EQ AUTO PERFORMANCE & Restoration LLC

About the Company

Explore the history of how the shop came to be. Visit our showroom at 55 Maple Avenue in Florida NY.

Sal Mastropolo and Cosmin Negru at EQ Auto performance

Sal Mastropolo and Cosmin Negru have been friends since high school, where their shared love of cars first brought them together. After graduating, they went down different paths—Sal built a career in custom furniture, while Cosmin pursued engineering and eventually started his own mobile detailing business.

As Sal became more involved in the automotive world, he saw how easy it was for people to be taken advantage of when dealing with repairs and maintenance. He and Cosmin knew they could do better. Drawing on their combined skills, trust in each other, and decades of hands-on experience, they set out to build a company focused on honesty, quality, and a better customer experience. Sal and Cosmin are committed to doing things the right way and creating a shop where customers feel confident, informed, and treated with respect.

Tap a photo to learn more about the team!

Cosmin
Owner / Accounting & Finance
Sal Mastropolo
Owner / Marketing & Videography
Matt J.
Owner / Mechanic, Welder & Fabricator
Brendan E.
Master Mechanic
Zach Durbin
Master Mechanic
Lou B.
Automotive Painter & Fabricator
John K.
Automotive Painter & Fabricator
Ricardo
Apprentic Mechanic & Professional Detailer
Cosmin
Owner / Accounting & Finance

Raised in Goshen, New York, Cosmin Negru developed an early fascination with cars that grew into a lifelong passion. His favorite car—the Mustang—sparked his love for performance and design, leading him to pursue a background in engineering. After years of hands-on experience and technical problem-solving, Cosmin combined his expertise with his entrepreneurial spirit to launch Amazing Shine Detailing, a thriving mobile detailing company known for its precision and dedication to quality. Now, as co-owner of EQ Auto, Cosmin applies that same engineering mindset and eye for detail to every build and restoration. His drive for innovation and perfection continues to shape the shop’s reputation for craftsmanship, performance, and excellence.

Sal Mastropolo
Owner / Marketing & Videography

Sal Mastropolo is the driving force behind two creative ventures — American Reclaimed, a leader in custom reclaimed wood furniture and design, and EQ Auto, a high-end automotive restoration and performance shop. Raised in New York’s Hudson Valley, Sal built his career around a passion for craftsmanship, storytelling, and bringing ideas to life. At American Reclaimed, he turned a small woodworking shop into a recognized brand known for its authenticity and artistry. At EQ Auto, he applies that same creative vision to the world of cars — blending precision engineering with performance and style. With a background in sales and marketing, Sal has a unique ability to connect people with the products and experiences they love, turning passion into business and vision into reality..

Matt J.
Owner / Mechanic, Welder & Fabricator

Matt has been working on cars for over 20 years and brings a lot of real, hands-on experience to the shop. He grew up in Orange County, NY, where he started working on cars at a young age and stuck with it ever since. Matt has strong skills in welding, fabrication, and bodywork. Whether he’s fixing something, building something, or bringing an old car back to life, Matt takes pride in doing it right. When he's not in the shop, he’s usually riding his motorcycle or working on his own personal projects.

Brendan E.
Master Mechanic

Brendan has been working on cars for about 20 years and brings a solid mix of experience and passion to every job. He grew up in Goshen, NY, where he first got into cars and never looked back.

His favorite vehicles to work on are “cars older than me,” and he enjoys the challenge and character that older builds bring. Whether it’s in the shop or at home, Brendan loves getting his hands dirty and working on anything with wheels. Outside of work, he also enjoys riding motorcycles.

Zach Durbin
Master Mechanic
Lou B.
Automotive Painter & Fabricator

Born and raised in New Jersey, Lou brings over 30 years of experience in automotive painting and refinishing. His attention to detail, craftsmanship, and dedication to perfection have made him a trusted name in the industry.

Beyond his expertise in painting, Lou is also a skilled race car builder, combining his technical know-how with a true passion for performance. When he’s not in the shop, you can find him at the drag strip, racing the cars he builds and constantly pushing for that next personal best.

Lou’s deep experience and lifelong enthusiasm for cars make him an essential part of our team — ensuring every vehicle that leaves our shop looks as good as it performs.

John K.
Automotive Painter & Fabricator

Hailing from Orange County, New York, John has spent the past 8 years honing his craft as an automotive painter. His precision, creativity, and dedication to quality shine through in every project he takes on.

John is passionate about performance — he builds and races his own drag cars, bringing the same attention to detail on the track as he does in the paint booth. When he’s not working with engines or spray guns, you’ll likely find him mountain biking and exploring the outdoors.

John’s blend of technical skill, competitive spirit, and love for craftsmanship make him an invaluable part of our team.

Ricardo
Apprentic Mechanic & Professional Detailer

Ricardo is an apprentice mechanic with a natural talent for precision and craftsmanship. With years of experience in upholstery and paint correction, he brings a detail-oriented approach to every project at EQ Auto. Known for his steady hand and commitment to learning, Ricardo is quickly becoming a vital part of the team. Whether he’s fine-tuning an engine, restoring interiors, or perfecting a vehicle’s finish, his focus is always on quality and improvement.