Meet the Staff of Cotofos Auto Sales

Andres Rodriguez - owner

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My name is Andrés Rodriguez

I have been working on cars since I can remember with my father in his auto repair shop. Where we are from Maravatio Michoacan, in Mexico 

In 2005 I immigrated to the United States at only 15 years old, looking for the dream of an immigrant, to build my house, buy a truck and return to my country, after a year and a half of working here I realized that I was not going to get very far without being able to speak English, I had to make the decision between working and doing what I was going to do, my house and my truck or studying and learning English, I took the challenge of studying and putting on hold the dream of having my house and my truck in my country, I finished high school in 2010, I started as a mechanic's assistant from 2006 to 2010 in local auto repair shop in Des Moines where my father worked.

In 2010 my father decided to open his own auto repair shop. I started working as a mechanic from 2010 to 2014. In 2014 I went to DMACC for the first quarter to become a certified mechanic. In those 3 months I realized that it was not what I wanted.

In 2014 I proposed to my father the challenge of taking over the reins of the auto repair shop. He gave me the opportunity to carry out my ideas and my work plan. The first decision I made was to promote my brother from our assistant to the position of mechanic and business partner. In 2021 we had the opportunity to open the used car lot.

From 2014 to 2024 I have carried out the operations of the auto repair shop.

And it has been a great experience for me. I do not regret the decision I made to study and learn English because that decision has brought me to where I am today. I have had the opportunity to own a brand new 0 mile pickup truck and to have my 5 room house with room for 6 cars, a large garden that has room for a bounce house, a pool, a basketball hoop, a small space to play soccer and a small patio where we grill meats with my family which is my dear wife, my handsome son, my beautiful princess, and our 3rd on the way on october of 2024. In these 14 years that we have had our own auto repair shop, I have learned a lot, which has made me love my job more every day. The knowledge of knowing how to fix cars has helped me when it comes to buying cars at auction, which at the end of the day benefits customers from our knowledge about cars, every day we are working to improve our knowledge and to provide better service to our existing customers and new customers.

Stephanie Rodriguez - Office Manger

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My name is Stephanie Rodriguez , I was born in Los Angeles , California. I am Mexican American. My mother immigrated to the United States in the 90’s from Guerrero. My mother was a single mother of 3. She always had 2 jobs, sold gold or perfumes, sold homemade food, just to make ends meet. We moved to Des Moines when I was 6 years old. I grew up here and started my own family here.

In 2011 I got married into the auto industry. When I met my husband he was a mechanic working for someone. But he always had his dream of being his own boss. In 2010 he started his own repair shop. I worked full time in a variety of jobs and helped my husband in whatever I could. By being in the front desk or running errands. Starting a successful business takes time. My husband had to get a 2nd job away from the business to support the family and the business. It was hard because he did miss out on a lot while our kids were growing up. In 2018 I am officially on board with my husband full time.  

I am a mother of 2. In October 2024 I will be a mother of 3. Our kids have always been part of our business. Our kids did not have to have a baby sitter  . Because I have always managed to work and watch them. Having a business is something of a 24/7. I am blessed with the support and patients of our kids. 

My knowledge with vehicles has expanded over the past 13 years and keeps growing daily. My experience comes from working in auto repair , auto auction, moving truck rentals, towing services and now auto sales. Driving big trucks or being loaded is no issue for me. For work I have traveled outside the state. Long distance driving I can manage. 

I love breaking barriers as a latina and women in the auto industry. Helping is what makes me happy. I wouldn’t change seeing our customers happy for anything. 

As far as education and accomplishments. I am very proud of myself. In 2023 I graduated from DSM Business Accelerator. In 2024 I graduated from Drake University Business Management. In May of 2024 I was honored with participating in Jefas Magazine. A lot has been accomplished in a year. And wait there’s more …..

Sophia Rodriguez - errand girl

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My name is Sophia Rodriguez 

I’m the owner's daughter and soon to be middle child. 

I help out with the basics part time because I am a full time student and I participate in school activities like band and choir and my hobbies are crocheting and art like drawing and painting. I do sports like volleyball, basketball, and cheerleading.

 At work my duties are limited to filling out paperwork, sending out mail, getting cars ready for sale, keeping track of our inventory and supplies and other jobs I would be required to do.I also used to help out at an auto repair with my aunt who trained me in the auto repair industry,a year later my parents introduced me into the auto sales industry.

 My dad taught me how to change a tire,how to delete engine codes and how to drive. 

My mom taught me how titles work,going out of state to pick up cars ,and how to promote the business.