Edmond Topakian, owner of Precision Auto Works, has spent more than 40 years repairing European cars in Hicksville.

The Bulgarian immigrant says he poured his life into the shop he opened after coming to the United States - a dream that went up in flames last June when a fire broke out at the neighboring business and spread to his.

“Everything burnt to a crisp,” Topakian said.

For more than a year, he operated out of temporary spaces, trying to keep his loyal customers on the road while picking up the pieces. Even the shop cat, Mamba, eventually returned, a small but meaningful sign of resilience.

Topakian says this holiday season feels different. After months of challenges, he’s focusing on what he still has rather than what he lost.

“I love this business; I love helping the community,” he said. “That’s my joy.”

His son, Parker, says watching his father rebuild has been emotional and inspiring.

“I look up to him every day,” he said. “He’s a really hard worker.”

Topakian says every customer who walks back into his newly rebuilt shop reminds him he didn’t rebuild alone.