My idea is as follows. I have a shop with all the necessary tools and lifts to do any sort of work. 250,000 dollar building. Huge bay doors. All the welding equipment a man could need.

I have about 10,000 dollars cash in my back pocket. An extensive knowledge of thermodynamics, diesel theory, and good mechanic practice.

I want somebody that has done it to step up and tell me what it takes to start a business working on Cummins diesels. I have owned several and know what it takes to maintain and repair.

Questions I have.

~certifications available/needed? If even necessary.

~How to advertise and target possible work?

~Should I be more fleet or performance oriented?

~Where to order parts or how to get a wholesale agreement?

~What kind of employee's should I seek out and how do I pay them?

~I'm located right in the middle of a hub with only one other petty diesel shop.

~How to bill? How much per hour? Bill book hours or actual hours?

All these diesel trucks are HUGE liabilities/assets and I know working people are willing to pay to keep them on the road making money.

 

Well im in the same boat as you! but I would go fleet due to the area I live in! but I wanna see what advice you get and best of luck to you!

 

You have check with it state about certs and or license. I would stay more fleet service then over time work your way in to performance. Parts u can get anywhere just go online and for distributors in your area when you set an account you'll be set up for whole sale. Your hourly rate is based off of what your local competitors are. I do bill by book its fair and resonable. Sometimes you can't go by book you have to use your best judgement. I only had a few employees I was small and I payed them billable hours and they were happy. There's more to it but this a start. Any ? You just email me ill be glad to help as best I can.

 

1st. get your CDL'S
2nd. pass the ASE TEST (assuming that you have already had some type of training.
3rd. find a shop that will hire and give you hands on training, there is so much more that schools, etc, do NOT teach you.

when I finished I decided that I wanted to be a cylinder head specialist, that took another year, I have about 10 years experience in it now, and still learning.

for billing, there is a book that gives per hour and by job

I would do more that performance, that why you need a CDL'S

GOOD LUCK IN YOU ADVENTURE, AND HOPE YOU PROSPER