After 20 years, Bryan Hill decided it was time to make his dream come true.
He’d been working as an auto mechanic in a local shop but had always dreamed of owning his own business.
When Durango Car Care came up for sale, he and his wife, Jenn, knew this was the opportunity they had been waiting for. They jumped on it. Shortly thereafter, they realized that they needed help.
They reached out to the SBDC and were connected with Bob Jagdfeld. “He was amazing,” Jenn says. “He met with us after hours and helped us hash things over. He asked very direct questions and brought his expertise from years in lending practices. We were perfect candidates for an SBA loan, but without Bob, we never would have gotten the funding.”
In addition, Bob prepared them for every step of the purchase and launch process. “He helped us get our paperwork in order without ever giving his own opinion. He taught us how to help ourselves.”
The shop has been open under its new owners for almost a month, and it has been a resounding success. Durango Car Care offers full-service automotive repair, and they already have two full-time employees. Word of mouth advertising has kept them plenty busy while they settle in.
“Bob was so instrumental in helping us get through funding; to have Region 9 and Bob behind you . . . wow! It really feels like it’s been a group effort, and we think of Bob as an ‘honorary owner.’”
As the business grows, the Hills want to be excellent owners. They see their employees as family and want to foster growth. They hope to hire a full office staff, so Bryan can work more directly with clients. In addition, they are looking into purchasing equipment that will allow them to provide full services for diesel vehicles. They’ve already set up quarterly meetings with Bob to ensure they stay on that track.
If you’ve bent thinking about purchasing a business, Bryan and Jenn offer this advice: “The SBDC is priceless; you’d be crazy not to call them . . . and it’s free! There are so many things you can get hung up on as a new business and so many hurdles to tackle; they clean it up for you. After we went there, we were stunned with all the ways they offered to help. They are invaluable. Call them!”
