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Hello from the U.P. of Michigan!

ScottyP

By ScottyP
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ScottyP

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Hello everyone. 2 years ago I opened a brake repair shop at my home and became The Brake Doctor. I have property that allowed me to do this and a large very nice shop with lift and all the toys. After 2 years it was time to move to a better commercial location so I rented a shop on the highway, renovated it and opened just 2 months ago.

 

I should mention I've been a general contractor for 25 years and while it's been a good business, I simply got tired of the headaches. My first love was always wrenching and I worked in a shop prior to contracting, not to mention all those years drag racing, building cars and engines, complete restorations, etc.

 

In addition to moving my brake shop I also opened U.P. Trailer and Hitch. The building I moved into was previously a trailer repair and hitch shop but the owner moved away roughly 4 years ago and nobody picked up the trailer work. I've been doing more trailer work and hitch installs than brake work, although I would rather do brakes. So far it's just me working the shop and my schedule is about half full. As we move out of this bitter cold winter I see that changing and most likely hiring help this spring. So anyways I'm here to learn and improve my business and hopefully make a few friends. :)

 

Scott

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Yes, in the 2 years I ran my brake shop at home I would get slammed come springtime and be very busy through November. Same thing with contracting, which I finally quit after I moved into my new shop. Nice thing now is I've got dealerships and other local businesses, including Lowes, Tractor Supply and other stores sending people to me for hitches and trailer repair. Word around town is the trailer shop has finally reopened. That work is keeping me afloat during the slow winter months. I have to start marketing the auto repair part of my business though to get those numbers up.

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      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.
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