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