|
What does your business do?
The Mobile Mechanic provides onsite equipment repair, and we specialize in automobiles, boats, heavy duty equipment, and recreational vehicles. The Mobile Mechanic has been serving the community of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, since March 1992. We cover the Grand Strand area of Myrtle Beach, from the North Carolina state line to the Myrtle Beach airport.
Our services provide several benefits to the community because we come to the location of the customer, whether they are on the side of the road or at their house or workplace. This service is very convenient and saves customers time and money by elimination the need to waste money on expensive towing charges. Iamgine being stranded on the side of the road, or stuck in an RV during a vacation with your familyl. These situations are very stressful, and my company's services reduce this hassle.
Convenient, onsite repair is extremely important for tradesmen who heavily rely on their company vehicles for work. They can experience zero down time because we can repair their vehicle while they are at work, or while they are working out of their truck. The Mobile Mechanic works on trucks of all sizes, pieces of farm equipment, and engines and hydraulics at the jobsite.
The Mobile Mechanic provides general maintenance, fleet service, tune-ups, and A/C service, in addition to repairs such as: no starts, lock-oouts, computer diagnostics, starters and alternators, water and fuel pumps, timing belts, and the replacement of other belts, gaskets, and hoses. Our service rates are very competitive for the Myrtle Beach area, and are disclosed to the customer prior to performing the work.
My company is a certified NAPA Auto Care Center, and our work comes with a warranty through the NAPA "Peace of Mind" warranty program. The Mobile Mechanic is licensed and insured, and is a member of the following organizations: the Better Business Bureau (BBB), the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce, and The Automotive Service Administration (ASA). Franchise opportunities of The Mobile Mechanic are also available.
I am the sole owner of my business, and I have over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry. I received technical and vocational training in computer diagnostics, repair and operation of vehicle computer systems, programming, and other automotive components. I have earned Master Technician status through ASE, which is the National Institute for Automotive Srvice Excellence. This certification is only earned by passing a specific group of tests, and by having documented hands-on work experience. Recertification is required every five years to uphold this status.
Like many other small businesses, the sluggish economy has affected my company's operations. Althouigh most people are not purchasing new cars, they are also reluctant to repair their existing ones, which reduces the demand for my services. The cost of parts, supplies, and services are also increasing, so my company's proceeds are continuing to decrease.
I have conducted a significant amount of reserch in my community, and found a growing demand for a few niches that are not being met. Amazingly, these enterprises can be easily incorporated into the existing operations of The Mobile Mechanic. I have formulated an expansion/development plan for my business, which has the following three objectives:
Purchase a tow truck and begin offering hauling and storage services to the general public and government agencies.
Build a repair garage to offer more extensive repair services that cannot be completed onsite, such as engine and transmission replacement.
Construct a sales office and establish a new venture, Mobile Motors Corporation, to begin selling automobiles.
My estimated timeline to achieve these objectives is within six to twelve months. I plan to increase my current marketing efforts to reach a larger audience, and this will be done through newspaper, phone book and radio advertisements, special targeted mailings, and other marketing resources. I will also utilize company signage, and my existing website, www.themobilemechanic.com, to boost promotion.
When and why did you start the biz?
I started the business because I saw a need for the type service I provide in this area. I also did not have the funds to purchase or lease a garage. I opened my businenss in March 1992.
How Many People are in your Company?
Three
Where's your office?
I have an in-home in office and I am strictly mobile for service.
What's the toughest part of running your biz?
Finding qualified technicians to work in these adverse, on-site conditions and dealing with the weather.
What's the most fun part?
Meeting the people, and seeing the joy, appreciation, and relief of the customers when work is completed on-site, at a fair price.
Anything you would have done differently?
No, I am extremely pleased with the service I have provided the community.
What's next on the horizon for your biz?
I would like to expand my services offered by The Mobile Mechanic, hire more people and increase my revenue.
What advice do you have for others?
Go for it. If you don't try you will never succeed. If you can dream it, you can do it.
How do you use Idea Cafe to help your biz?
I hope for ideas that may help better my company. It also gives me a place to vent my ideas and receive suggestions and constructive comments.
School (where, still in school, degree)?
Graduated New Albany High School, New Albany, Indiana. BS degree from Perdue University in mechanical engineering. Vocation degree from Prosser Vocational Center, New Albany, Indiana. Automotive repair
Prior jobs or business?
SUZ Enterprises, Wilmington, North Carolina - auto sales. WM Enterprises, New Albany, Indiana, - auto sales and vehicle repair.
Favorite Food?
Pasta
What are your pets' names?
No pets.
Do any of these pets help with your biz?
N/A
Is there any one person or event in your life that led
you to go into business for yourself?
My parents and their confidence in my abilities. My Dad instilled in me good work ethics.
Anyone you publicly want to thank?
No
Contact Info:
mminfo@themobilemechanic.com
Website:
http://www.themobilemechanic.com |
Ask Questions 
Share Tips 
People in Biz - Profiles 
Coffee Talk with Experts 
Biz Planning | Sample Plans 
Idea 
Name 
$ 
Do It! 
Marketing | Sales | Customers
Managing | Operations
Work @ Home 
Yoga @ Your Desk 
Advertising, Marketing & PR
Apparel, Grooming & Beauty
Business Consulting & Coaching
Business Services
Construction & Architecture
Design, Art & Photography
Education, Childcare & Toys
Finance & Accounting
Food & Beverage
