When Edin V. Guzman talks about automotive repair, he doesn’t begin with engines or tools—but with people, faith, and energy.
“I actually grew up with my dad being a diesel mechanic,” Guzman said. “And let me tell you, it was not something I liked. I was not looking forward to ever being a mechanic again.”
That early reluctance makes the story of Automotive Ingenuity HD all the more unexpected.
Founded in early 2020 by three partners—Edin V. Guzman, Ryan Derry, and Jeff Powers—the Unionville-based shop has grown into a trusted name for full-service auto, heavy-duty diesel, fleet management, and high-performance custom builds. Their success, Guzman says, comes from something big chain shops often miss: genuine passion and human connection.
A different kind of shop
The turning point came when Guzman began working alongside his friend and now partner Ryan Derry.
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“Ryan and his dad had a little shop, but it was so organized—procedures, systems, everything,” Guzman recalled. “It was totally opposite from what I grew up with. That’s when I fell back in love with mechanics—the building, the performance, the process.”
Derry’s vision for trucks and performance work quickly became contagious. Together with Powers—who brought not just experience as a business owner, but deep knowledge from running several successful businesses, along with strong financial and strategic expertise—the trio pooled their resources, took over a shop space, and launched Automotive Ingenuity HD just as the COVID-19 pandemic shut the world down.
“We had just started the business, and then—March 2020—the pandemic hit,” Guzman said. “But I’m a big faith believer. God puts people in your life for a reason.”
Each partner leaned into his strengths: Derry handling daily shop operations and complex mechanical work, Powers managing finances, compliance, insurance, and legal matters, and Guzman focusing on people, marketing, and community outreach.
“That combination, in the middle of a storm,” Guzman said, “we made it happen.”
Built on trust—one relationship at a time
Automotive Ingenuity HD quickly gained traction, not only with individual customers but with major fleet clients.
One of the first organizations to take a chance on the young business was Access: Points for Living, a nonprofit providing mental health services.
“They trusted us with their fleet—trucks, vans, buses—and we never let them down,” Guzman said. “That relationship is still going strong today.”
From there, the shop expanded its fleet portfolio to include companies such as Frontier and regional contractors who depend on fast, reliable service.
“For fleet clients, time is money,” Guzman explained. “They just need the vehicle fixed and back on the road. We’ll pick it up, deliver it, stay late, work weekends—whatever it takes.”
Preventive maintenance is central to that promise.
“It’s better to fix the small things now than wait for a disaster,” he said. “We do PM sheets, check everything. Customers always say, ‘Take care of it now—I can’t afford to lose the truck for a week.’”
A shop that feels like home
Walk into Automotive Ingenuity HD, and customers are often greeted first—not by a mechanic—but by two wagging tails.
“Pearl and Trixie are our shop mascots,” Guzman laughed. “People bypass us and go straight to the dogs. They bring them treats. They’re like therapy dogs.”
The welcoming atmosphere is intentional. Office manager Marissa, whom Guzman describes as “an amazing human,” ensures every customer feels heard and cared for.
“She’ll walk you through every step, make sure you have a ride, explain what’s happening,” he said. “If someone feels heard, you’ve already earned their trust.”
Even the mechanics are hands-on with customers.
“They’ll say, ‘Walk with me—let me show you what’s going on,’” Guzman explained. “You leave understanding, not scared, not frustrated, not feeling taken advantage of.”
Performance, passion, and precision
Beyond daily repairs and fleet service, Automotive Ingenuity HD has built a reputation for high-level performance work—especially custom diesel and sled-pulling trucks.
“There’s no book for those builds,” Guzman said. “Ryan is like a mad scientist. Engines, transmissions, axles—everything has to handle insane horsepower without blowing up.”
Some projects involve hundreds of thousands of dollars and require complete engine rebuilds after competitions.
“Do we do performance work? Absolutely,” Guzman said. “And we do it well.”
Rooted in community
For Guzman, success is inseparable from giving back.
He is active with the Orange County Chamber of Commerce, HV Business Link, and the Rotary Club of Warwick, and regularly participates in charity initiatives—from breast cancer fundraisers to helping a young man with paralysis retrofit his truck so he could regain mobility and independence.
“You can’t always take—you have to give back,” Guzman said. “That’s just part of doing the right thing.”
Marketing and networking come naturally to him, though he once underestimated that gift.
“I used to think being a ‘people person’ wasn’t a real skill,” he said. “But I realized later—it’s a calling. God gave me a voice to help people, and through that, I help the shop and the community.”
Looking ahead
As Automotive Ingenuity HD continues to grow—with separate buildings now dedicated to performance and fleet service—the mission remains simple.
“We just want to do the right thing by people,” Guzman said. “Help them get their vehicle back on the road—whether it’s their livelihood or their passion. Be a company you can trust. And hey, you get to meet the dogs too.”
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