Are you ready for shop ownership?

These days, young technicians, working in the bays face many intimidating prospects and challenges. Responsible for the correct and profitable repair of countless automotive issues, from machine-stopping breakage to subtle noises, they must interpret everything from customers’ sound imitations to code-flashing idiosyncrasies. All of this must be done cheerfully, professionally and in a time-frame dictated by some obscure time management program which pays percentages of hours for correct repairs. At the same time, the “tech” is required to complete a college program which produces a license or degree validating proficiency and also maintain up-to-date knowledge of all major changes to system diagnosis and repair. Add to this the acquisition of all of the necessary tools to perform these repairs plus secure storage of those tools and you start to get a handle on the daunting task facing any newcomer to our trade. Somehow, these bright, enthusiastic young men and women thrive on this pressure-filled regimen and enjoy overcoming some of the daily difficulties which include exhaust smoke, engine grease and oil, hazardous airborne and skin contaminating fluids, burn hazards, dangerous lifting conditions and extremes of heat and cold as well as a sometimes hostile working environment. And all to earn sometimes lower wages than those allotted to many other highly skilled workers. Please note that I am generalizing here.

If … you can get up every morning knowing that you are about to face another day in this trade and are not intimidated by that, then don’t ever believe that you don’t have what it takes to own, operate or manage your own repair facility. The only thing stopping you is you. The same stubborn commitment you make to your job every day must tell you that not only do you have the ability to learn and comprehend, but you also have the wonderful gift of doing … DOING. That’s not a typo, but worth repeating twice. There are a great many people out there that will tell you what they know and how things should be, but when it comes time to actually do, well … that job is left for the doers, people like you who don’t have the luxury of standing around talking a good fight. In other words, get on with it, get the job done.

In future columns I will share stories and experiences gleaned from years of working in, around and under most types of cars, trucks and buses, most of them in my own successful business. Right now, however, I would like to tell you with certainty that YOU are the only obstacle to moving on to the success which you are capable of attaining. You may wonder, ‘how do I get the information I will need to get into my own business or move into a management position’? ‘Who will help and mentor me when I’m not sure of the next step so that I don’t fail’? Start with yourself; your own self-talk can be a great tool to building confidence. Don’t minimize your skills and accomplishments, we all need continuous motivation to accomplish our goals. Believe in yourself and your ability, it’s a good first step.

Until the next time, from the bays,