About Our Shop in Tampa, FL
Driven By Passion — RI Automotive
Our passion for cars has been our driving motivation since we opened RI Automotive in 2000. We saw the need in Tampa, Florida, for an auto repair shop that struck a balance as a business professional with a personal touch. We wanted to take the stress and worry of car repair away from the customer while making the experience and costs as transparent as possible. We understand that cars may not be your life, but they are ours! We treat each vehicle like it was our first, our last, and our favorite. Actually, the first car to roll through our bay was a 1996 Acura Integra in need of a complete engine overhaul and we haven’t put down our tools for over two decades. We service all makes and models and are always up for the challenge of a new repair or issue. Our ASE certified and ASE Master certified technicians perform routine maintenance, emergency repairs, and custom, performance-enhancing upgrades. Their expertise means no issue is too large or complicated.
What to Expect
We are located at 9713 N. Nebraska Avenue, near the University of South Florida and Busch Gardens of Tampa Bay. Just off of I-275, our shop offers a convenient location for locals and travelers alike, because auto maintenance isn’t just an issue for when you are at home! You can call ahead to book an appointment with our front office staff anytime. However, we know not all emergencies happen on your schedule, so we also accept walk-ins. Our waiting room is equipped with Wifi and complimentary snacks and coffee. Relax while our technicians inspect your vehicle and come back to you with their findings and an array of options for you to choose from. If you have questions about the goods, services, or costs, we are happy to answer them.
Join Our Family
The cost of repairs may be at the top of your mind when you think about your vehicle’s maintenance. At RI Automotive, we aim to show you the most cost-effective solutions and offer discounts where available. New customers enjoy 15% off labor costs on their first visit (up to $100). We know you will be impressed with our services and the results on your vehicle that you will keep coming back. Providing efficient and trustworthy car maintenance has kept our customers coming back to us year after year, including our first customer and his 1996 Acura Integra! Call us today and plan your first visit to RI Automotive. We look forward to hearing from you!
Meet the Owner
Collin Ettienne Sr. – Founder/CEO
Collin Ettienne, a Bronx, NY, native who found his roots in the vibrant city of Tampa, Florida, is a visionary force in the automotive world. Raised in Tampa, Collin’s journey into the automotive industry began at Tampa Bay Technical High School, where he immersed himself in the study of automotive technology. Coming from a family with a legacy of automotive technicians, his passion for the industry was ingrained from an early age.
After honing his skills in his hometown, Collin ventured into the professional realm by establishing Racing Integration in the year 2000. This humble beginning saw him as a one-man band operating out of an industrial park in Tampa. His dedication to the craft was unwavering, even leading him to move the shop to his backyard for a time, navigating the challenges posed by his dual responsibilities as a firefighter for Hillsborough County.
Collin’s early years were marked by a specialization in auto performance, reflecting his love for pushing the boundaries of what vehicles could achieve. However, the dynamic nature of the automotive industry led him to a new passion for general auto repair. With the steadfast support of his family, Collin transformed Racing Integration into R.I. Automotive, a name that would become synonymous with quality and integrity in the Tampa Bay area.
At the heart of Collin’s business philosophy is a commitment to providing quality work in every aspect of his operation. He firmly believes in delivering care with integrity, a principle that has been the guiding light for R.I. Automotive. His keen attention to detail, a skill finely honed in the performance industry, sets the standard for excellence in every repair, upgrade, or service his shop provides.
As a proud owner of R.I. Automotive, Collin Ettienne envisions more than just a successful business—he sees an opportunity to shape the future of the automotive industry. With a focus on community impact, he aims to grow and nurture future technicians who share his values of quality workmanship and integrity.
Collin’s journey from the bustling streets of the Bronx to the automotive workshops of Tampa showcases not only his personal evolution but also his dedication to creating positive change in the industry he loves. As he looks forward to the future, Collin remains committed to not only serving his community through R.I. Automotive but also inspiring a new generation of technicians who will continue to elevate the standards of excellence in the automotive world.