Vinnie’s passion for life & creativity was influenced by his loving parents and siblings. He grew up largely in the Tahoe/Reno area and recognized his passion for the outdoors at a young age. It was through the experiences in the wild that he became at one with nature & recognized his truth. You might ask how is this relevant to community and professionalism? Well as Vinnie would tell you, that was the inspiration that led him to begin guiding others into the wild and into their own fears. It was through guiding whitewater river tours, guiding snowmobile tours, & teaching the art of Yoga that Vinnie found his passion for helping others find their truth & seeing beyond himself.
In 2014 Vinnie & his Brother Anthony opened an auto repair shop with the intention of becoming the most unique auto shop in the world. CoAuto, Community Conscious Car Care was born. Finally, Vinnie had an avenue that he could be the lead driver on. Immediately upon opening the business there were 4 programs put into place to serve our local community, from women’s car care clinics, high school internships, veterans car giveaways and local art display Vinnie knew they were about to disrupt the Automotive industry. And CoAuto did, being published in multiple national magazines & garnering some prestigious industry awards CoAuto was changing the industry. Since opening CoAuto has added additional community engagement through their partnership with Prema farms who provides the staff with organic healthy vegetables on a weekly basis throughout the growing season, and more nationally Partnering with the Arbor Day foundation to reverse our carbon footprint by planting trees in honor of those who get their vehicles serviced at CoAuto.
National publications such as AutoInc magazine, Auto Service Professional, Ratchet & Wrench, and Interstate Batteries have all recognized how CoAuto & Vinnie have begun and will continue to shift the automotive industry in a positive way. Also recognized by Mayor Hillary Schieve whom Proclaimed October 11th to be CoAuto Day in recognition of our community service and community involvement.
On the inside CoAuto is full of culture and great people. Vinnie is unique when it relates to what’s typical. Taking his yoga practice to the floors of the shop he guides his staff every Monday morning through breath work, meditation, yoga and team building exercises. Vinnie lives life with presence, always living in the now, he shares this goal with his crew. Vinnie understands the present is all we truly have, so slow down and feel, he says. Looking inward vs. outward is a philosophy he shares on a constant basis as it’s all too often we seek something outside ourselves when the answer lies within. Sharing these values and others such as the Rotary 4 Way Test, or being extraordinary in everything you say and do. Vinnie’s company is full of passionate, dedicated and happy people. He feels his success with CoAuto has all to do with his partner, aka brother and the staff of amazing people that make up the breath work of the business. Vinnie says it’s quite amazing that when he leaves for a trip and returns there are always multiple 5 star reviews sharing how his staff went above and beyond to satisfy and embrace our clients. As a business owner there is nothing more to ask for other then taking care of themselves 1st and foremost. He shows up with nothing but love and light and is always willing to lend a helping hand. CoAuto also gives an estimated $30,000 back to the community through their Xmas card program.
Vision Facility of the Year 2018, Vision is a Hi-Tec industry training expo in the Midwest. CoAuto was the 1st on the West coast to garnish this national Award.
In 2014 Vinnie dove into the Reno Rotary Club head first. A service above self. Now a Rotary member of 5 years and a Paul Harris Fellow +2 Vinnie strives to be a leader in his club through his consistent engagement, creative input, & sitting in on the Visionary committee, Mardi Gras committee & of coarse the Halloween Fundraiser committee. Vinnie is leading the charge on a collaborative event between the Reno Rotary club & CoAuto to raise upwards of $10,000 for Innovations High School students. All proceeds will benefit Innovations high school students to attend trades at TMCC. Vinnie is passionate about giving our youth an opportunity to attend trades and work with their hands. It’s too often he sees high schools pulling these programs from their offerings & he wants to be of service. Vinnie sits on the TMCC Automotive Advisory board to help guide the them in the direction needed to entice the youth into trade work opportunities.
Vinnie has joined the Board for Gratis payments or Gratis Gives, a community based merchant service company that gives profits to eligible non-profits through a unique program that aims to give back to our community.
Vinnie is also a member of the chamber of Commerce, Nevada Center for Entrepreneurship & Technology, Western Industrial Nevada, BNI Tempo & now the Young Professionals Network