ViaFix, a startup based in Austin, Texas, is developing a mobile platform aimed at connecting independent automotive service providers with customers who require repair and maintenance services. Founded by Isai Mercado, a U.S. Army and Navy veteran with experience as a wheeled vehicle mechanic and as a shop technician for Holt Caterpillar, ViaFix is rooted in real-world automotive expertise. While serving on active duty, Isai earned a degree in Automotive Technology from Western Technical College in El Paso, TX. The company focuses on offering a digital solution for on-demand automotive service that supports both customers and service providers.
Mercado’s background includes eight years in the U.S. Army as a mechanic and cavalry scout, followed by continued service in the Navy Reserve. Drawing on this experience, he established ViaFix with the intention of addressing challenges within the automotive repair industry related to accessibility and trust. The company’s platform seeks to provide independent mechanics with tools to manage their work and customer relationships more effectively.
ViaFix offers a system designed to provide transparency around vehicle safety by incorporating data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This feature is intended to inform both mechanics and customers about recall and safety issues relevant to the vehicles being serviced. The platform also supports digital maintenance logs and documentation, aiming to facilitate record-keeping for customers and service providers alike.
Distinct from platforms that primarily facilitate individual job matching, ViaFix promotes itself as a service that enables mechanics to develop their businesses by building client bases and managing ongoing customer interactions. The company employs a subscription-based model for service providers, rather than commission fees, which it states is intended to support longer-term business development.
Isai Mercado stated, “ViaFix exists because I believe that trusted work deserves a trusted platform. We’re building more than just a business—we’re building a future where skilled tradespeople thrive independently, and customers finally feel confident in who they hire.”
ViaFix was selected to participate in The Blox, a national startup competition, providing a platform to showcase its business concept and leadership. The company plans to launch its services in the near future, with goals of expanding its network of mechanics and customers.
The approach taken by ViaFix aligns with broader industry trends emphasizing transparency, digital record-keeping, and the growth of independent contractor models within service industries. By integrating official vehicle safety data and offering tools for business management, the platform aims to provide features that are distinct within the mobile automotive repair market.
Mercado’s background as a veteran and entrepreneur informs the company’s focus on operational discipline and mission-driven leadership. ViaFix represents an effort to address structural challenges in automotive service delivery through technology and platform-based support.
Further details about ViaFix and its services can be found through the company’s social media profiles, including Instagram and TikTok under the handle imercado34 and the business TikTok profile tryviafix.
