SEASIDE, CA, June 26, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Stacey Diaz has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Ms. Diaz has established herself as a formidable presence in the automotive industry, currently serving as the chief executive officer of Wayside Garage. With more than 35 years of experience, she has honed her expertise in automotive repair, client management, strategic planning and employee management. Her leadership at Wayside Garage is also marked by her dedication to overseeing day-to-day operations and her commitment to ensuring the business's growth and giving back to the community. Her efforts have been recognized by the Automotive Training Institute, which ranked her business among the top 50 shops nationwide in 2023 and consistently within the top 300 for five years.

Ms. Diaz's journey in the automotive field began when her father took over Wayside Garage in 1981. She climbed the ranks within the company, starting as a service advisor in 1986, a role she still maintains today. Her commitment to excellence is further demonstrated through her involvement with industry-related organizations, such as the Automotive Training Institute and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Her certifications as a service consultant and G1 certification from ASE underscore her technical proficiency and dedication to maintaining high standards.

Having grown up in the automotive industry, Ms. Diaz was acutely aware of the negative stereotypes often associated with the field, where professionals were frequently dismissed as mere "grease monkeys." In reality, however, automotive work demands a high level of intelligence, intuition and problem-solving abilities. Each vehicle presents a unique set of challenges that requires thorough analysis and investigative skill. For those willing to embrace the complexity and explore every potential issue, the profession offers a dynamic and intellectually rewarding experience.

In addition to her role at Wayside Garage, Ms. Diaz has been an independent distributor for AdvoCare since 2016. Before entering the field, she completed coursework in business administration and management from the Automotive Training Institute and Monterey Peninsula College, which has equipped her with essential skills for managing a successful business.

Reflecting on her work in the field, Ms. Diaz attributes much of her success to her persistence and refusal to back down, qualities that have been nurtured by mentors and coaches throughout her career. Her commitment to personal and professional growth is evident in her weekly meetings with business and marketing coaches, which help refine her strategies for success.

Outside of her work responsibilities, Ms. Diaz is actively involved in civic-minded organizations. She sponsors youth softball and baseball leagues, donates to ALL-IN Monterey County, participates in car shows and serves on the board of the Automotive Technology Program at Monterey Peninsula College. In her free time, she enjoys camping, off-roading and rock crawling as hobbies.

Acknowledging her contributions to the field, Ms. Diaz has been honored with the All-Star Runner-Up by Ratchet+Wrench in 2024 and has received recognition from the Automotive Training Institute for her shop's performance. These awards stem not only from her father's legacy but from the changes they have made in the shop to focus on their customers and serve their community.

Looking ahead, she envisions expanding Wayside Garage to additional locations, providing more jobs and educating others about automotive importance. She also hopes to play a larger role in educating incoming students about the business side of automotive work. Ultimately, she aims for a seamless transition of leadership to her daughter Sabrina, who is already the shop's manager, ensuring that the family legacy continues with guidance and support whenever needed.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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