CBA of Raleigh

Steve Gooding is a successful Real EstateBroker/Owner who just happens to be an NSX factory trained technician,an ASC certified master technician, and an Acura Certified Technician.He started with Acura in 1991 in Los Gatos, CA, for the Ted StevensDealership Group, where he started specialized NSX training. The firstdealership client was Steve Wozniak (who owned 3 NSX’s, including oneof the first automatics). Steve attended several training stints inTorrance, CA for NSX training and dismantling. (The first NSX off theproduction line is sent to tech school and taken apart for trainingpurposes.) While at tech training, Steve also assisted on the tech lineto better understand how the process works. Steve changed dealershipswithin the Ted Stevens Group, and also spent several years at theirdealership in Sunnyvale, CA.

            A position became availableat Hopkins Acura in Redwood City, CA, and Steve took that opportunityas Shop Foreman, and later as Assistant Service Manager. This was afantastic opportunity because Hopkins Acura was the #1 NSX dealer inthe country at the time. They were also a Comtech authorizedinstallation center, covering such things as Superchargers, suspension,and carbon fiber add-ons. This was very different to factory work, butjust as enlightening.

            During this time, Steve ownedP.R.E. (Performance Racing & Engineering). The shop, whichprimarily serviced Buick Grand Nationals, became very successful,working to modify and preserve the American muscle car.

            Thecost of living and many other factors brought the Gooding family toNorth Carolina, where Steve went to work at Autopark Honda and LeithAcura. Here, the number of NSX’s he serviced dropped from 3-4 per weekto 1-2 per month. Also, they already had a very qualified technicianworking on them as well, and Steve and Craig shared the NSX work at thedealership.

            Never one to sit idle, Steve opened RealtyWorld Partners, a real estate brokerage firm. This career has given himcontinued success in business, and keeps him busy. To conitinueservicing the needs of his personal automotive clients, he has a 3-bayshop, a full set of tools, and a hydraulic lift, at his home inRaleigh. This side work enables him to keep his clients happy, andkeeps his interest in automotive performance alive as well. Side workis by appointment only, and done mostly in the winter months and in theevenings. Steve does everything from timing belts to clutches to minorsuspension work, and even some electrical work. Electrical issues usedto be his specialty, but without factory ETM’s, this has beendifficult. (If ETM is available, something could be worked out).

            Stevelooks forward to meeting people with a similar interest in Honda/Acura,and a respect for performance automobiles. Drive hard and stay safe!