Auto Care Plus was founded by John and Karen Manelas in 2004 after Karen’s negative experience at an auto shop inspired them to provide a better way to treat customers. They opened their first location in Merrimack, NH, with a commitment to honest, reliable service and respect for customers. Today, Auto Care Plus is a trusted name known for its dedication to quality care and customer satisfaction.
Apply For a Fulfilling Auto Repair Shop Position Today
As part of the Straightaway family of brands, Auto Care Plus stands out by doing things differently. While many auto repair shops focus solely on fixing cars, we prioritize people—both our customers and our team. We’ve built a reputation for treating customers with care and respect, earning their loyalty in an industry where trust is hard to come by.
Our bays are always full, thanks to the strong relationships we’ve built over the years, and our shops are clean, modern, well-lit, and stocked with the latest tools and technology to help you succeed. Unlike many shops where employees hop from one place to another, our teams stay because we’ve developed a strategy that supports and values our employees, resulting in higher retention rates than most shops. If you’re looking for a place where you can grow, make a real impact, and work alongside a team that truly cares, Auto Care Plus is the place for you.
Join one of our trusted brands and experience the best of both worlds: the close-knit feel of a local family business and the career growth opportunities of a larger-scale company. See how our production, customer service, and support teams work together to create a seamless experience for you and your future.
Our Commitment to You: Employee Benefits
Working in the auto repair industry with Straightaway means more than just a paycheck—it’s about building a career with a company that values you. In addition to health, dental, and vision benefits, all Straightaway family of brand employees receive a 401(k) with company match and the following:
Meet the Auto Care Plus Team
As the Brand President of Auto Care Plus, John Manelas leads with a focus on mergers and acquisitions, process improvements, and forecasting future industry trends. His leadership is grounded in a commitment to building strong partnerships and creating a platform company poised for long-term success.
John’s journey with Auto Care Plus began in 2004 when he and his wife, Karen, purchased a single location of the business founded in 1984. Over the last 20 years, they’ve grown the company into a trusted leader in the industry while fostering a culture that emphasizes mentorship and growth for the next generation.
Born and raised in Lowell, Massachusetts, John relocated to New Hampshire in 1987, where he currently resides. He shares his life with Karen—his college sweetheart and the Vice President of Auto Care Plus—their three children, two sons-in-law, one grandson, a dog, and seven cats.
John’s guiding philosophy, “Serve Others,” is reflected in both his professional and personal endeavors. Whether mentoring young talent, building innovative energy solutions, or enjoying his favorite hobbies like skiing, ice hockey, or wake surfing, John approaches every challenge with enthusiasm and purpose.
Jon Dine has been a dedicated team member at Auto Care Plus for over 13 years, starting his journey with the company in August 2011. Growing up in Newton, Massachusetts, Jon moved to Merrimack, New Hampshire, at the age of 12 and continues to call it home. He has been happily married to his high school sweetheart for 14 years, and together they have two children, a 17-year-old son and a 13-year-old daughter, along with two beloved dogs.
In his free time, Jon enjoys spending time with friends and family, attending his kids’ sporting events, camping, and hosting gatherings where he can showcase his passion for cooking—especially using his smoker. While he loves cooking on his smoker, chopped liver firmly holds the title of his least favorite food.
Known for his commitment to serving others and encouraging those around him to do the same, Jon takes pride in everything he does. With a strong sense of dedication and a love for family, Jon embodies the values that make Auto Care Plus proud.
Karen Manelas is the Vice President of Auto Care Plus, where she plays a pivotal role in overseeing employee relations, accounting, and mergers and acquisitions. With 20 years of leadership alongside her husband John and over 40 years of history for the company overall, Karen is passionate about fostering growth and building a platform that thrives on teamwork and respect.
Karen grew up in Stoneham, Massachusetts, and has lived in Pelham, New Hampshire, for 34 years. She and her husband of 34 years, John, share a vibrant family life with three children, two sons-in-law, and a nearly 2-year-old grandson. Their home also includes a 17-year-old dog and four cats.
She has always enjoyed staying busy, whether through house projects like gardening and painting or wake surfing with her family on the lake.
Her favorite book, The Secret, taught her the art of manifesting dreams into reality, a concept she holds close as she continues to shape the future of Auto Care Plus. When not working or with her family, Karen treasures memories of adventures in Alaska, marveling at its stunning landscapes and wildlife.
The Perks Don’t Stop There
We go the extra mile to support our team both inside and outside of the shop. We believe in investing in our people, which is why we provide access to top-tier training and guidance. You’ll even get one-on-one time with the best service advisor trainer in the country! He’s part of our team full-time, ready to help you perfect your skills in selling the work and moving the parts with confidence.
On top of that, you’ll have access to expert investment advisors who can help you maximize your 401(k) and stock investments, guaranteeing you’re making the best financial decision for you and your family.
As if that weren’t enough, we offer a 24/7 employee assistance program that provides confidential counseling, advice, and resources on everything from legal and financial matters to health and wellness, work-life balance, and emotional support. Think of it as a go-to source for just about anything you need to feel supported and valued.
Current Available Positions
We understand that skills can be taught and experience comes with time. What we truly value is attitude. We’re looking for individuals who bring professionalism, confidence, and a friendly, positive approach to everything they do. If you can speak to your past experiences, show us your willingness to learn, and demonstrate a great attitude, you’re the kind of person we want on our team. We’d love for you to come in, take a tour of our shop, and see for yourself if it’s the right fit for you.