We're Looking to Grow Our Team!

Cassy (Arms) has been an excellent addition to Total Upgrade, joining the team in June of 2022. She was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon and spent most her childhood watching her dad be the family backyard mechanic.

During high school she focused on Symphonic band as well as Automotive Technology, then went on to PCC to complete the Diesel Service Technology program. She has spent most of her career service

writing and parts advising for agricultural equipment ranging from New Holland to Kubota and even small engines such as Husqvarna and Honda. She has also spent time working at a European

independent shop as well as Kuni BMW, rounding out her knowledge and experience in the industry. In her downtime Cassy enjoys visiting car shows and dragstrips, as well as spending time outdoors with her

boyfriend Alonzo and her stepchildren, Luke and Raya.

Joe (Broadway Joe) and his wife Jennifer founded Total Upgrade in 2008 previously known as "Transmissions Unlimited" where he wanted to change the game in the automotive world specializing in transmission work. Back in 08 a lot of dealerships were running out of work and treated their mechanics pretty badly. If a dealer didn't have work for their guys, they would send them home, not allowing them to do side jobs, or perform any needed maintenance other than what service advisors couldn't sell at the time. In frustration, Joe wanted to be a do - it - all technician, from taking in clients himself, to being responsible for the work being performed. With the help of his wife Jennifer (background in the banking industry) he opened up T.U. and was off to the races. His goal is to fix cars, period. Which is why we ultimately changed our name to Total Upgrade. He understands in this world you only get paid to get the job done, so that's what he's taught his son Dillon, and that is the motto of Total Upgrade to this day. 

Dexter (Dexter's Laboratory) has been in the automotive industry for his entire career with a wide background working for dealerships and custom build shops. He is an expert in the automotive field and has the ability to tackle nearly every aspect of issues on modern vehicles. He also has extensive experience working on custom builds from lift kits, lowering kits, to lighting installs, and custom exhausts/intake kits. He has been an excellent addition to the team and is the prime example of the leadership we're looking for at our shop. A selfless individual who loves car culture and learning anything to do the automotive field. He enjoys car meets, hiking with his wife and their dog, and any relaxing evening with family and friends. 

Dallas (Diamond) is a specialist in customer service and estimates for the automotive industry. He has experience from Audi and Ford and extensive knowledge of vehicles in general from his passion for cars. He actually met Dexter through car meets, and became friends due to their passion for cars. He has been an amazing add to the team at TU from his positive attitude, willingness to help in any way he can, and his ability to explain the issues to customers in a way they can truly understand and take note from in order to make the best decision possible for the automotive needs. Dallas enjoys time with friends and family and making memorable experiences with his girlfriend. 

Chris is our service manager at our downtown Hillsboro location - he has a background working on imports and exotic vehicles and enjoys being able to help others with their vehicle issues and learning as much as he can about the automotive industry. He rides dirt bikes, races cars, enjoys drifting - anything that he can customize to make his own - he's ready and willing to make it happen. He's an extremely hard worker and cares deeply for our clients and their well-being - his goal is to make sure if someone gets work done with us - they leave happy. 

Preston graduated for UTI in Texas and has great knowledge and understanding when it comes to servicing vehicles. He understands the tests that are needed on vehicles to ensure proper diagnosis and is continuing to learn new technology to keep up with the ever growing and changing industry. He has training on Subaru's - imports - and has continued with classes on AC systems and Ford timing systems. He has a passion for educating himself and becoming versed on different makes and models and the systems they use. 

Hiro is a new addition to the TU team and has a background in imports and customizing vehicles - he's well-versed in what it takes to ensure vehicles run properly and our serviced correctly. He has been in the industry his entire career and continues to have a passion for fixing cars and a positive attitude to handle difficult repairs. He continues to invest in his knowledge when it comes to changing technology and strives to perform excellent service for each and every customer. 

Jesse has been with TU for two years now and helps out part-time. He's a hard worker and has a passion for gaining knowledge and challenging himself. He has a background working on many different makes and models and experience doing engines, transmissions, suspensions, brakes, lift kits and more. He has been an asset to have as a part of the team with his skill set and continues to educate himself on new skills to be able to improve as a great technician. 

Luke is our maintenance and light line repair technician at TU and has a background as a lube technician at various dealerships. He has a passion for cars and is making a career out of his passion. He started at TU this year and has proven himself to be able to work hard and continue to improve his skills and abilities to be able to tackle each and every job he's run into. He's an extremely smart individual and is willing to tackle anything he sets his mind to. He's been a valuable add to the team and we look forward to seeing his growth within our company. 

Taylor joined the Total Upgrade team last year and has a wide range of experience and tools at his disposal. He was born in Kirkland Washington but has spent most of his time here in Hillsboro. He graduated with a 2 year degree in diesel service technology and got a lot of experience working as a heavy line tech and multiple years working in the lighter line automotive world. After some tough back injuries he decided to continue his passion working on Euro vehicles at BMW. His path took him to more of a diagnostic specialist type role to be able to continue spreading his knowledge in the automotive field as well as train new technicians. We're glad to have him be a new addition to our team and he's looking forward to meeting our great customers and helping them as much as possible! Taylor also enjoys watching boxing and hitting the bag whenever he's able. He's married to his wife Wendy of nearly 5 years, and they have a beautiful newborn daughter named Jordan.