Career Advice/Opening your own Shop

RamAir02 · 09-29-2009, 04:32 PM

Hey everyone!

I'm 23 and have always had a tremendous passion for American cars. My first car was a '99 Trans Am, followed by a '00 WS6, '05 CTS-V and now a '10 Camaro SS. I've always done all the work on my cars myself, including heads/cam installs, header installs,etc. I am currently a finance major at Rutgers University. Since I graduated high school I've been trying to figure out what I want to do with my life, what I have a passion for, and what I'll be successful at. Thus far I have not figured much out. I go through the motions and go to class and get decent grades, but I am not passionate about business. I can't stand the thought of having to commute to NYC daily and work for a bank. Although I am sure it would be great money, I'm not convinced I'm on the right path.

Cars have always been a consistent passion throughout my life, but I never thought I would make money doing it and always kept it on the side as a hobby. I've come to a maturity point where money isn't everything. I should do with my life what I have passion and dedication to. I just don't know what it takes...

Here's where you guys come in. Sponsors, members, anyone...I appreciate any advice you can give me. I guess this question is more directed to the sponsors or anyone who owns/works at a performance shop. Where do I start? What does it take to open my own shop? Should I be going to UTI or Wyotech instead of college? What is my knowledge base? Are there classes I can take to get certified? Do I need to find a job at a performance shop first? Do I need a mentor? I'm just trying to get an idea of the basics, because I think cars WILL be my life and career. I just need to figure out how to get there. How did y'all get your start?

Again, any help or advice is much appreciated! I'm just lost and feel like I'm getting older and need to do something with my life. Thanks!!!!!

Jeff@SpectacleSolutions · 09-29-2009, 05:32 PM

First, it aint easy. If it was, everyone would do it!

We opened our shop almost two years ago now. It was the best, and worst decision I ever made.....

depending on what day it is of course. What it will cost you will depend on how much you already have in the way of tools.

Fortunately, between myself and my business partner, we already had most of the tools we needed. You will need things like mig welders, air compressors, hand tools, air tools, specialty tools for engine building, etc.

The depth of tools you will need will depend on what your shop will be able to perform. Fabrication? engine building? or just head and cam installs, header installs, etc.

will you have a chasis dyno? That was our biggest expense when we opened.

Lifts? how many?

We opened a 3k square foot shop with an in ground chasis dyno and three lifts. We were able to do it for right around 75k. But again, we already had a lot of tools. We lease our space but I will be looking at buying it in the next year or so.

dont forget expenses like signage for your building, advertising (that can get quite expensive depending on how many sites you sponsor) etc. you will need access to parts and buying into major companies to carry their products aint cheap either.

I can tell you, this has been the most challenging thing I have ever done, but WHO CARES. Cars are my passion. I love them. They intrigue me. I love what I do and always wanted my own business. If its what you want to do, then find a way to do it. Make it happen.

I would suggest (and I know some business owners will dissagree with me on this one) going into business with someone you trust as a partner. Its very difficult to do it all on your own. In my case, my business partner and I are 50/50 owners. We each brought things to the table that were absolutely necessary for the business to succeed. Its not easy at times. There are days we want to strangle one another. Days when we thing about sabotaging a lift so it falls on the other guy!!!

But each one of us knows it would have never been possible without the other guy.

Sorry for the long, rambling post. Good luck.

RamAir02 · 09-29-2009, 11:59 PM

Not rambling at all! Thank you very much I appreciate all of your input and the time you took to answer some of my questions. I am willing to do whatever it takes to make this happen. What sort of classes or certifications should I be looking into? What should be my knowledge base? Any other insight you may have is gladly welcome.

Jeff@SpectacleSolutions · 09-30-2009, 08:31 AM

Certifications really dont mean squat. I am ASE certified in a few areas, my business partner has no certs at all and I can tell you, he kows a but load more than I do.
Hes been working as a mechanic and mainly on LSx engines for over a decade.

If you have done your own head/cam installs, then your abilities are obviously pretty good. If you are concerned with certifications, I would look into ASE first and take a few of those courses.

Also, even if you open a shop dedicated to GM stuff, you are bound to have some mustang guys come around asking for work on their cars.....look into the 3 and 4 valve stuff. They suck to work on, but there is good money in them and tons of them on the road.