He’d been working at Barnes & Nobel’s Santa Rosa outlet, and the powers that be saw in him a rising young star. The pay increase and new title they dangled before him were tempting. The only drawback – a big one at that – would be the long commute to Marin.

That was right about when Dominic ran into problems with his 1972 XJS Series 1 Jaguar. “It had a blown head gasket, so I brought it into BEM to ask for a quote.” When the repair looked to exceed the value of the vehicle he decided not to fix it.

While he was waiting for the tow truck, Dominic and BEM owner Mark Singleton started chatting. He learned that BEM was looking for another hand in the garage.

The news set Dominic to thinking. He had always been into Jaguars, having owned two Series 1s, and he had previously worked as an apprentice in a Santa Rosa shop. “I’d once worked as an apprentice locally. “

Dominic mentioned this to Singleton, and obviously struck the right note. “My car was being put on the tow truck when office manager Ronnie Oakes came out and asked me if I’d like to work here.”

He said yes. Not only the prospect of long commutes but also a lack of physical activity at a white-collar job were turnoffs to Dominic. “I’d always been physical, so I decided to turn the tables on myself and accept the offer. I took a pay cut, but it was worth it.”

Currently described as an apprentice mechanic, Dominic’s job for now is mostly routine tasks, such as oil changes, tune-ups, brake jobs and drive-belt adjustments. Glancing over at a 1963 Jaguar E-Type on a lift, whose gleaming underside is shinier than the day it left the factory, he sees what a booming part of BEM’s business restorations have become. “Once I reach auto technician status, I’d like to be involved in restoration,” he says.

Dominic still lives in Sebastopol, and enjoys the short commute between home and work. He’s been working at BEM since mid-year, and when he knocks off after a hard day, there’s always Dostoevsky and other masters to enjoy.