949-391-2570
32965 Calle Perfecto, SJC, CA 92675
Mon – Fri | 9:00am – 4:00pm
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About Us

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Founder and Technical Instructor

Chris Knuth

Chris Knuth is the Co-Owner of Star Motors Elite Auto Care and the Founder of APAC ATI in San Juan Capistrano, CA. His tenacity, drive and ability to make genuine connections with others has been foundational to his tremendous success within the automotive industry which spans 23 years.

His career began in 1997 as a mechanic at a Honda/Acura specialty shop which led to subsequent independent repair shops until 2008 when the opportunity came to purchase Star Motors. Through hard work, commitment, and a willingness to continue learning, Chris is now a well-respected business owner and mentor to Automotive Industry Professionals worldwide. Chris is passionate about mentoring, training and creating opportunities for the next generation of automotive technicians.

In 2014, Chris developed the Star Motors Apprentice program in collaboration with a few colleagues to provide technical skills, training and mindset development to up and coming Automotive Industry Professionals. The program was developed as a solution to what he found to be a lack of highly skilled automotive technicians in the industry.

After traveling to Uganda in January of 2020, Chris again saw the need for quality repair shops and technicians and co-founded APAC Africa in June 2020. APAC Africa’s mission is to train technicians and establish a network of quality repair shops throughout Uganda, East Africa and beyond.

Inspired by the work that is ongoing in Africa, Chris founded APAC ATI in San Juan Capistrano, CA in September 2020. Chris’s passion for teaching and giving back, particularly to those who have raw talent and a desire to become certified and gainfully employed within the automotive industry is at the heart of APAC ATI.

APAC ATI was created in the US to benefit veterans, ex-offenders and those within recovery with an opportunity to create an amazing career in the automotive industry.

Lead Technical Instructor

Patrick Williams

Patrick Williams is APAC ATI’s Lead Technical Instructor. He entered the automotive industry in 2000 after completing a 15-month certification program with Universal Technical Institute (UTI) in 1999 followed by certification in the Mercedes-Benz Elite Program.

Patrick worked with Mercedes-Benz for 7 years and achieved the level of Master Certified Technician. He also is an ASE Master Certified Technician and has the L1- Advanced Engine Performance and A9 Diesel Certifications.

Patrick began his career as a technician at Star Motors in March of 2009 and quickly became adept at servicing and diagnosing other European brands as well as Asian and Domestic vehicles. He has been a mentor in the Star Motors Apprentice Program and our Shop Foreman since 2015.

Patrick is a patient and skilled teacher. He has a true gift for explaining complex things in a way that is easy to understand and implement. He is a true master of his craft!