Meet Laz Keresztesi of The Workshop Hawthorn

For the past 25 years, Laz Keresztesi and his team of highly skilled mechanics have taken special care of customers and their cars in Camberwell and surrounds.

Mr Keresztesi, who has worked in the industry for some 32 years, established The Workshop Hawthorn on Russell St (tucked behind the Camberwell tram depot) in August 1995.

“We like to think of ourselves as a small, boutique mechanical workshop,” Mr Keresztesi said.

The family-owned workshop repairs, services and tunes all types of vehicles to keep them running without missing a beat.

Putting the customer first

Mr Keresztesi said his team prided itself on providing personalised, friendly and one-on-one service that seemed to lack in other businesses these days.

“We treat our customers like family,” he said.

“It’s a workshop that values transparency, so we like to invite our customers in and offer them the chance to look at their cars together, even it’s their first time here.

“We customise our service to people’s individual needs, so we really take the time to ask what our customers need.”

For example, Mr Keresztesi said it was important to understand each client’s situation, such as their personal budget.

Alternatively, if a vehicle was in a dangerous condition, then Mr Keresztesi said it was important to sit down with the customer and work out the best solution together.

Delivering exceptional service

As a leading local car service specialist, The Workshop Hawthorn offers a wide range of services, including brake repairs, logbook servicing and mechanical repairs.

The business also provides transmission servicing, vehicle inspections, suspension servicing and repairs, prestige car services, and more.

“Every day is different. A few months ago, we had an Aston Martin in the workshop one day and then we had a Ford Laser the next,” Mr Keresztesi said.

“It’s rewarding seeing happy customers and ensuring that our clients are safe, as well as other road users.”

Mr Keresztesi said he had enjoyed his time in the Camberwell precinct, getting to know the local community and see the area change and thrive.

“It’s a real community and a hub,” he said.

Visit the business

The Workshop Hawthorn

5 Russell St, Hawthorn East (behind the Camberwell tram depot)

(03) 9813 3388.