am GT, packed with memories like his first date. Angel also has a passion for installing car sound systems. Away from the garage, he enjoys tacos from his favorite truck at Slauson & Avalon and relaxing trips to Whittier Narrows with his family. Angel’s friendly and expert approach makes every car repair at Walt’s Auto Service a positive experience.

Sisi Yeth - Service Advisor

Meet Sisi Yeth, a dynamic member of Walt’s Auto Service team who thrives on the continual learning opportunities of auto repair. Starting her career at a Toyota dealership in Manhattan Beach, Sisi shifted to Walt’s under the mentorship of an old coworker, Victor, who introduced her to the intricate world of digital systems. With no specific favorite car to work on, Sisi dreams of owning a rugged 4-Runner for off-roading adventures.

Outside of work, Sisi is deeply committed to fitness, regularly hitting two gyms and cycling on their Peloton bike, which complents her active lifestyle filled with hiking and rollerblading. Sisi’s interest in cars sparked at age 14, inspired by Arizona car meets and the “Fast and Furious” movies. She cherishes her cultural roots through their favorite Cambodian dishes, like the rich, flavorful Salaw Machu. For fun, Sisi loves the adrenaline rush of riding roller coasters, especially the X2 at Six Flags.

Pearl Nicassio - Ambassador

Pearl loves community and spends her free time hosting gatherings. Bringing people together is her specialty. Pearl attends Bible studies at a bible college and participates in both Catholic and Christian churches; she loves fellowship! She seeks out inspiration through continuing education and studies, bringing communities closer together through Booster club meetings and family. Pearl enjoys get-togethers celebrating family, friends, and classmates. Eating healthy is a big part of Pearl's life; whole foods such as pineapple, strawberries, fruits, and vegetables make her feel amazing! She enjoys cooking everything, especially vegetables seared to perfection, and she gives praise daily for the gift of food.

Pearl has always loved cars. When she met the team at Walt's, she felt so comfortable with their trustworthiness that she asked to represent them as their ambassador. "So many people talk nicely about Walt's - Walt's give us peace of mind and feel good with someone you can trust. Many of us want a car that is turn-key and works. As a widow whose husband loved cars and attended car shows. If you see Pearl at a community event, be sure to say hello!

Adolfo Santillano - Lot porter

Meet Adolfo Santillano, a enthusiastic lot porter at Walt’s Auto Service who cherishes the vibrant work environment and the camaraderie among his colleagues. From a young age, Adolfo found his passion for cars while working alongside his father in their home garage, learning the ropes and driving under his dads supervision as early as six years old.

After work, Adolfo loves to relax by spending quality time with his friends and family, often sharing stories from the day. Although he doesn’t have a particular favorite car to work on, he enjoys the variety of his role. Adolfo’s culinary skills shine: hosting BBQs at local parks where he delights in feeding everyone his signature Carne Asada. He’s relatively new to Walt’s Auto Service but has already had memorable experiences, like when he humorously got covered in oil while cleaning up on his first day. Adolfo’s blend of mechanical knowledge and zest for life brings a unique energy to the team.

Alex Mao - Auto Technician

Allow us to introduce Alex Mao, a masterful technician at Walt's Auto Service. His love for cars, especially the intricate engineering of Japanese models, is a passion that has been with him since childhood. Inspired by the 'Fast and Furious' franchise, Alex's work is a testament to his skill and dedication.

After a day at the shop, Alex unwinds with a refreshing shower at home. His automotive journey began in earnest with his first car, a 1992 Honda Civic Si, which he brought to life by swapping in a powertrain from a donor vehicle—a challenging project that became his own through determination and hard work. Outside of work, Alex enjoys a variety of foods, especially Cambodian and Thai cuisines, and is a regular at a local taco truck. For leisure, he's often at the gym or skatepark and enjoys long hikes to recharge on the weekends.

Alex Meza - Auto Technician

Hector Martinez - ASE MASTER TECHNICIAN

Meet Hector Martinez, a seasoned Walt's Auto Service technician known for his expertise in dismantling and reassembling engines, especially those designed for high performance. Hector's love for cars began at 18, and since then, he has become a dedicated Chevy enthusiast, with a particular fondness for lowered Silverados and Tahoes.

Hector started his automotive career at Midas in Beverly Hills and further honed his skills at WYOTech in Long Beach, focusing on automotive trades. When he's not at the shop, Hector indulges in his passion for reading about custom cars, keeping himself updated with the latest trends and technologies. His favorite foods are spicy Mexican dishes, particularly tamales and pozole. At home, Hector is a proud father of six children, with whom he shares his love for cars and mechanics. At Walt's, he appreciates the family-oriented work environment and enjoys tackling diverse projects, making each day fulfilling and exciting.

Josue Bejarano - Certified ASE Technician

Meet Josue Bejarano, a versatile technician at Walt's Auto Service who thrives on the challenge of working with a variety of cars. He particularly enjoys the intricacies of Hondas and other Japanese models. His lifelong passion for cars was ignited by a fascination with speed during his teenage years, leading him to a fulfilling career in auto repair.

After a busy day at the shop, Josue loves unwinding by spending quality time with his family and indulging in his creative side through T-shirt design projects. His automotive journey began with a 1991 Acura Integra, a vehicle he fondly modified, notably by adding a turbo, which remains a cherished memory. Josue's hands-on experience and enthusiasm for cars drive his success. Outside of work, he enjoys biking and savoring his favorite foods, including ramen and Ecuadorian dishes, making the most of his heritage and hobbies.

Julio Felipe: - Certified ASE Technician

Meet Julio Felipe, a Certified ASE Technician at Walt's Auto Service known for his adept skills in solving automotive problems. Julio's passion for cars started at 17 when he began working with his stepdad in their backyard, learning the ropes of auto repair. He particularly enjoys working on JDM vehicles and Infinitis and is drawn to their intricate mechanics and sleek designs.

After a long day at the shop, Julio's perfect evening involves unwinding with a good show after a refreshing shower and a delicious meal, favoring Mexican and Mediterranean foods. His automotive journey began with a 2002 Honda Accord, a car he remembers for its quirks and challenges. Turbo replacements are his specialty and favorite modification. Self-taught in the field, Julio applies his hands-on learning to every task with precision. Outside work, he loves spending time at Elysium Park, traveling, keeping fit, and practicing at the gun range, embracing a variety of interests that keep him balanced and energized.

Tom WycKOff - ASE-Certified Technician

Passionate about engines and speed, Tom's enthusiasm for professionalism and teamwork seamlessly aligns with our company. From his very first job at just 13, working at his dad's bike shop and maintaining bikes while racing BMX, Tom's work ethic and enthusiasm for mechanics have never waned. His commitment to hard work at Walt's shines through, making him a valuable member of our team.

Tom's passion extends to the racetrack, where he's involved in dirt bike racing. Growing up, he was sponsored as a BMX racer by a number of brands like Delamo Motorsports, NGK, and AXO Sports. He's also looking forward to sharing his love for speed with his son, who already has a dirtbike of his own.

Tom's fascination with cars began in high school, where automotive courses fueled his passion. From working on dragsters to maintaining exotics like the Lamborghini Hurricane and Koenigsegg Agera, Tom lives and breathes speed. His favorite modification? Performance enhancements, of course.

Away from the racetrack and garage, Tom loves to indulge in a perfectly broiled or BBQ'd rib-eye steak, accompanied by green beans and mashed potatoes. A true classic! Tom's knowledge doesn't stop at engines; he's also trained in welding and battery technology. These skills add a unique dimension to his role here at Walt's. When asked about his time at Walt's, he says working with a team that's as welcoming, friendly, and professional as the team at Walt's makes it easy to go to work every day.