Few things can derail a day faster than car trouble.
The stress of deciding where to take it, coordinating drop-off and pick up, and bracing for the unknown bill can wreck even the best mood. That is why having the right mechanic can make all the difference. With honesty, quality work, and fair prices, Rubio’s Auto Repair has been getting customers back on the road since 1996.
From an early age, Edward Rubio took an interest in cars, but never dreamed of owning his own shop. After graduating from Lake Arthur High School, he completed the auto mechanic program at Eastern New Mexico State University. He then gained experience at Smiley’s Auto Service in Roswell, followed by Gateway Motors in Artesia (present-day Tate Branch), where he was promoted to Service Manager. A combination of his technical and managerial skills positioned him to step out on his own. And 30 years ago, he opened up shop.
While Edward and his wife, Teresa, shared a common goal of a successful business, their days were divided: Edward worked on cars, and Teresa cared for their two young boys at home. His nephew was helpful, but after a couple of months, he had to return to college. Edward quickly realized that one person was not enough and reached out to Teresa for help. “I remember the phone call. I called her and said, ‘You’ve gotta get down here. I can’t do this by myself.’”
Because Teresa only spoke Spanish, her immediate response was no. Encouraged by her sister’s reassurance and her husband’s complete confidence in her, Teresa began to believe she could learn not only English and the intricacies of business but also the mechanics of automobiles. She got her hands dirty, tackling everything from oil changes and transmission service to spark plugs and timing chain installation. “He pushes me to trust myself and do better. It’s been kinda crazy the way we work together,” Teresa reflected.
The biggest challenge in the early days was changing customers’ opinions of the automotive industry. Edward said, “One of the biggest drawbacks we had as technicians was the perception of dishonesty that customers had. It was a huge negative when we opened up the business because we had to convince people it wasn’t like that. We had to convince them that we were here to make an honest living.” From the beginning, they have earned the trust of their customers.
The family business also included their three sons: Eduardo, Gerardo, and Alejandro. From toddling around the shop to working during high school and college breaks, they learned not only vehicle service but also the importance of hard work, honesty, and customer service—skills they carried into their careers. While none of the boys pursued professions in auto mechanics, their passion for cars never faded. Today, this love is being handed down to the next generation as Eduardo and his wife, Yessica, raise their sons, Agosto and Alonso, with a shared love of cars, right down to a room overflowing with Hot Wheels.
Community connections for Rubio and Teresa are primarily forged through customer relationships and the schools. In partnership with Lake Arthur Municipal Schools, Rubio’s offers a paid internship to students. A similar opportunity is being explored with Artesia High School. Students receive real-world, hands-on training while also earning income. Sometimes students discover that auto mechanics is not a good fit, but for most, the experience affirms their passion.
“Edward’s honesty, and the way that people trust him, and the relationship we have made with our customers, who are now family and friends,” is what Teresa believes makes their business unique. “It’s a really huge responsibility. Our customers are trusting us with their second most prized possession after their house. We understand that. Our employees understand that,” Edward shared.
After 30 years in business and 39 years of marriage, Edward and Teresa are still driven by a passion for customers. “It’s been an adventure, but without our customers, without the trust they have in us, we wouldn’t be here. They treat us like family. Our customers and our employees are what make the business go.”
1401 N 1st St, Artesia, NM 88210
(575) 748-1203 • Facebook @rubiosautorepair
Photography by ED2 Media
Article written by Allyson Joy and originally published in Focus on Artesia 2026 Spring edition.
Allyson Joy
Allyson Joy is the Associate Publisher of Focus Magazines. She can be reached at allyson@focusnm.com.
