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Did you recommend a local or national insurance company?

I have put off doing a mobile repair business as I went back to a w2 job. I do believe there is a decent demand for a mobile service, especially a "get it running" service, among other things

I’m in Metro Detroit and get ALL my clients from the local city Facebook Groups. Pay attention to what day small businesses can post about their services. Craft a post with some pictures and maybe video. I do maybe two posts a year. This side hustle is looking to go full time. Thanks for the great videos Martin! Love this channel and I’m a dedicated follower of Individualized Repair channel

Been doing it myself for about 15 years its so enjoyable if balanced right. and opens the door to alot of opportunities if you stick with it.

Hi Martin, I always check my YT Notifications list and look for your videos. I had a mower problem, and when I discovered my local repair shop offered a pickup and return service, they got my business. Since I could not transport my mower to their shop, I paid fifty dollars for this service. I found their repair shop in the Edge browser when I searched for small engine repair shops. I also added my Zip code to my search. We older folks need all the help we can get to find a repair shop.

Good advice Martin, you could also go to a mower shop you don't like and accidently sprinkle some of your business cards around the parking lot.....ooopsie. 🤣👍😇

Very good advice and passing out business cards works great also Post in stores helps 😊

pawn shops a great place to find tools. love your videos

enjoy your new show the edge , you should number them so i can keep track haha .keep up the great work

Free fast and perfect and unsatisfied 😅😅😅😅 so true

Another great video!

Best starter kit is the gear wrenxh 252 pc kit st gome depot jts 200 bucks lretty much everyrhing u need torx socket bits allen socket bits allen keys 3/8 shallow and deep 1/4 shallow and deep and ratchet wrenches its 199.99

3/16 flat head works perfect for main jets

Woek for a small engine shol suring the day builsing my own business during the nights/ weekends i make much mlre taking in 100% profit.

I’m eating up all this knowledge! Would you please talk about chemical, used oil, old fuel and other waste management? Either working out of your garage or a commercial space, I’d like to better manage what I do with these fluids. Thank You!

I’ve been doing this out of my garage since 2019 and want to start taking steps into going full time. Thanks for the Master Class Martin!

Very good information. I down loaded this video for my personal use 👍👍👍🙏

Hi Martin, Now you are getting into the nitty-gritty of business. I'm waiting to see how you handle the advantages of being a business when filing taxes. Pay attention while Martin's class is in session.

Why are you having two different businesses ???😊

Listen to great advice and knowledge 😊 Listen up folks

CLASS IN SESSION ...BOSS MAN RUNNIN THE SHOW

What kind of lift tables do you use or recommend? Thank you.

Cool idea for a channel! I’m definitely subscribing! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. I just started my side hustle and plan to do it full time when I retire. I definitely appreciate any help you can provide! I’ll be watching!

Best wishes for you and your business. I am sure with as hard and efficient you are there should be no problems.

Wish you luck in your new endeavor Martin. I'm a hobbyist fixing mowers. I'm retired and do it for something to do. I buy mowers really cheap and flip them . Make a few bucks on each one and buy tools/ odds and ends for stock. Blades, air filters etc. Would never sell a mower knowing it isn't right. Can't do it. I do sell them as is though. Waiting for warm weather to return here in NH to get going again . No heated shop here!.....good luck.....👍

$500,000. That’s crazy. You must live in a big city.

One thing some don’t understand is that it’s not a 9-5 job. For a long time it’s many many hours. Not just doing the manual labor but the business planning. That’s an all day job. Always thinking about how to make more business. As that grows so does the money. Great video

Own your mistakes.

Martin, can you do a video on leveling zero turn mower decks? Specifically maybe even commercial grade stuff….. thanks!!!

I started small engine repair at 14 after I bought my first backpack blower. Used to cut grass but realized fixing the machines I used to cut was so much more fun and profitable. After high school I shut my business down for 2 years to try automotive repair. Right before graduation we registered the business and made it official. but after I graduated and started doing auto repair full time my experience just went downhill. I started my business back up a year ago part time and my garage was full almost all spring and summer. I recently leased a shop and went full time with it back in November. Even in the off season I’m generating plenty of revenue. Multiple shops closed nearby so I’m one of the only ones left in my area. There is nothing like getting up in the morning and working for yourself, and looking forward to each new day because you get to do it again. There were tons of challenges along the way and there were many times I thought I was going to have to give up. Never thought I’d be this far by now. I’m nervous but also excited for spring time.

Did I miss you talk about your lawnmower lift table. Who makes it?

My 12v DeWalt screwdriver has saved me hundreds of hours abd probably thousands of dollars at this point for quickly and safely assembling and disassembling. The lack of impacting and adjustable slip clutch keeps you from damaging delicate components/fasteners and actually makes a pretty decent fast and dirty torque wrench. A decent little pocket multimeter does just about everything you'll ever need for electrical diagnosis

Where? Do you get your OEM parts if you're not A Dealer. Besides EBay or Amazon

Here's my list, Martin, of what I have that I think is necessary but not too expensive if you buy one at a time as you need them. Forgive me if I duplicate any in your video. In no particular order. Many of these tools can be had inexpensively or free used on eBay, local thrifts, FreeCycle, Facebook local groups, used tool stores, etc. I have other tools that are used when someone gets more experienced, but for now those below I would call my basic stuff for working on anything from string trimmers to zero turns (in addition to almost all the ones Martin already listed). -cordless drill/driver with 2 batteries and charger. I got a used one I really liked with a battery and charger, then eventually searched on eBay and found another set even cheaper, so I can switch between the two for some jobs and always have a second battery ready to go. These have an adjustable clutch so I can set them to fit the job I'm working on with no worry about damaging anything. -T-handle Torx wrench set -Short and long Torx bits for drill/driver -ball peen hammers (small, large) -small hand pump oiler -assortment of funnels - short, long, wide, narrow, small, large -handheld propane torch. I have one that has an igniter but you have to turn the knob on/off and adjust the flame. This will stay on until you turn if off with the other hand. I'm going to get one that has an igniter but stays on as long as you pull on the handle - I want to have one of each for different purposes. Also, these are much more stable using the camping--style short/wider bottles, which I refill from a 20 pound tank. -hot air gun! -small spray bottles - one for 2-stroke mix I use as starter fluid in all machines, both2T and 4T, and one for soapy water to test for leaks in tires, engines, etc. -paint brushes, stiff, soft, wide, narrow, for cleaning things like chainsaws, etc. -a complete set of all different kinds of brushes, picks, etc for cleaning all kinds of equipment - used when I'm pressure washing or washing with the garden hose -at least two paper or shop towel dispensers - one at the bench and one at the opposite side of the workspace -a collection of different-sized catchbasins for oil and fuel. I've made a bunch from plastic bottles, oil jugs, all sorts of plastic containers from the kitchen. Eventually you'll have a bunch for getting into all sorts of different spaces. -formafunnel - bendable sheet of plastic with metal inside to direct the flow of fluids down into a catchbasin cleanly -1/4 inch drive torque wrench - for those really small, low torque applications. I have three torque wrenches to cover everything I need from the smallest string trimmer to commercial zero turns. I hunted around for a long time to find the smallest one - the others are available at Harbor Freight for decent prices, although my middle one is a Snap-On I got for cheap at a yard sale. Many specs are now in Newton Meters (Nm) as well as inch-pounds, so having these are almost a requirement now. -large and small slip joint pliers, regular -set of nut drivers, handheld -sets of combination wrenches in SAE and metric -2 or 3 adjustable (Crescent) wrenches from small to large -very small needlenose vicegrips; medium regular vicegrips (the more the better!) -slip ring pliers, inside and outside types -RPM tachometer - I got a great one to start and then found one as an app for my iPhone which is free and works great! Don't get the kind that have a wire to wrap around the high tension lead. Get the other kind that you just have to hold in the vicinity to register -tire pressure gauge -assortment of metal files -Pferd chainsaw chain file - much better than the one you showed - it sharpens and takes down the depth gauges at the same time. About $50 each and you need one for each type of chain, but MUCH faster and more accurate and idiot proof - worth every penny. Stihl version of this is rebranded Pferd for more money but same tool. I've sharpened chains since I was a kid out in the woods in my teens and I'm now 77 and no matter what anyone says about "hand filing", this tool is a total game changer. -hacksaw -valve spring compression tool -sets of inexpensive silicone tapered plugs - I got three sets of different sizes and colors and use them all the time to block off engine openings during washing, plus a bunch of other uses. -battery post cleaning brush -various size/types of bore brushes and wire brushes to chuck in the cordless drill to clean things. Also bristle disks - the good ones are expensive but worth their weight in gold for cleaning gasket mating surfaces, engine heads, etc. -valve lapping tools -inspection lights - I finally found ones that I really like because they are thin and will fit into the openings of fuel tanks, bar oil tanks, cylinders, etc. These are the Coast G20 and the G15. The G15 is small and light enough to fit into a little spring clip that one of them comes with to clip onto my hat for when I want hands free. Very powerful but very small. -small pump grease gun for chainsaw bars, plus really handy to have around to apply small amounts of grease in many locations where a regular grease gun is overkill. This is the kind that sits upright on the bench with a push button on one side to pump grease out the other side, not the pistol grip style gun. -an old baking pan for disassembling carburetors - I always line it with fresh paper towels so I can see all the tiny parts without losing any. If you do it on the bench without any containment, the springs and inlet screens will disappear into the twilight zone. -set of T-handled hex drivers. The right angled ones are useful sometimes, but the T-handles are better for most applications. -magnetic parts trays - start out with the small round ones at Harbor Freight and eventually graduate into larger rectangular ones for bigger jobs. I'd start out with at least three. -C-clamps and spring clamps - various sizes and types - they'll all be very useful eventually. -magnetic pickup tools - I have three, from very small like a pencil to larger and telescoping. These are absolutely necessary! -pistol grip, reversible bar clamps - a couple different sizes -short wood blocks of all different sizes. I have a large assortment of two-bys of all different widths, all with holes drilled in one end and hung on nails from the joists overhead in the garage. I also have several 4-4's for similar purposes. Extremely useful for blocking up different pieces of equipment on the bench and the floor. -nitrile gloves and work gloves -an old screw-type car jack to start, then floor jacks starting at 1.5 tons up to about 2.5 tons. I modified the screw jack for a specific size socket so I can run it up and down quickly to start and finish a job and use a ratchet at the point where the load is encountered. Having two or more of these around the shop will come in very handy for lots of jobs. You can get used ones out of old cars at the junkyard! -telescoping inspection mirror with light -zipties! All sizes and lengths - fit into the same category as clamps - to hold things in place temporarily, plus they're a consumable you use all time in the shop. -worm drive hose clamps of all sizes - same as other clamps for all sorts of uses, both temporary and permanent. You can join as many as needed to accommodate larger projects.

What would be a good small business software to use for small engine repair? There is so many small business software’s out there,you start chasing your tail. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

I totally disagree with some of what you are telling people. I think you are assuming that anyone who wants to get into engine repair has natural mechanical abilities. if you want to be a good mechanic get a good foundation go to your local votech and sign up even if it's night school. you will learn proper diagnosis and repair procedures. even more important today than 40 years ago when I started. with all the latest electronic and computerized stuff. anyone can do a parts shotgun approach ive seen way too many of these people. for tools you dont need new stuff but get the best quality tools you can from many sources including yard sales, auctions, pawn shops, flea markets. and specialty tools can sometimes be found used or from OEM suppliers. but if you go to votech and learn metal fab and welding you can even learn to make your own special application tools.

You have to put money back into the business and pay your bills first Every thing has to be paid before you see a profit Stay off tool trucks for several years or forever 😊

Fire extinguisher is dam sure a must or a water hose and spray nozzle 😮 I play the what if game to be better prepared 😊

Lift and jack stands, small torch for heating items, plus know some mechanics for knowledge and advice Safety Glasses is the very first thing

nice tool setup like my shop

Very helpful. Some ideas…. Cut tips off of torch tip cleaners,round magnet with hole in cup helps with blades and HF has long needle nose with circular ends. Home Depot sells a bucket head sweeper, used it for years.

Thanks for the videos i just started following. Im looking at starting a mobile small engine repair business with an enclosed 7x14 trailer to work out of in bad weather. Im in a rural area in southern va. I look forward to your upcoming videos and any insight on going mobile.

u missed the coffee pot ...very important machine

boss man showin us the way ..... cant wait to see the new place and new shop ....

This helps me as I am wanting to adventure into the small engine repair business. My dad was a small engine repair guy out of his small shop. He couldn't do much and now age has caught up with him and he is unable to do the work anymore. I really wanted to pickup where he left off and possibly grow it into a full time job. I have tools, his shop to work out of, and a logo as seen on my profile here. Just wasn't sure if I should pursue this long time dream of owning my own business. But what you're saying makes a lot of sense. Thank you for the tips. Greatly appreciated.

This is a really good idea! We are following! We also started our small engine business from scratch 12 years ago. Literally, started with nothing. I think I caught you on Ken’s Livestream a couple weeks ago. Let’s chat sometime! 😊

No better way to say it Martin..... stay honest and take care of every customer. Thanks brother.

How do you keep your yearly certifications for Stihl, Echo, Exmark, Kawasaki…? I want to do this but, you can’t buy parts unless you buy aftermarket stuff and most customers don’t want that so, you’re stuck buying parts from a local dealer, at retail..I literally have people wanting me to do this but, you can’t buy parts…

Hi Martin, I'm ready to watch your channel. I have a couple of suggestions concerning starting a business like yours. The government can help you get a Small Business Loan. You will need to show your business plan and a breakdown of the cost of the tools and equipment your business will need. If you plan to offer pickup and return service. Add the price of a truck and trailer, even if you already have them. You might get more funds than you expected. Apply for a business license if your local government requires one. Incorporate your business as an LLC, a limited liability corporation. Obtain liability, including medical coverage, from an insurance company. I suggest becoming a power equipment dealer and a service center for their products. This is where the real money is. If you don't think like a business, you can expect to fail regardless of the amount of time, effort, and money you put into your business. If you start small, please consider my suggestions as your business grows.

Good one, Martin! A lot of this has the feel of Dale Carnegie, someone my father loved to quote. I’ve had many “chapters” in my life, this most recent one being small engine work. I thought my baking career would be my last, never forseeing something like Covid would happen and all but kill it. I’ve been juggling the baking and small engine concurrently for 3-plus years now. Who knows if I’ll start doing something else? 😉😂🔧👨🏻‍🍳👍