This year, get to know the team of family-owned Houska Automotive through our new Q&A series! Check back each month for an insider look into the professional and personal lives of Houska’s team members.
This month, meet LJ Houska – third-generation VP of Operations here at Houska Automotive.
Q: LJ, How many years have you been a team member at Houska Automotive?
A: 31 years! I started working in the shop when I was just 12 years old.
Q: What position do you fill at Houska, and what does this position entail?
A: I’m the VP of Operations. That means I oversee all departments of Houska Automotive.
Q: What do you love about your job? What do you love about working for Houska specifically?
A: I really like interacting with people – both customers and employees. Each day is different, and brings rewarding challenges that I work with my team to accomplish. And I love working for Houska because it’s my family’s business! My passion has always been working for the shop.
Q: What accomplishments are you most proud of?
A: At work, I’m a third generation owner. Not many businesses successfully make it to a third generation. I am also very proud of the growth of the business. At home, I have a great wife of 14 years and an awesome 9-year-old daughter.
Q: How would you describe yourself in three words?
A: Passionate, focused, and driven.
Q: How would you describe Houska in three words?
A: Progressive, hardworking, and trustworthy.
Q: What is your favorite Houska Automotive memory?
A: For many years, a woman who lived out of her Jeep would come into the shop. I always helped her with prioritizing repairs needed, and even helped her with a little financing. She told me for many years that when she passed, she wanted the Jeep to be mine. I never thought much of it. Then, one day, a friend of hers came into the shop and let me know that our friend had unfortunately passed away – and then she handed me the keys to her Jeep. There was really no value to the Jeep, but I felt incredibly honored that this woman had left me her most loved worldly possession. I will never forget her.
Q: What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
A: I always like spending time with my family. I’m also very passionate about exercise and getting outside – I love skiing, mountain biking, rafting, kayaking, and fishing.
Q: What do you love about the Northern Colorado community?
A: I think Northern Colorado has some of the nicest people, who both work hard and play hard.
Q: What’s one thing you wish everyone knew about Houska Automotive?
A: Houska is a large small business, and is as local as you can get! We love helping people in Northern Colorado with their vehicle needs, and we also make sure we give back to the community that has helped us to be successful.