Auto mechanics at Urban Classics

Who We Are

Founded 29 years ago, Urban Classics is a family-owned auto repair shop run by diligent mechanics, knowledgeable associates, and friendly technicians. While in our infancy, our focus was on restoring and repairing classic cars. As we’ve evolved, so too have our interests. We now offer quality auto repair services to a broad clientele, ranging from Audi to Chevrolet owners. Some of our specialties include oil changes, wheel alignments, and tune-ups. In addition to our automotive solutions, we also provide fleet services to government agencies and law enforcement. No matter your auto needs, our seasoned mechanics ensure satisfaction on all fronts.

What Sets Us Apart

At Urban Classics, top-notch customer service is more than just a promise. Our mechanics see to all needs, guaranteeing that expectations are both met and exceeded. In the hopes of providing unprecedented levels of customer care, we routinely train our mechanics, and we invest in the latest technology and equipment. At our core, we’re strong believers in camaraderie. It’s for this reason why we treat our clients like family and make ongoing efforts to get involved in our community.

We are Hiring

The Man Who Made It Possible

If not for David Goldsmith’s entrepreneurial endeavors, Urban Classics Auto wouldn’t be the successful organization that it is today. While exploring various pursuits, David unearthed his passion for auto repair. He began working alongside industry specialists, eventually blossoming into a multifaceted mechanic. While working as a mechanic, David earned a college degree, which set him up for a prosperous career in the automotive industry. Though he had the skills, David was dissatisfied with the lack of customer service in his field. As an attempt to spark change, he established Urban Classics, and we’ve remained committed to client satisfaction since.

In addition to creating and building Urban Classics Auto as it is today, along the way, David has dedicated himself to improving public education. David has served many years as an elected public school parent leader. He served for many terms as the President of the Community Education Council for Community School District 13 in Brooklyn. He also helped found and was elected as Co-Chair to the Education Council Consortium, a city-wide body that regularly meets with the Chancellor of the NYC Public schools to discuss and develop public school policy.

David himself has taught as an Adjunct Professor in the Automotive Program at Bronx Community College. For almost 30 years David has been a weekly regular as an automotive guest expert on the Auto Lab Radio Show which sponsored by the Consortium for Automotive Education (CAED). The show airs every Saturday from 7 am – 9 am on 970 AM, WNYM.

David continues with his colleagues from CAED to be an advocate for improved Career and Technical Training in Automotive as well as other trades.

Owner of the shop

Meet Our Team

  • Velma Douglas Clarke - Manager
    Velma Douglas ClarkeManager

    Velma D. Clarke has been working at Urban Classics since 1993. She oversees and manages the business as a whole including sales, production and financial areas. Previously Velma had worked as the assistant manager of a clothing store and as a receptionist cashier for the Japanese Embassy. Velma has attended classes at the Fitz Henley Business College and the Software Training Centre Ltd in Jamaica, West Indies. She has also studied as a PC Specialist at the Career Blazers Learning Center in New York City. She has attended management seminars in Los Angeles with Drive, a management consulting firm. Velma is attended a series of classes which certified her in QuickBooks.

    Velma started at Urban Classics as an office assistant helping David's wife Katherine with bookkeeping and reception. She caught on quickly which allowed Katherine to attend nursing school. Velma soon became our office and operations manager. Velma's entire family has participated in the growth of our company. Velma's son in law, an IT specialist, helped us build and maintain our computer systems. Perhaps most importantly, Velma's husband Patrick, an expert in building renovation, helped us build out our office and shop floor facilities in our new location on Kosciuszko Street. Where would Urban Classics be without Velma and her family!?


  • Max Service Adviser
    Max MeroService Adviser

    Max Mero is a consummate Automotive Service Adviser who understands the primary importance of a high standard for customer service. He is responsible for all aspects of customer service and sales. He has been a Service Adviser at Urban Classics since 2009.

    From 2002- 3 Max had worked in various jobs as a data specialist since graduating from Fordham University with a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science in 2001. In 2003, however, Max began his career in the automotive field working as a Certified Sales Consultant for Regan Motors. From 2004-09 he worked at the Major Automotive Group in Long Island City. There he worked as a Sales Consultant and later created and managed all aspects of internet sales for the company. He also worked as a staff developer; coaching, counseling and recruiting new sales staff.

    Max played competitive tennis in both High School and College and loves the sport almost as much as he loves baseball and his team, the NY Mets. In his earlier years Max excelled as a musician, playing piano. Max is married and is the proud father of an elementary school age son.

  • Anthony RomeroLead Technician

    Anthony Romero is a lead technician at Urban Classics since 2001. Tony grew up in the auto repair business. His father owned and operated his own auto repair business in the Bronx. Tony attended and graduated with a Vocational H.S. Diploma for Automotive Mechanics from Alfred E. Smith Vocational High School. Later he acquired 31 credits in Automotive Technology from NYC Technical College. He later acquired a Certificate in Automotive Repair from APEX Technical School. Like Guang, Tony is always working to keep current in his knowledge of automotive technology. He is also a regular visitor to the AC Delco web-based training modules. He has AC Delco certification in Electrical/Electronics Stage 1,2 & 3 OBD II, Powertrain Performance 1 & 2, Tech 2. as well as many AVI Training Institute certifications.


  • Guang ZhangLead Technician

    Guang Zhang is a lead technician at Urban Classics since 2009. He studied Computer Engineering Technology at Queens Borough Community College from 2000-2004 where he enjoyed a 3.7 GPA. After working for a wireless company, Guang decided to make a move to Alfred State College and complete his college education in the automotive field. He graduated on the Dean’s List with a 3.5 GPA with a degree in Automotive Trade Automotive Service, A.O.S. in 2007. While working in a NAPA Auto Care Center, Guang acquired A.S.E. Master Certification in engine repair, engine performance, automatic transmission/transaxle, manual drive train and axles, suspension and steering, brakes, electrical/electronic systems, heating and air conditioning. He also is a certified NYS Vehicle Inspector. Guang understands the need to stay current in his knowledge of automotive technology. He always seeks to upgrade his certifications and is a regular visitor to the AC Delco web-based tech training modules available to all Urban Classics technicians. Guang also regularly attends classes at the Worldpac Training Institute and has been most recently certified in Body Systems III for BMW, Advanced No-Code Diagnostic Circuit Analysis, Modern Diagnosis and Service Techniques, as well as VW/Audi Diesel Diagnostics and Repair.
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