The Hazeltine family have deep roots here in Venice, Florida. Jeff Hazeltine, Owner, is one of nine children! As all of their businesses are located in Venice, such as Hazeltine Nurseries, Venice Land Clearing, and American Import Auto, Inc., one can easily imagine the number of family members running around. Jeff’s brother Sam is also a shop owner for S&S Mercedes in Sarasota, so the passion for fixing cars runs in the family.
Let's start from the beginning, Jeff Hazeltine's great grandfather, Walter B. Surls, was the city's first Public Works Director and the Chief of Police and Fire. He acquired Old Betsy, the 1926 La France fire engine for the City of Venice, where it still belongs to this day! She still gets around town too; you usually see her in downtown parades and events at the fire station.
The irony to this story is that we service the city of Venice fleet vehicles for Fire, Police, Waste, etc., since 1999. One can say that we keep the city of Venice operating day in and day out. 
Jeff and Donna have two sons, Chad and Chance that own an Insurance Agency here in Venice, Fl. and Sarasota, Fl. Chance and his wife Paige tied the knot November 2022. Paige Hazeltine has opened her own Law firm on Venice Island, Hazeltine Law Firm, specializing in Worker's Compensation. Chad and Jenny were married in March 2021, and welcomed their first child June 2022, a baby girl! They have since welcomed another baby girl in April 2024! Which means, Jeff and Donna have now added 'grandparents' to their list of many titles! Grammy and Grampy are loving being grandparents!
Jenny Hazeltine is the Marketing Director for American Import Auto, so the business continues on as family owned and operated after 34 years in business. We love being locals of Venice, and we love welcoming all our new residents to the area! A lot of people grew up with the Hazeltine family, and as the generations grow, we want to continue to grow with yours! This is our story, stop by today and share your story with us, let’s build a lasting relationship for generations to come!
Baby Hazeltine arriving June, 2022! Jeff & Donna's first grandchild, and the shop's future Tech or Service Advisor.
Baby Scarlett Marie Hazeltine was born on June 15th, 2022.
Newest addition to join the AIA Family, Baby Savannah Rose Hazeltine born April 15th, 2024 :) Come in and meet the next generation!
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American Import Auto was represented at the 41st annual Monster Energy Amateur National Motocross Championship at Loretta Lynn’s in Tennessee. Chance Hazeltine rider #14!
GO #14!
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American Import Auto made it to NASCAR! Being that we are a Napa Gold Auto Center, we support the Napa Racing Team and root for Chase Elliot!
Some of our awesome Team here at American Import Auto, Inc. when we hosted a business connections event with the Venice Chamber of Commerce! (pictured behind is Old Betsy who was also in attendance.)