I am wanting to retire and just fish. I have been running a one man boat repair service for the last 15 years. Most of it here at Lake Fork. The niche in the market that I have been working is I go to the boats. I have a large customer base here at Lake Fork and surrounding private lakes. As I don't have a store front I can keep my prices low. I would like to turn this over to a younger person that would like to expand the business. I have most of the special tools, manuals, and contacts to turn over to the right person. If you would like to be your own boss and be here at Lake Fork. Give me a call. I would be willing to work with the person to get them started.

Anybody want to be in business for themselves.

I want to but I am afraid that I can't at 17yrs old!
Here is a free bump for you anyway!

Thanks

...its a "tough" business, feast or famine. We know a local here on Toledo Bend, that does it out of his home (property). Be prepared to store a bunch of boats, and have a bunch of complaints, and for owners to not pick up their boats on time etc. I am not trying to sound too cynical, but...(you propably have experienced some of these things already) Happy New Year, and I hope someone takes you up.

The niche in the market that I have been working is I go to the boats.

That concept would not work in many places IMO?

Don't know how your guy works his business, but I have never had the problems you stated. I have never had to keep a customer boat more than a week. The thing is, I go to the boat. If I need to bring it to the shop I do and when I am done I take it back. This area is ideally suited for this type of business as we have tons of storage building, travel trailer parks and private lakes in the area.

In all my years of business I have never had a bad check. As far a complaints you get them in any business but my philosophy is, treat the customer with respect and he will do the same. I always tell the customer that I will repair their boat as if it were mine. If an unexpected expense comes up I let them know about it before doing the work. That way they are not surprised. That is when most people run into trouble.

This business is very satisfying as I love what I do. Some of you that hate your jobs or would rather be some where else while at work just to know where your next paycheck will come from are in a rut that will only strangle you. I found out along time ago, when your work for yourself, you get out of it what you put into it. When you work for somebody you send their kids to college. When you work for yourself, you send your kids to college.

Having your own business, one that you like doing, can make a big difference in the way you look at life. Those of you that have to be led, this is not for you. Those of you that want to lead, go for it.

Would like to get together and talk to you about this Michael. Sounds pretty good.

Hey Micheal Best of luck with this. I do have a question for you.. I have decided to do some changes to my boat. I have a '91 Tracker Pro 17 and as you know there is very little to NO storage space in them. What I want to do is fill in that area in front of the console with a storage compartment and maybe replace the stock rod storage with a much bigger one if I can still have room to move. I then will need to recarpet it all of course. I will need them all to withstand my walking on them and also lock down. My question is can I find the right catalog to order the things I will need to do this? Hinges, locks, carpet, etc. and what should I use to make them? Again good luck

Ed, give me a call and we can get together. My number is on my web site.

Roba22. My suggestion is to make all the framing from alum. tubing. Then use alum. sheeting for the covering. The alum will save you weight. I have seen people use lumber, but it adds a lot of weight. Then you can carpet as needed. I sure there is a dealer around where you live that can get you any of the hinges, latches and any other hardware you need. If you have any questions let me know.

Micheal....If I had not just bought a new house up here in Fort Worth 3 months ago I'd be on it like a duck on a junebug.Oh well Good Luck...OPTI

Opti. 3 months does not give you time to really settle in. Just kidding. Good luck with the new house and Happy New Year from Texas's greatest fishing hole.

Come on guys, the busy season it about to hit. Money to be made.

Spent the week end at the Arlington Show. Met alot of the TFF"S. Still looking to sell. Anybody?

ttt