DAVE NEEDS YOUR HELP! TO THE NEXT LEVEL OF EXCELLENCE, THE CROSSROADS

[Z U L8R]

i have been talking to Lethal Injection as well as my current boss (Tim).

because of my hard work, honest work, and integrity, i have 2 paths in front of me that i can choose to take. a cross-roads if you will. either direction i take, will benefit EVERYONE. so it's a win/win no matter what.

I have been honest with both parties and Tim knows about Lethal as well as Lethal knows about Tim, and both have been very supportive of me and my best interest, whichever path i take.

here's what i have going on.

Path #1
Lethal Injection has offered me a full time position there. I've been helping them in my spare time for the last 2+ years, diagnose cars, fix cars, wire up cars, and a combination of the 3. I enjoy being/working side by side with the guys at Lethal and I very much want to be a part in their success. They just got a new steady stay dyno, and they're next door to a well known machine shop (Twisted Grimes).

Path #2
Me and my current employer (Tim) have been discussing leasing the shop i work at now (and have been for the last 3 1/2 years). our shop is currently named Pro Auto Care. we're located in marietta, right off of cobb parkway, about 2 miles south of the big chicken and 2 miles north of cumberland mall (basically where 285 and 75 intersect). We currently work on all cars, all makes and models from old carbeurated v8's to brand new off the show room floor imports & domestics

We've been in business for 10 years. we have 10 years worth of customers, an awesome reputation, a 12,000 mile / 12 month warranty just like the dealerships, 5 lifts, a pipe bender, tire balancer, tire mount machine, brake lathe, compressed air, parking space, engine hoists, spring compressor, accounts with all the commercial parts as well as private dealer (straight up OE parts), office space, as well as all the latest diagnostic equipment ($XX,XXX scanners, obd1 scanners, european specific scanners), smoke machine (to find boost/vacuum/evap system leaks), welder, etc etc etc etc.

basically it would be MY business. MY company. MY reputation and MY skill with GOD's blessing producing MY income and MY service. if i'm in business just to make money.....my business will fail. if my business is to help other people, and i'm getting paid to help people, then the money will come. the customers will come. the service will be better than that of working on MY own personal cars. not only will the customer's car be functional, but everything my hands touch or i have a part in will look & function awesome as well.

that's the kind of service Dave wants to provide his customers, and they deserve nothing short of that.

I've always been fair with everyone. and my intent has always been to help my customers/friends get the best bang for THEIR buck. and because of that mindset i have been successful, i have been fortunate, and i have been blessed.

the opportunity that's placed before me now is. i will be given Pro Auto Care, and i will pay the rent on the building, continue serving the 5,000 repeat customers in our database, as well as incorporate my "sidework" customers, and expand this business to "the next level."

the attractions from both ends imo

I'm excited and optimistic for the future. If i go to Lethal i will be happy persuing my passion in car performance. I'll be doing what i love to do, and getting paid for that, without the headache of running my own business, large overhead expenses to solely cover each month, and all the other responsibilities of owning a company. I also have the choice of establishing equity in the company and become a share holder/owner as well. We have a very professional relationship and I would be honored to continue my passion there.

If i rent this building, i have my own space to work on anything i want to work on. if i want to put a dyno in the ground, i have the right to do so. if i want to work on nothing but nissans, i have the right to do so. i have the freedom to take in work from other shops, serve all my customers who come to me now, and all of Pro Auto Care's customers who come here already as well.

I can look at this as an extension of Lethal injection (or any other shop who would like another technician there) in the Marietta area, or i can look at it as "Dave's Auto Repair" (i haven't yet thought of a real name) who helps everyone and anyone who gives Dave the opportunity to show them just exactly what a benefit they can get from a professional and honest auto mechanic, who stands behind his work, and provides outstanding customer service.

Tim is stretched too thin, with car sales, car repair (the shop), real-estate and all the other investments he has his money tied up in. he would like the freedom of focusing on building the car sales, and doesn't want to give up his 10 year dream of owning his own shop by taking the sign down and leasing it to someone else or selling the whole business and rights thereof entirely, then starting over. Basically I need to come up with a $4,000 deposit by April 1st then Pro Auto Care would be my shop.

Tim has already made up the lease papers and everything. i just haven't signed them yet because i'm working on getting this deposit. it's not him that's not ready to sign on the dotted line, it's me that's thoughtfully and prayerfully deciding on the next move.

I am leaning either way about 50/50 right now. there are benefits to both, and the only drawbacks are "what ifs" (ie what if i went there instead, or what if i did the other instead). which is not real or tangible things, but projected numbers, hopes, and dreams that have not yet happened. the pluses are your car will no longer be my sidework that i will get to when i have time, but your car will be my PRIORITY, my obligation, and my passion. And whether it's my hands fixing your wiring, or installing your turbo kit, or diagnosing your driveability problem, whether i be in Marietta at Pro Auto , or in Roswell at Lethal Injection. i want you to know that, i take my work, my word, and my reputation very seriously, and i will give you all my absolute best.

thank you for taking the time to read all of this, and i look forward to improving your car, wherever i may go.

the reason i posted this is because it is a big decision for me in my life right now. and i wanted some other's opinions of what they thought. I want to keep this thread positive and i don't want to hear any bashing of Tim or Lethal. this is about me, and a crucial crossroads in my life so please respect that. thank you

your service adviser & technician,
David Ciporkin

[81911SC]

I need to get laid.

[quickdodge®]

the reason i posted this is because it is a big decision for me in my life right now. and i wanted some other's opinions of what they thought. I want to keep this thread positive and i don't want to hear any bashing of Tim or Lethal. this is about me, and a crucial crossroads in my life so please respect that. thank you

You probably should have thought more about where you put this post if you want this to remain civil. Anything goes in this section, man. Later, QD.

[quickdodge®]

Later, QD.

[thinkfast®]

[81911SC]

...

[Batlground]

Depends

Need to ask yourself:
1) Do you care about making ALOT of money per year
2) Would you rather be happy with no money
3) Would you rather be miserable with lots of money
4) Can you see either one making you happy AND making you money

IMO, id rather pay $4000 and get the building, thats a deal if you got 10 years of customers and a general maintanence thing going. Lets face it, Performance Shops are a dime a dozen, VERY RARELY do any of them make REAL money. Gen Maint. is where the money is at, high turnover, high markup.

Mom and Dad are less likely to ***** about a clutch job than some 18 year old kid

But im sure you already know that.

If you have been working for yourself for this long, im sure you dont want to go work for someone else.

-MIKE

[EmminoDaGreat]

Think of the "lethal name" imo, your a smart tech, and have a lot of variety, if your money is going to be more or the same than go for it. However think about if the shop will be around long etc etc. I say go for your own thing, it would prob be tough at first, but payout in the end.

[quickdodge®]

...

Later, QD.

[81911SC]

Later, QD.

...

[1SLWPOS]

Think of the "lethal name" imo, your a smart tech, and have a lot of variety, if your money is going to be more or the same than go for it. However think about if the shop will be around long etc etc. I say go for your own thing, it would prob be tough at first, but payout in the end.

/agree Lethal would be your safe easy way and you can make money but you work under there terms. If you take on Tim's shop your life is going 2 be crazy at first but if it all works out the reward might be worth it. Also if you take on Tim's Shop you could loose everything you just gotta take the risk and deal with what happens. No one else is going to succeed or fail and it's easy to say take the shop b/c they are not taking the risk YOU are. Make your choice based on different outcomes if your willing to risk it all and think you can make it go for it if not

[quickdodge®]

...

Later, QD

[MistaCee]

This thread is LIRL

[Z U L8R]

lol @ the funny pics

thx guys, a lot of really good feedback. i really appreciate this

Dave =]

[Nismo]

Start your own business.

[Eric-Aristo-]

you would be an idiot to go work at a performance shop, I'm not saying it's not enjoyable, but I worked at a hole in the wall shop in Roswell (Advantage Automotive) that did it all for right around 18 months and sometimes I got payed in beer or really weird ****. The owner had a sudden stroke one night and everything hit the fan from there in. Not saying that my experience is going to mirror everyones, but 6 am to midnight to keep a place running is not fun, and sleeping in a makeshift loft because you are to tired to make it even 4 miles home is no fun. Granted I learned things about working on cars that have proved invaluable. I also learned a lot about fabrication, welding, and why fleece jackets should not be worn while cutting metal with a wheel or welding (I think I still have some clumps of the jacket laying around)

General maintenance is not all puppy's and daisy's either Dave. I see a lot of really good people getting burned out and closing shop, people that it REALLY sucks to see go. I also see a lot of cut throat assholes making it. You have to have a measured amount of selfishness, and that's not always a bad thing, you have to have a roof over your head. Customer satisfaction doesn't mean giving everyone the shirt off your back all the time. It's all about balance, and sadly a lot of people are idiots good work and cheap price are not always synonymous with each other and some will never see it that way. I know I'm being captain obvious on a lot of accounts. I just thought I would offer my opinion.
I may just be on the parts side of ****, but I see people struggling really hard right now
the auto industry is a weird beast, it's in a pseudo dying on its feet state, and will kinda always be. Right now, getting into general maintenance is a bad idea to me. **** is slow and tough, I see the big name corporations playing musical employees real bad right now. I know one guy that has moved shops/company's 5 times in as many months, and he's one of the best service advisor's I've ever met he's got people that drive out of there way to go where he works.
I also say working for a performance shop while really cool is not gonna pay bills as well.
On a positive note, a 10 year customer base should carry you through any slumps in the industry, so on that aspect it is WELL worth your while. Just don't be afraid to ask people for advice in running a shop, it's good to see you are so open to others opinions. Some gay teen movie said is the juice worth the squeeze, you have to ask yourself that. Is the hard work in establishing this going to be worth the pay off? I know for me it would be. Just keep things in perspective, keeping your eye on the prize and other cliche things is what works for a lot of people.
hope this helps.

[redrumracer]

id stay were you are especially with 10 years of good service behind you. as well as the customers that come along with it. no greater recommendation than word of mouth. plus when you work for yourself i think there is just a better feeling of self worth and pride

[Eric-Aristo-]

and who says you still can't take some time and help out at lethal
be a monday-friday shop and have everyother saturday be a work day by appointment
I see that working out really well
or some good shops don't even do weekends. Part of the problem with some shops that are good, they are too good and the people that work there are ALWAYS burned out and take to much home. ok I'll shut up now

[Motivation]

It seems like either way you go, things will work out for you. You are in the business for the right reasons. If you stay where you are at and take over the business, your customers will continue to stick with you because they rely on your knowledge and work. If you go to work at Lethal the same reputation will start to follow. Like you said, you've been blessed. You haven't become greedy and you do it to help people. Good luck either way. IMO we need more ppl like that. It's better to have someone like you that someone can trust and feel comfortable working on their vehicles... just my 2 cents. Good luck either way man...

[koukis14]

stay where you are. If the economy crashes places like lethal will be the first to take a dive. Also people will always need thier car fixed.....and not only can you do that, but you do it well.......plus I'm excited too see you 510 screaming down airport industrial when you get the itb setup on it

[Slow Motion]

You better start your own business and stop with the question. This is america and while wanting to help people is cool and all, you have bills and you have to have income in order to survive. If you have the opertunity to OWN something you better take it. I am in the process of starting my own security team and its not easy but when the dust settles and I'm able to pick and choose what to do that day and whether or not to work. It will be worth it. You will be able to do work at your shop or go and help someone that is a valued customer. Its not a hard decision you just have personal ties to the people i.e Lethal or Tim and you don't want to choose IMO( I maybe wrong). You know 10yrs worth of customers is not a bad place to start you OWN thing some shops have started with only word of mouth and have made it.

Also you may not be into business just to make money, you can't help anyone and you can't help yourself i.e you work at a shop and make enough money compared to working at another shop and making A Lot of money. Take that leap of faith, it may suprise you. Its nothin wrong with making A WHOLE HEAP of money, thats what you work for. And if you love what you do then that is a blessing in and of itself. You don't go to work not to make money do you? Now, unless you are already rich and work because you love it then thats somethin else. And if your not rich & love what you do and do it everyday, its cause you gettin paid to do it so you can pay bills. You don't go to work for free do you?

[Z U L8R]

well said everyone.....man......i've been ingesting this feedback and evaluating myself and the situation. and i have to say, when i really think about it......if i miss this opportunity, or don't try this opportunity...when i'm an old man, i'll think back on my life and say to myself....."what if i had taken the plunge......where would i be now?" i think i would have regrets, and that's one thing i don't want. i can definately still help the guys at lethal for the extra business and what not, as well as other shops.

my friend who i just put the supercharger on his e46 m3 just offered to back my start up deposit 100%....he's already sold 2 more supercharger kits this week and that in itself is almost 2 months rent for the installs, not to mention the existing Pro Auto Care customers that seem to be rockin and rollin this week.....

i GREATLY APPRECIATE all you's guys feedback and i believe you just led me to answer my own question........

why the hell not?

thank you guys, i'm game

Dave =]

[RandomGuy]

Dave, you're smarter than that... lol cmon now and Lethal Injection?

Why not just open up your own formal performance label under pro auto...

BTW i can attest that dave is the man, I sent friends to him who still to this day swear by him. (u do know sum1 totalled that car /side note)


Real talk, dont mess with a good thing, you're not unhappy right now, are you? And by the way things are changing they'd only get better. You're in the position to get STACKED...

Dave Cip ftl

U kno wasup dude

[chrisdavis]

Given your situation (strong customer base and established reputation) I would open my own shop.

[Leadfoot_mf]

dooooooooooeeeeeeetttttttt

[v-empire]

take the blue pill, neo.

[Blitanicle99]

Hey man, its Travis. I was real good friends with your brother when he was still here. That tall redneck dude with the trucks, you and Kao did that CA swap for me. Thats me.

Anyways, I could more see you personally owning your own shop than working for others. Your very self driven and I think you personally would enjoy driving yourself more than having another motivate you.

On a business idea, I would take the shop, pay the rent and make sure its stable, and then hell do motor swaps on the side and stuff. I know you can do it, hell you can wire anything. If you do it, you will be the one I take my money to, to do my cams and valve springs. I know you work your AZZ off when doing other peoples junk. Ive seen it. Go big or go home. Dont have regrets because at one time it was what you wanted. Take that risk and dont look back man.

[Jecht]

I think you should go with Pro Auto. It would always be fun knowing you are in control of it, even though it gives you more responsibility.

[eraser4g63]

Honestly ive seen alot of the work you have done ( back in the day with the black SR 240) You got what it takes to run a bad a.ss shop And honestly it would be nice to see you do it. every thing you touch always turns out great so i say go for it, do your own thing.
Tyler