Physical Location:
4000 SW Macadam Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97239
Web Address:
www.matrixintegrated.cc
Owner's Name(s):
Jeremy and Justin Williams
Shop Vehicles:
�05 A4 1.8TQMA USP
�01 S4 stg4 (11.89@118mph)
�03 E55 AMG
�01 996TT K24+
�05 BoxsterS
�89 Golf racer
Jumping into the German tuning scene in the late 90's, brothers Jeremy and Justin Williams have made quite a name for themselves. Now with a total staff of five, in a huge warehouse-style shop in Portland Oregon, these guys pride themselves on both quality tuning and great customer service. Hanging out with the guys for a day, this becomes apparent rather fast.
The "Brothers Williams" came to my attention back in early 2002, when they were mainly wrenching on B5 after B5, in a much smaller shop than they're in now. It's great to see them as passionate as ever about the business, one that's changed and grown quite a lot since then. Portland is awfully lucky to have these guys around.
Big thanks to Matrix Integrated for agreeing to do this interview, and for being a loyal supporter of the Audizine Community for as long as they have. For this we've made them our very first Featured Tuner, and with that they have answered the following questions for us, to help us get a bit of insight on what it takes to run a successful and respected automotive tuning shop. And if you're ever in the Pacific
Northwest be sure to give them a call. I'm pretty sure they'd be happy
to not only show you around, but also tell you what they could do to
improve on your Audi.
Q (Audizine): Give a brief description of your business, your philosophies, company motto, goals, etc.
A (Matrix Integrated): Matrix Integrated is a one-stop automotive facility, specializing in the repair, maintenance and performance of late-model Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volkswagen, Bentley, and BMW vehicles for clients nationwide. We pride ourselves on truly being a forerunner in our industry, offering an unparalleled level of customer service, technical expertise, and first-rate products.
Our factory-trained and master technicians continue to impress clients with their technical aptitude and meticulous nature. Utilizing the same factory-specific special tools as the dealerships as well as the most advanced computer diagnostic systems for Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volkswagen, and Bentley automobiles, they will gladly spend the extra time necessary to deliver a peerless vehicle.
As well, our attentive and proficient operations staff continue to cater to clients whose vehicles are being serviced in-house as well as clients across the globe, through our distribution of the finest OEM and performance components found worldwide.
Matrix Integrated; Tuned To The German Automotive Soul.
Q: What's the one thing that you feel sets you apart from the other tuners out there?
A: Customer service; we aren�t in this business to make a quick buck on a substandard part or careless service. We make sure you understand that you�re buying the best product or service for your money.
Q: How long have you been involved in the Audi tuning and performance world?
A: Since 1999.
Q: What's your personal daily-driver?
A: �05 A4 1.8TQMA USP and �03 E55 AMG (ex-B6 S4 sedan, �01 S4 stg3, �91 200TQ)
Q: If you had your choice, and money were no object, what would your daily-driver be?
A: �01 RS4 w/ AWE/GIAC/STaSIS/Matrix mods (or a 996TT)
Q: How many employees do you currently have?
A: 5 team members total
Q: What made you get into this market?
A: The passion for German automobiles. We have respect for other marques but only German vehicles evoke the comfort/luxury, simple and elegant styling, technical advancements, and generous heaps of power that we lust for.
Q: What is your favorite aspect of the business? What makes you look forward to coming into work every day?
A: Easy; building relationships with clients. We have clients who send us pictures from their vacations, pictures of their newborns, invite us to their functions, etc. We are here as active members of the German automotive community and that involves creating enduring relationships with clients and associates in the industry.
Q: What are you the most proud of, in respect to your business?
A: The fact that our clientele completely trust in us with their vehicles. They know that if there is something we can�t do (body, paint, glass, etc) or won�t do (perhaps another facility is better for their needs), that we�ll recommend a top quality associate. No matter what they need, we will take care of them.
Q: If you could be doing anything else at all, what would it be?
A: Automotive photography or motorsports.
Q: Have any word of advice for someone just getting into the Audi scene and looking to modify their car?
A: Research all of your options and do it right the first time. If you rush and just buy a product or service just for the sake of having something to buy, more than likely down the road you�ll find that it really wasn�t what you wanted in the first place. Therefore, you�ll spend more money to get what you really wanted and end up losing money on the items you purchased initially.
Q: And how about something for those that have had their car for awhile and are starting to get a little bored with it?
A: Remember what first excited you about your vehicle. Even if you have already, perhaps try to improve on it.
Q: What do you hope to be doing in 5-10 years?
A: The same as we are now; repair, maintenance, and performance for German vehicles, however with more motorsport involvement.
Q: Any shoutouts or acknowledgments you'd like to get out there?
A: First, to all of our loyal clientele. Thank you for trusting in us and letting us be part of your lives. We do what we do not only because we�re passionate about it, but because we enjoy helping you with your vehicles.
Second, to all of our loyal suppliers and associates in the industry. You know we�ve used many suppliers/manufacturers/vendors in the past and we now use your products and services because they�re the finest on the market. Thanks for always taking care of us and our clientele.
Third, to Anthony and the Audizine crew. You have put together a professional forum which has helped enrich and nurture the enthusiasm of Audi owners. We are so very glad to have been involved with AZ since it�s inception. Thank you for the opportunities.