Staff
John Hoskins, President
John is a fourth generation resident of the Libertyville/Mundelein area and his great grandfather was the Mundelein Sheriff from 1942 to 1948. John’s father bought Gustafson in 1975 and as a young boy John helped around the shop and caught the automotive bug. In preparation to follow in his dad’s footsteps, John went to Lake Forest College to earn a B.A. in Business. While growing up, he worked hard to afford sports cars including old Porsche’s and several BMW and Honda motorcycles. He is an avid traveler by land and sea, logging many miles by motorcycle and over 10,000 ocean miles on various sailboats. He’s often in the shop after-hours, catching up on paperwork or fixing a part from his sailboat. He is an active volunteer in several local sailing groups.
Freddy Jaramillo, Estimator/Customer Service
Freddy is the newest member of the Gustafson family since he started in 2011. If you call us, Freddy will likely be the one to say “hello.” He’ll be happy to explain the damage estimate and repair process, offer you a ride home or prepare you a quick estimate so you can get back to your busy day. He knows his way around the shop and around town since he grew up down the street in Vernon Hills. His qualifications include I-Car Platinum Estimator and an associates degree from Wyotech Technical College, which included training in collision and refinishing, airbrushing, upholstery, and restoration. He often sticks around at the end of the day because he enjoys fixing up old cars. He’s currently working on a 2002 Honda Civic and a supercharged F-150 at the shop.
Scott Brya, Painter
Scott started at Gustafson in 1979 as an auto body tech and a painter. Two years of vocational training at the College of Lake County while still in high school and a lot of hard work has made him one of the most experienced painters in the business today. He is Gustafson’s longest-term employee with 37 years at the shop. His endorsements include I-Car Platinum Refinish Technician and Akzo Nobel Waterborne Product Training. He is ahead of the curve as one of the first to switch to more environmentally friendly water-based paints, a practice that will be an industry requirement within the next five years. Scott enjoys skiing with his kids and volunteered as a Lacrosse assistant coach.
Jason Cherwa, Body Tech and Painter
Jason came to Gustafson in 1999 as a porter. He worked hard and apprenticed with fellow techs, working is way up to being a key member of the team. His training includes I-Car Platinum Non-Structural Technician and I-Car Steel GMA (MIG) Welding Qualification. Jason is from Grays Lake, an avid gardener and home improvement expert.
Javier Sanchez, Detailer/Paint Prep
Javier, a native of Costa Rica, came to the US as a boy. He joined our team in 2002 and has become the glue that holds it all together. Whether he’s keeping everyone organized, cleaning your car, or giving you a lift home, he has a smile on his face and a story to tell. He enjoys driving and working on cars, working as a commercial truck driver before joining Gustafson. In his spare time he enjoys repairing cars for his friends and relatives.
Certifications
