At the Heart of the Shop: Elmwood CDJR’s Jason Verdoia
For nearly three decades, Jason Verdoia has been one of the familiar faces keeping the service department at Elmwood Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram running smoothly. From oil changes to full engine rebuilds, he’s seen — and fixed — just about everything since joining the East Providence dealership back in the 1990s.
“I’ve been here since ’97,” Jason says. “I started full-time when I was twenty, right after finishing school, and I’ve been here ever since!”
Over the years, he’s built not just a career but a strong sense of belonging in the shop at Elmwood. The steady rhythm of work, the teamwork among the crew, and the pride in a job well done have all become integral to the environment he has helped shape and maintain.
A Career Built from the Ground Up
Jason’s interest in cars started early. “I went to Durfee High in Fall River,” he says. “They had a vocational program, so I learned how to fix cars there. During my junior and senior years, I did a co-op that gave me hands-on experience in the field.”
Those long days balancing school and shop work gave Jason a solid foundation for his future. “When I came to Elmwood, I already kind of had a little bit of knowledge,” he says. “I’d been taking transmissions out and learning the ropes. By the time I was out of school, I was ready to go full-time.”
To build on that experience, he later completed a Chrysler-sponsored college program and earned his associate degree in automotive technology. “That program really helped me,” Jason says. “It was hands-on, and it got me connected to Chrysler early on. I came out of there ready to work.”
The combination of real-world experience and formal training set the stage for a long, successful career — one that would eventually grow from a single service bay to the leadership of the entire shop.
A Family Tradition
It’s a career that runs in the family. Jason’s father, Jim Verdoia, helped pave the way as Elmwood’s longtime service manager. “It’s a family thing at this point,” Jason laughs. “My dad got me into it, and I’ve been doing it ever since. He’s my boss now, but we get along great. Not everyone gets to see their dad every day.”
That family bond carries through to the entire Elmwood team. The service department is more than just a workplace; it’s a tight-knit group of professionals who take pride in their craft and in one another. “We’ve got a lot of people here who’ve been at Elmwood for years,” Jason says. “We’re like a big family. Everybody helps each other out, and we’ve built a really good reputation for doing things right.”
Evolving with the Times
Over his nearly three decades at Elmwood, Jason has seen a lot change — especially in the way cars are built and repaired. “Technology has come a long way,” he says. “We’re working with hybrids and electric vehicles now, and that means learning new systems all the time. It keeps things interesting.”
He’s also comfortable tackling the latest technology under the hood. “Yeah, we work with electric vehicles,” Jason explains. “You just have to power them down the right way because they have 5,000 volts. There are a few extra steps you have to do before you work on those guys.”
For Jason, adapting to change is just part of the job. “Once you understand it, it’s fine,” he adds. “You just take your time, do it safely, and keep learning — that’s how you stay sharp in this business.”
The Road to Shop Foreman
After years of turning wrenches and solving tough repairs, Jason’s expertise and calm leadership naturally led him into a new role. Earlier this year, he took over the position of shop foreman, a position that lets him combine his hands-on skills with mentorship and management.
“I still fix cars every day,” he says, “but I also help manage the guys in the shop. There are about ten of us. If someone runs into a tough problem or isn’t sure about something, I jump in and help.I make sure everything’s getting done right and on time.”
Jason’s leadership philosophy is rooted in empathy and teamwork. “I just treat people the way I’d want to be treated,” he says. “I’ve been in their shoes. Sometimes you need a hand, sometimes just a second opinion. We work as a team.”
His approachable style has earned him the respect of his coworkers and the trust of his managers — a balance that helps keep Elmwood’s service department running like a well-tuned engine.
Fixing What’s Broken — and Loving It
In a career full of change, one thing has stayed constant: Jason’s satisfaction in a job well done. “The most rewarding thing is fixing something that’s broken,” he says. “When a customer drops off their car and it’s not running right, and you figure it out and send them home happy — that’s what it’s all about.”
There’s pride in that process, and it’s clear that Jason never takes it for granted. “We’ve got a good reputation because we fix it right the first time,” he adds. “That’s what people want. Nobody wants to come back for the same problem.”
That commitment to doing things the right way — not the fast way — is what’s made Elmwood’s service department one of the most trusted in Rhode Island.
Looking Ahead
Even after nearly 30 years, Jason’s passion hasn’t faded. “I’ve been here my whole career,” he says. “I’ve seen the shop change, the technology change, the people come and go. But Elmwood’s always been a great place to be. I like the people, I like what I do, and I’m proud to be part of it.”
It’s that steady dedication that defines both Jason and Elmwood CDJR itself. The dealership’s long-standing reputation is built on people like him — skilled, steady, and committed to keeping Rhode Island drivers on the road.
“I’ve been doing this a long time,” Jason says, “but I still get the same satisfaction when I fix something that’s not working. That feeling never gets old.”