Quantcast
Jump to content


Lease or Own? Pros and Cons

Joe Marconi

By Joe Marconi
in Running The Shop

 Share

Recommended Posts



Jerrys Auto Center Apprentice

Jerrys Auto Center

Posted
Posted

“The moneys in the dirt!”… A comment that been made to me numerous times… And Yes it is!!

I purchased my property 1998… 

1) Certain months when I couldn’t afford to pay ME rent… I didn’t throw ME out!

2) My commercial property is my main and largest  retirement asset, I’m 66 now.

3) I did, what I did, when I wanted to with the property. 

4) In the 22+ years MY repair shop has paid ME just about $1.5M in rental income. MY Used car lot has paid ME just about $1M in rental income. 

To me…

The moneys definitely in the dirt!! 

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites
NATURE Explorer

NATURE

Posted
Posted
10 hours ago, xrac said:

That is dirt cheap!

I got lucky and purchased the property in March of 2019, right before the craziness.  After down payment, the loan amount was right around $350,000 for a 20 year.  It's just a 3 bay shop but it used to be a used car lot, so plenty of parking and one of the best locations in the city.  Of course when going this route you have to take taxes and down payment($30,000) into consideration, so I have to add another $700.00 in property tax a month to that $3000 mortgage payment but still it was an easy decision.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites
TheTrustedMechanic Community Regular

TheTrustedMechanic

Posted
Posted

I regrettably still rent but with a fantastic landlord.  Property in my area has always been crazy expensive and unless I want to move across town and out of town, there is nothing that is zoned industrial (required for auto repair where I am).  With that said, I am always wanting to buy because of the dozen or so repair shops that have gone up for sale over the last 20 years, I know of only two that actually sold and both had property.  The rest were buying a job basically where they had no property, just the business, equipment and customer database.  So, I know I own a job, not a business and I know that my retirement is not very secure, but it is what it is because of where I am.  But it makes me a good living and I guess I will make the best of it and try to position myself for purchase should something come up.

But, buy is the only way to go after you are established.  When you're starting out, renting is probably the best/cheapest way to go. 

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites
TheTrustedMechanic Community Regular

TheTrustedMechanic

Posted
Posted

I am located in a building that houses 5, soon to be 4 other businesses and my landlord bought the building about 4 years ago to base their two businesses in, so buying the building will not likely be available for purchase.  I am located in Traverse City, MI.  My rent for a 2000 sq. ft. space is only $1058/mo. so any purchase will be far more expensive on a monthly basis but still my desire.

 

 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Available Subscriptions

    See all Subscription Plans

  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

    • Joe Marconi
      The Toolbox is Last to Leave, First is the Heart
      By Joe Marconi in Joe's Blog
         0 comments
      It always amazes me when I hear about a technician who quits one repair shop to go work at another shop for less money. I know you have heard of this too, and you’ve probably asked yourself, “Can this be true? And Why?” The answer rests within the culture of the company. More specifically, the boss, manager, or a toxic work environment literally pushed the technician out the door.
      While money and benefits tend to attract people to a company, it won’t keep them there. When a technician begins to look over the fence for greener grass, that is usually a sign that something is wrong within the workplace. It also means that his or her heart is probably already gone. If the issue is not resolved, no amount of money will keep that technician for the long term. The heart is always the first to leave. The last thing that leaves is the technician’s toolbox.
      Shop owners: Focus more on employee retention than acquisition. This is not to say that you should not be constantly recruiting. You should. What it does means is that once you hire someone, your job isn’t over, that’s when it begins. Get to know your technicians. Build strong relationships. Have frequent one-on-ones. Engage in meaningful conversation. Find what truly motivates your technicians. You may be surprised that while money is a motivator, it’s usually not the prime motivator.
      One last thing; the cost of technician turnover can be financially devastating. It also affects shop morale. Do all you can to create a workplace where technicians feel they are respected, recognized, and know that their work contributes to the overall success of the company. This will lead to improved morale and team spirit. Remember, when you see a technician’s toolbox rolling out of the bay on its way to another shop, the heart was most likely gone long before that.

  • Similar Topics

    • carmcapriotto
      Mailbox - Self Rentals, S-Corps and Sales Tax [E124] - Business By The Numbers
      By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive
      More listener questions answered! This week is all about S Corporation tax benefits, determining fair market rent when renting property to yourself, and the details of sales tax on internal transactions. Optimize your tax strategy and enhance your business operations.
      • Understanding the advantages and state-specific impacts of transitioning to an S Corporation.
      • The importance of charging fair market rent to avoid future complications when selling your business.
      • Clarifying the difference between sales tax and use tax for internal transactions and ensuring compliance.
      • Real-life examples and answers to common tax planning and business structuring questions from listeners.
      https://www.tn.gov/revenue/2024franchisetax.html
      Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive
      Did you know that NAPA TRACS has onsite training plus six days a week support?
      It all starts when a local representative meets with you to learn about your business and how you run it.  After all, it's your shop, so it's your choice.
      Let us prove to you that Tracs is the single best shop management system in the business.  Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at NAPATRACS.com
      Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive Repair
      Visit us Online: www.paarmelis.com
      Email Hunt: [email protected]
      Get a copy of my Book: Download Here
      Aftermarket Radio Network
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • carmcapriotto
      Inspiring the Next Generation: How Camp DRIVE Is Shaping Future Automotive Professionals [THA 386]
      By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching, and Today's Class Tenise and Weston Chapman, owners of Black Hills Tire in Rapid City, South Dakota, discuss their initiative, Camp Drive. This hands-on camp introduces young people to the automotive industry through engaging activities like brake and alignment modules, electrical scans, and engine performance sessions. The Chapmans discuss the Camp's positive impact on participants, support from local schools and businesses, and plans for expansion. They highlight the importance of inspiring the next generation of automotive professionals and the enthusiastic feedback from both kids and parents. Tenise and Weston Chapman, Black Hills Tire, Rapid City, SD. Listen to previous episodes HERE Show Notes
      Camp Drive Concept (00:01:50) Introduction to Camp Drive initiative, its purpose, and the importance of skilled trades for young people. Camp Drive Activities (00:03:08) Description of the activities and sessions at Camp Drive, including the waiting list for participation. Engaging the Participants (00:05:19) Discussion on the hands-on activities and the excitement of the participants during the camp. Parent and Community Feedback (00:08:31) Feedback from parents and the community regarding the impact of Camp Drive on the participants. Support and Sponsorship (00:11:02) Support from aftermarket suppliers, tool companies, and businesses, as well as the non-profit status of the initiative. Expanding Camp Drive (00:12:14) Expansion of Camp Drive to include more stations and activities, including welding and HVAC modules. Logistics and Community Support (00:14:01) Management of time and community involvement in providing additional experiences for the participants. Engagement and Participation (00:15:02) The engagement of participants and the approach to ensuring their focus and involvement during the camp activities. The smiling and excited kids (00:15:42) A discussion about a young participant's enthusiasm and transformation during the camp. Interviewing students and industry encouragement (00:19:13) The importance of encouraging young people to pursue careers in the automotive industry. Dane's experience and career aspirations (00:24:28) An interview with a student, Dane, who shares his experience at the camp and expresses his career aspirations in the automotive industry. Savannah's interest in welding and automotive technology (00:31:44) An interview with Savannah, who shares her interest in welding and her experience at the camp. The competition (00:33:22) Discussion about an upcoming competition and the number of teams participating. Exploring different stations (00:33:39)The various stations at the camp, including HVAC, alignment, scanning, engines, welding, changing tires, and changing oil. Learning about automotive skills (00:34:10) The participant talks about learning to change oil, spark plugs, and brakes, and gaining knowledge about suspensions and spark plugs. Impact of the Camp (00:35:24) A participant shares their positive experience at the camp and how they learned about it through radio advertising. Career prospects (00:36:27) Discussion about the potential career opportunities in the automotive industry and the high-tech nature of the field. Experience of a 12-year-old participant (00:38:09) An interview with a 12-year-old participant who shares their excitement about welding and other activities at the camp. Engagement and hands-on learning (00:42:49) A station leader discusses the engagement and excitement of the young participants and the hands-on learning approach at the camp. Community involvement and career prospects (00:45:17) Discussion about the importance of community involvement and events like Camp Drive to introduce young people to the automotive industry as a high-tech career option. Success of the Camp and future plans (00:46:30) Reflection on the success of the camp, the engagement of the young participants, and plans for future editions, including potential additions like a plasma cutter. The importance of engaging young people (00:49:42) Discussion on the need for the automotive industry to engage with young people to secure its future workforce. Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/ Thanks to our Partner, Auto-Fix Auto Shop Coaching Proven Auto Shop Coaching with Results. Over 61 Million in ROI with an Average ROI of 9x. Find Coach Chris Cotton at AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching on the Web at https://autoshopcoaching.com/ Thanks to our Partner, Today's Class Optimize training with Today's Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today's Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.com/ Connect with the Podcast: -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 -Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ -Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ -Follow on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz -Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/ -Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider -All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books -Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom -Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections                                  
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • Joe Marconi
      Shop Owners: What Keeps You Up at Night?
      By Joe Marconi

      Premium Member Content 

      This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.

    • carmcapriotto
      Four Day Work Week for Your Auto Repair Shop! [E170] - Chris Cotton Weekly Blitz
      By carmcapriotto
      The Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops.
      Click here to learn more about Top Tier Marketing by Shop Marketing Pros and schedule a demo:https://shopmarketingpros.com/chris/
      Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/
      If you would like to join their private Facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermind
      In this podcast episode, Coach Chris Cotton from Auto Fix Auto Shop Coaching delves into the multifaceted benefits of adopting a four-day workweek within the auto repair industry. He underscores significant enhancements in employee morale, work-life balance, and overall productivity, while also noting the potential to attract and retain top-tier talent. Chris provides an in-depth analysis of various structural approaches for implementing a four-day workweek, including staggered shifts and rotating schedules, ensuring that operations run smoothly without compromising service quality.
       
      The episode, sponsored by Shop Marketing Pros, is a treasure trove of practical tips for auto repair shop owners contemplating this transition. Chris emphasizes the importance of developing a customized plan that meticulously balances employee satisfaction with operational efficiency. He discusses the nuances of different implementation strategies, such as ensuring adequate coverage during peak hours and maintaining customer service standards. Additionally, Chris shares real-world examples and success stories from shops that have successfully made the switch, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the potential challenges and rewards.
       
      Listeners will also gain insights into the financial implications of a four-day workweek, including potential cost savings from reduced overhead and increased employee retention. Chris highlights the importance of clear communication with staff throughout the transition process and offers advice on how to gather and incorporate employee feedback to fine-tune the new schedule. By the end of the episode, auto repair shop owners will be equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to make an informed decision about whether a four-day workweek is the right fit for their business.
       
      Boosted Employee Morale and Productivity (00:02:19) Shorter workweek leads to increased productivity and higher job satisfaction, improving employee morale and focus. Improved Work-Life Balance (00:03:28) A four-day workweek allows for more family time, hobbies, and rest, reducing burnout and maintaining mental and physical health. Attracting Top Talent (00:04:23) Offering a four-day workweek can attract top talent valuing flexibility and work-life balance, setting the employer apart. Operational Efficiency and Financial Benefits (00:05:32) Streamlining operations, reducing turnover rates, and potential cost savings with a condensed workweek. Structural Approaches to Transitioning to a Four-Day Workweek (00:06:34) Staggered shifts, extended hours, rotating schedules, and seasonal adjustments to implement a four-day workweek.  
       
       
      Connect with Chris:
      [email protected]
      Phone: 940.400.1008
      www.autoshopcoaching.com
      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
      AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYoutube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae
       
      #autofixautoshopcoaching #autofixbeautofixing #autoshopprofits #autoshopprofit #autoshopprofitsfirst #autoshopleadership #autoshopmanagement #autorepairshopcoaching #autorepairshopconsulting #autorepairshoptraining #autorepairshop #autorepair #serviceadvisor #serviceadvisorefficiency #autorepairshopmarketing #theweeklyblitz #autofix #shopmarketingpros #autofixautoshopcoachingbook
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • A-premium Auto Parts:Buy 2 or More Get 10% OFF wit
    • carmcapriotto
      The Do's and Don'ts of Owner Financing [E123] - Business By The Numbers
      By carmcapriotto
      NO SHOW NOTES YET!!
      Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive
      Did you know that NAPA TRACS has onsite training plus six days a week support?
      It all starts when a local representative meets with you to learn about your business and how you run it.  After all, it's your shop, so it's your choice.
      Let us prove to you that Tracs is the single best shop management system in the business.  Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at NAPATRACS.com
      It’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Great news, you don’t have to go it alone. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit www.gopromotive.com.
      In this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest, CPA at Paar Melis and Associates, discusses the growing trend of owner financing in the auto repair industry. With high interest rates making traditional bank loans less attractive, owner financing offers a viable alternative for both buyers and sellers.
      Evaluating the benefits and risks of owner financing for auto repair shops. Key considerations for sellers, including buyer types and financial stability. The importance of environmental assessments in real estate transactions. Strategies for mitigating risks and ensuring successful deals. Insights into current interest rates and market conditions for owner financing.  
      Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive Repair
       
      Visit us Online: www.paarmelis.com
      Email Hunt: [email protected]
      Get a copy of my Book: Download Here
      Aftermarket Radio Network
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio


  • nptrb

    Spring Clean Your Finances: 5 Steps Every Business Should Take

    By nptrb, in Automotive Industry,

    1 comment 986 views
    nptrb

    Tax Season Preparation: A Comprehensive Guide

    By nptrb, in Automotive Industry,

    1 comment 1,127 views
    nptrb

    Understanding S-Corp Distributions and Draws | Are They Taxable?

    By nptrb, in Automotive Industry,

    1 comment 1,290 views

  • Our Sponsors



Main Sections

More Sections

Discussion Forums

×
×
  • Create New...