Since 2021, J&L Powersports has been a growing fixture in the Questa community. What began in the former Primetime Pizza building has transformed into a thriving business that has relocated, expanded its inventory, and now draws customers from hundreds of miles away.
In 2023, J&L Powersports made the move to location 2627 NM-522 and the shop remains a family-run operation. James Newfer serves as the master mechanic with assistance from mechanic Mason, while co-owner and wife Lauren manages the business operations and works on machines every chance she gets. Lauren and James manage the shop while raising their toddler, tending to a family sheep herd, and caring for Lauren’s grandfather. Trujillo credits her career path to her upbringing and the time she spent outdoors as a child.
“I grew up outdoors being curious about motorcycles and fixing things,” Lauren said, noting the influence of her uncle, David, and her grandparents.
The shop’s showroom is stocked with new tires, helmets, goggles, and J&L branded apparel. A unique aspect of the business is its focus on pre-owned machinery. Every pre-owned machine is inspected and test-run before being offered for sale. “New UTVs and four-wheelers are expensive and we are proud to offer quality machines at good prices,” says Lauren.
The J&L family has also grown personally with the addition of daughter Lacy James. Carrying over the name “James” from both sides of the family, the 19-month toddler is a frequent presence in the office, often seen carrying a wrench as she “learns the ropes” from her parents.
Looking toward the future, the owners are focused on more than just sales and repairs. In late spring early summer J&L will be opening a rental business for locals and tourists needing a UTV for a weekend or for hunting trips. Always looking for opportunities, Lauren is also currently developing a business plan for their sheep herd to provide local meat to area markets.
Being a committed member of her community and interested in passing along her knowledge, Lauren is looking to partner with Questa Schools to establish a mechanics class for local youth. “I’m hoping to connect with the Questa Schools and maybe the LOR Foundation to offer a mechanics class. The trades are being lost,” Lauren said. “I hope to be part of the solution by offering mechanic classes to kids who are interested.”
While women remain a minority in the mechanical field, Lauren’s advice to those interested in the trade is striaghtforward: “Just do it.” She acknowledges that while being a woman in a male-dominated industry has its challenges, the reward is worth the effort. “If you love it, you should do it. I knew since I was a child that I wanted to grow up and work on motorcycles and be a business owner and I’m finally here doing it.” she says.
The couple’s commitment to the town was recognized last year when J&L was awarded a new marquee sign through a local grant competition. The shop is also exploring plans to launch a future scholarship for students pursuing any form of trade school.
In addition to sales and repairs, J&L Powersports offers a pick-up and drop-off service for customers who don’t have a trailer or don’t have time to transport their unit. In September, the community will have a chance to see the full scope of their operations during an open house.
“We’re here to stay,” Lauren said. “And we’re proud to be in Questa.” J&L Powersports is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tues. through Sat. and can also be reached at (575) 586-2417 or at their website at www.jlpowersportsnm.com.
