Our Team
Donny
Owner/ Marketing Director
Donny founded REAL Automotive & Performance in 2018, initially serving as the lead technician before shifting his focus to the digital growth and development of the shop. With a deep-rooted passion for automotive excellence, Donny’s journey began at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, where he honed his skills in automotive technology.
Starting his career in 2004 at a GM dealership, Donny earned his ASE Master Tech certification by 22 and achieved GM Master Tech status by 24. He was also among the first Chevy Volt and Chevy Hybrid Master Techs in the U.S. After relocating from Alaska in 2009, Donny expanded his expertise by working at various independent European and Asian shops, as the shop foreman and/or lead technician.
Donny’s vision for REAL Automotive & Performance has always been to provide customers with affordable, high-quality automotive service and repair. His belief is that the experience shouldn’t feel like a gamble—customers deserve seasoned experts, not just mid-level or less experienced technicians.
When he’s not driving the success of the shop, Donny enjoys building and racing cars, competing nation-wide in Supermoto and Motocross, and exploring new adventures around the world.
CERTIFICATIONS:
ASE MASTER TECH:
A1 Engine Repair
A2 Automatic Transmissions
A3 Manual Drive Train
A4 Suspension and Steering
A5 Brakes
A6 Electrical Systems
A7 Heating and A/C
A8 Engine Performance
OTHER:
A9 Light Vehicle Diesel
L1 Advanced Engine Performance
L2 Electronic Diesel Engine Specialist
L3 Hybrid/ Electric Vehicles
PAST CERTIFICATIONS:
GM Master Tech
GM Volt Master Tech
GM Corvette Master Tech
GM Hybrid Master Tech
Jake
Service Manager
Jake is the Service Manager at Real Automotive and Performance, combining his passion for the automotive world with years of hands-on experience. Growing up in a family deeply involved in the industry, with his step-dad owning a shop, Jake has worked his way up from technician to service writer, and ultimately, service manager at one of Colorado Springs' top-performing shops.
A proud Colorado native, Jake’s love for racing cars fuels his work and perfectly complements the dynamic environment at REAL Automotive and Performance. Outside of the shop, Jake enjoys a busy and lively home life with his wife, two kids, four dogs, and three cats. When he's not delivering exceptional service to customers, you can find him shooting, camping, or BBQing—always embracing adventure in the great outdoors. With a spirit of enthusiasm and dedication, Jake brings both expertise and fun to everything he does.
CERTIFICATIONS:
A4 Suspension and Steering
A5 Brakes
Liam
Technician
After graduating high school, Liam began his career in the world of fabrication, landing a position at a large fabrication shop. There, he honed a wide range of skills in fabrication and equipment operation, learning the ins and outs of the trade. With several years of hands-on experience under his belt, Liam felt the pull to turn his passion for cars into a full-fledged career.
Driven by his love for all things automotive, he attended Pikes Peak Automotive College, where he furthered his knowledge and skills. Soon after, Liam joined REAL Automotive & Performance as an automotive apprentice, ready to dive into the world of repairs and performance upgrades. Over the years, he's gained extensive experience working on a wide variety of European vehicles, a specialty he’s developed a strong passion for. In fact, he’s so dedicated to European cars that he owns several of them himself.
When he's not working on customer vehicles, Liam enjoys spending his free time working on his own cars. He also values the time spent with family and friends, whether it’s catching up over a meal or enjoying a fun weekend adventure. Liam’s enthusiasm for both his work and his personal projects makes him an engaging and dedicated part of the REAL Automotive & Performance team, constantly learning and improving in the ever-evolving world of automotive repair.
CERTIFICATIONS:
A3 Manual Drive Train
A4 Suspension and Steering
A5 Brakes
A7 Heating and A/C
A8 Engine Performance
Sarah
Service Writer
With several years of experience in the automotive industry, Sarah has quickly established herself as a trusted and knowledgeable Service Writer at REAL Automotive & Performance. Her ability to bridge the gap between technical jargon and clear, understandable communication makes her an invaluable asset to both customers and the team. Sarah excels in ensuring that every client feels informed and confident about their service decisions, taking the time to explain complex technical details in a way that puts them at ease.
Her passion for customer service and the automotive world shines through in everything she does, and her friendly, approachable demeanor makes her a go-to resource for anyone looking to learn more about their vehicle’s needs. Whether it’s a routine maintenance question or a more intricate repair, Sarah is always ready to guide customers through the process with clarity and care.
Outside of work, Sarah has a deep love for music festivals and raves, where she can immerse herself in the electrifying energy of the crowd and the vibrant beats that keep the spirit alive. The community and excitement of these events fuel her creativity and zest for life. When she’s not dancing to the music, Sarah enjoys reconnecting with nature through hiking and camping, embracing the peace and tranquility of the great outdoors. From the high-energy world of music festivals to the serene beauty of the wilderness, Sarah brings her sense of adventure and enthusiasm to everything she does—both at work and in her personal life.
Keegan
Technician
With over 10 years of professional automotive experience, Keegan is a vital leader at REAL Automotive & Performance. His diverse expertise covers a wide range of vehicles, from European and domestic models to Asian imports and even heavy-duty semis. This broad skill set makes him the go-to expert for nearly any automotive challenge that comes through the door.
Keegan’s favorite part of the job is the ever-changing landscape of vehicles. Whether it’s a new model with the latest technology or a complex repair on a high-performance model, he thrives on the opportunity to learn and adapt to the constant evolution of the automotive world. His passion for solving problems and delivering high-quality results is evident in every project he tackles.
Outside of the shop, Keegan enjoys unwinding with video games and exploring Colorado’s off-road trails with his wife. Whether he’s navigating virtual landscapes or conquering real-world terrain, Keegan brings the same enthusiasm and determination to his personal adventures as he does to his work at REAL Automotive & Performance. Always ready for the next challenge, Keegan’s love for both the automotive industry and the outdoors keeps him motivated and energized.
CERTIFICATONS:
A1 Engine Repair
A4 Suspension and Steering
A5 Brakes
A6 Electrical Systems
A7 Heating and A/C
Cody
Technician
Originally from Helena, MT, Cody moved to Colorado with his family at the age of 15 in 2007. With a passion for working on cars that started at 16, he decided to turn his hobby into a career in 2020 by attending tech school at PPCC.
Starting as a General Service Technician at Christian Brothers Automotive, Cody quickly gained experience and advanced in his career. After almost a year at REAL Automotive and Performance, he enjoys the diverse range of work the shop handles and continues to grow his skills in the automotive field.
CERTIFICATIONS:
ASE MASTER TECH:
A1 Engine Repair
A2 Automatic Transmissions
A3 Manual Drive Train
A4 Suspension and Steering
A5 Brakes
A6 Electrical Systems
A7 Heating and A/C
A8 Engine Performance
Jesus
Technician
Born and raised in South Los Angeles, California, and later relocating to Salt Lake City, Utah, Jesus developed a passion for automotive performance after being introduced to the world of cars by a close friend and his Mitsubishi Evolution X. This sparked a career in the automotive industry, starting with an internship at Larry H. Miller Super Ford in Salt Lake City, where he learned the basics of the trade.
After six months, Jesus moved to Colorado Springs and rapidly advanced at Larry H. Miller Toyota, holding positions from Tech A to Quick Lube Foreman and eventually Used Car Technician within just three years. His career continued to progress with stints at Honda, Christian Brothers Automotive, and ultimately, REAL Automotive and Performance.
Now at REAL, Jesus is honing his skills toward becoming a Master Technician, specializing in both repairs and performance upgrades across all makes and models.
Gabby
Office Assistant
New to the automotive industry, Gabby is quickly establishing herself as a well-rounded Service Writer. Gabby is dedicated to making a positive impact in the car industry while staying true to her values of connection, creativity, and service. She brings a unique blend of energy and compassion to everything she does here in the shop.
Outside of work, Gabby loves to immerse herself in the outdoors- whether it’s hammocking, camping, or practicing winter sports. In addition, she often found spending her time at the gym or social gatherings.
Chip
Trash Eater
Chip is a lovable, hard-working dog who serves as the unofficial mascot and shop assistant at REAL Automotive and Performance. Always ready to greet customers with a wagging stub, Chip has a natural knack for bringing a sense of calm to the shop. Whether he's lounging by the front counter or keeping an eye on the techs, he’s always there to brighten everyone’s day. Known for his gentle demeanor and occasional "paw-sitive" encouragement, Chip’s presence ensures that every customer leaves not just with a repaired vehicle, but with a smile on their face. He's not just a dog; he's part of the REAL Automotive family.