New auto shop opens on West Smith Road

MEDINA — Dom Epps, owner of Dom's Auto Works, 777 W. Smith Road, Medina, was known as a quick learner and a great mechanic. Former owner Dillard Hatcher was forced to sell the business due to health reasons and passed the wrench to his good friend, Epps, who took over June 1. Hatcher had owned the business for 24 years. Epps said he worked for Hatcher for 15 years. He now has four technicians and three marketing people on his staff. "Business has been good," he said Friday during his grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony. "It's going to get a little better. It's hard to find employees." He grew up in Los Angeles and his mother brought him to Ohio to "save my life." He attended Stow High School and eventually moved to Medina. Now, he's a single father to daughter, Deasia Brown. Epps said his shop repairs everything, but doesn't do any painting. Sen. Mark Romanchuk, R-Mansfield, commended Epps Friday. "The skilled trades today are probably the most important (sector in the work force)," he said. Epps received proclamations from representatives from the offices of Rep. Sharon Ray, R-Wadsworth, Sen. Rob Portman, R-Cincinnati, Sen. Anthony Gonzalez, R-Rocky River, and Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague. Epps said his life has changed since he took over as boss. "I used to be home every night at 5 o'clock," he said. "Now, I'm not." At that point, his teenage daughter came forward and hugged him and gave him flowers. "I'll do the best I can to represent the community," he said. Other ribbon-cutting ceremonies in the city of Medina in Friday were: Los Cantaritos Authentic Mexican Restaurant, 930 W. Liberty St. Four owners finally have their restaurant open after a lengthy delay due to getting its liquor license. The owners are Jose Barajas, Eder Rodriguez, Israel Martinez and Juan Carlos Leon. The restaurant got their alcohol license with the help of Sen. Romanchuk and Rep. Ray. Romanchuk apologized for the state agency not doing its job in getting the license. "I've been in the restaurant business for 18 years," Barajas said. "We're doing very good." He said two of the favorites on the large menu are street tacos and super burros. "We have a lot of meals that are popular," Barajas said. He said each of the owners are from different regions of Mexico and each bring different recipes. Barajas said the restaurant opened Dec. 1 and has 12 or 13 employees. Sperry Commercial, 101 Public Square, Suite 2D Steve Masica, sales manager for Sperry, said the company owns, manages and leases commercial real estate. The office opened last August. Steve and Michelle Masica, managing broker, broke free and started their own brokerage firm in 2019. They joined Sperry Commerical, which has 60 offices in the U.S. "We are locally owned and operated," Michelle Masica said. "But we have a global reach." Her husband said she's the boss. "This is a male-dominated field," Michelle Masica said. "I want to break the mold." The office manager is Sandy Davis, who recently retired from the city of Medina's economic development department. The Masicas' daughter, Sarah Combs, is the marketing manager. She brought her "assistant" with her Friday, 16-month-old Oakley. Bhavana Wellness Center, 120 N. East St. A six-person staff offers holistic healing, clinical hypotherapy, aerial yoga, health coaching, life/relationship coaching, massage therapy, music therapy, energy Reiki treatments and south healing. Sen. Romanchuk joked that he needs a personal health coach. "I think I need it," he said. Owner Nina Saurer commended her staff. "These women are amazing," she said. The office opened July 1, Saurer said. "We are a holistic wellness center," she said. "We work with the mind, body and spirit." Saurer said many of her clients are cancer patients and those with other maladies. Bhavana is a Buddhist word that signifies "spiritual cultivation." Hair Haven Salon, 235 S. Jefferson St. Owner Kim Cross and her two colleagues, Angie Bates and Felicia Kress, make up the staff at the salon. Cross said the salon's specialty is coloring. The salon has been open for one year. Contact reporter Bob Finnan at (330) 721-4049 or rfinnan@medina-gazette.com.