By Ronni Hannaman — Entrepreneurship is alive and well in Carson City and the building at 1646 Old Hot Springs Road, an automotive shop once owned and operated by the well-respected long-time entrepreneur Dana “Pops” Borda, is now home to Smith Automotive, owned and operated by Scott and Ashton Smith.
When Dana and Susan Borda opened Borda’s Automotive in December 1999, Susan Borda stated in a Northern Nevada Business Weekly Article dated 12/20/2001, “It’s exciting to work toward a dream and have it come true, Some people work their whole lives toward a dream and die before they can make it come true.”
Like Borda, Scott Smith and his family have been working toward the dream of ownership of a premium full-service auto repair shop since Smith left Christensen Automotive about two years ago when a large firm bought the business.
On Jan. 3, 2025, Smith opened Smith Automotive. He is the owner and experienced service advisor. Joining him are three former automotive technicians with whom he worked at Christensen Automotive including Master Technician Samuel Christensen.
Smith stated, “My team of expert auto technicians promise the absolute best in car service in Carson City.” That was the same commitment made by Borda who ran one of the most respected businesses in Carson City until his sudden death on March 20, 2024.
On Jan. 30, a festive and well-attended ribbon cutting was coordinated by the Carson City Chamber at the “dream garage” designed by Dana Borda that has become the dream garage of Scott Smith.
Along with wife Ashton and sons 14-year-old Dalton and 11-year-old Kameron, Carson City Mayor Lori Bagwell and Chamber Second Vice Chair James Hardiman and Chamber Secretary/Treasurer Bob Roll officiated over the ribbon cutting. Susan Borda, widow of “Pops” as well as a former employee also attended to wish good fortune to the Smiths. The shop has four large bays within the 4,500 feet of space.
Dalton Smith started off the proceedings with his electric guitar rendition of the “Star-spangled Banner” set against the backdrop of an artistic wooden flag crafted by Nic Naccarato of Legacy Flags. The Smiths reside in Dayton.
Smith Automotive is a full-service one-stop automotive repair service for domestic and foreign gasoline and diesel cars and trucks. Phone: 775-882-5372. Website: smithautomotivenv.com.
— Ronni Hannaman is the Executive Director of the Carson City Chamber of Commerce.
