Founder of Werkstatte, (formerly known as BMW Only Automotive) Ciuricov faced – and overcame – a series of delays and challenges while constructing his new, 11,000 square foot repair shop located 2905 N. Green Valley Parkway in Henderson.
Over a three-year period, Ciuricov’s resolve to build his facility was tested by a cancelled bank loan, increased construction and loan costs and the COVID pandemic.
“I learned if you don’t give up, work hard, you’ll eventually get there,” Ciuricov said. “No matter what obstacles are in your life.”
Breaking ground in September 2019, the state-of-the-art BMW-only repair shop opened May 1, 2020. However, the transition from his former location brought more challenges.
The pandemic shutdown delayed Ciuricov from moving into the building. The facility was nearly completed in early March, but he didn’t receive the certificate of occupancy until April 30. The two-month delay resulted in Ciuricov moving his entire 8-year operation in two days as a new tenant planned to move into his former location on May 1.
“It was really stressful,” Ciuricov said. “We had been preparing for over a month.”
Unfortunately, occupancy didn’t resolve all the challenges. The building didn’t have power as the shutdown delayed the installation of the facility’s transformer. Ciuricov petitioned the City of Henderson to use temporary power until the transformer could be installed, which ended up not happening until July.
“They understood the situation we were in because of the pandemic,” Ciuricov said. “They let us move in with temporary power. I’m glad they were kind enough to do such a thing.”
The over $3 million two-level facility is now fully operational and features a comfortable glass atrium customer lobby for guests to wait while their vehicles serviced.
The main level’s thirteen automotive bays offer the latest in state-of-the-art computerized diagnostics using top-of-the-line equipment.
“I think we’re the only independent repair shop that actually functions on a dealership level,” Ciuricov said. “We offer the same quality of service, OEM parts and two-year warranties, but at a competitive price.”
From oil changes to scheduled maintenance, and drivetrain services to transmission rebuilds, all vehicles are in the hands of Certified Technicians. Being an independent shop, Ciuricov focuses on competitive pricing, saving his customers an average of 20 to 40% on repair costs.
“We offer component rebuilding services that sometimes can be three times cheaper than getting a new transmission,” Ciuricov said. “We can rebuild one for around $3,500. A brand new one would cost between $7,000 and $10,000.”
Despite all of the technical skill his technicians must possess to get the job done right, Ciuricov also believes the human element -a higher quality of service.
“I want my customers to feel comfortable,” Ciuricov said. “My guys aren’t on commission. We don’t push sales. We try to keep it as simple as possible for customers to decide on what repairs are needed.” Some of this, through pointing out issues with physical components on the shop floor (always accompanied by a technician, of course) and patient, gracious customer education.
Opening the cutting-edge facility provided Ciuricov the opportunity to expand his service to include servicing Rolls Royce owners, the luxury brand owned by BMW.
“I’ve always wanted to include Rolls Royce,” Ciuricov said. “It’s hard to bring high-end clients into an old metal building garage.”
BMWs became a passion for Ciuricov after purchasing a 1999 “E36” BMW 328i Coupe for himself. Impressed with the performance, craftsmanship and handling of the European sedan even with over 200,000 miles on the odometer, Ciuricov fell in love.
“It was completely different from anything else I’d driven,” Ciuricov said. “I’ve driven nothing but BMW’s since.”
Fueled by his dissatisfaction with the high cost of automotive repairs, Ciuricov opened BMW Only Automotive at age 26. The young entrepreneur wanted to offer a competitive alternative to those who shared his affinity for the BMW brand.
Renting a 500 square foot facility on the corner of Flamingo and Decatur, he began servicing his customers in a building that accommodated only two vehicles.
His small enterprise grew rapidly requiring relocating into a 2,000 square foot facility off Dean Martin Drive near Tropicana Avenue after the first five months in business. Over the next five years, he expanded his shop several times outgrowing the over 6,000 square foot location. The last expansion was in 2016.
“The first couple years we were doubling our numbers. After that we averaged 20-30% growth per year,” Ciuricov said. “I realized if I was going to rent another location, I would just be another garage in town. Building this facility brought us to a different level and attention. It’s inspiring.”
Ciuricov hopes to open an even larger facility in Summerlin soon. He is currently raising capital for the development project. The expanded Summerlin shop will offer repair as well as vehicle sales.
“I can’t wait,” Ciuricov said. “Summerlin is growing and we want to provide a better quality of service to our customers.”
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