Service Call $30.00 Labor Rate $75.00 an hour

My journey in automotive repair began in the summer of 1978 when I was just 14 years old. During summer breaks, I worked at an engine rebuild shop in SeaTac, WA, where my job was to tear down and clean engines that would later be rebuilt. That early hands-on experience sparked a passion that shaped my entire career.

From 1981 to 1983, I attended Renton Vocational Technical Institute (RVTI), studying automotive mechanics full-time Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM. At the same time, I worked full-time at a full-service gas station in Tukwila, WA, working evening shifts from 4:00 PM to midnight. Balancing school and work wasn't easy, but it instilled the discipline and work ethic I still carry today.

After graduating, I took a full-time position as a general mechanic at a car rental agency in SeaTac, WA, from 1983 to 1985, finally applying my automotive training in a professional setting.

In 1985, I noticed a "Help Wanted" sign at the tune-up center across the street from the car rental agency where I was working. They were looking for weekend help. I took the opportunity, rolling my toolbox across Old Highway 99 every Saturday and Sunday. Within a month, I was offered a full-time position, and after just six months, I became the lead mechanic/manager, working there until 1988.

In 1988, I officially became an entrepreneur, launching my own mobile mechanic service in Kent, WA, with a single van. The following year, at just 25 years old, I landed the largest fleet account in the Puget Sound area, servicing hundreds of vehicles for a large telecommunications company. That contract led to a rapid expansion, growing my fleet to six vans, running day and swing shifts seven days a week, covering King and Pierce counties.

By 1990, I took things a step further by opening a storefront auto repair shop in SeaTac, WA. Owning and operating both a mobile mechanic service and an auto repair shop gave me invaluable insight into every aspect of the auto repair industry. For years, I built a reputation for quality work and dependable service, running both operations until the end of 2004.

In 2005, I made the decision to return to my roots. Managing employees and dealing with overhead costs had taken me away from what I truly enjoyed—working directly with customers and their vehicles. I stepped away from the complexities of running a large operation to focus solely on providing a expert mobile mechanic service. Since then, I've been fully dedicated to my craft, offering high-quality, convenient repairs while building strong connections with my customers. By working independently, I've been able to deliver the personal service and flexibility that first drew me to this profession decades ago.

Sincerely, Dave the Mobile Mechanic