Transcript for Hustle & Heat Episode 27
00:00:04
What’s up, guys, and welcome back to another episode of Hustle & Heat Podcast. Today is Episode 27.
I’d like to welcome our special guests from Phoenix Onsite Repair. Without further ado, welcome to the podcast.
Appreciate having us.
Appreciate you guys coming on. Tell us a little bit about yourselves and what you do.
We provide vehicle maintenance and repair across the board, from small engines to heavy equipment, including boats.
Even boats?
Even boats.
Anything with an engine.
Anything with an engine. Heavy equipment, excavators, forklifts—you name it.
00:00:27
With today’s episode, we’re going to do something a little different. We’re going to have Chris ask the questions.
What has been your highest high and lowest low in business?
Our highest point was our five-year anniversary. The lowest point was restaffing, trying to get things moving again, and dealing with the current economy.
For us, the lowest point was probably the beginning of the year when things were really slow. The highest point has been watching the company grow.
Same here. We’ve had technicians come and go, but we feel really good about where we are now. Employment can be challenging. Sometimes you think you’ve got the right people, then things change quickly.
You always think they’re good.
Some people talk more than they work.
We see that all the time.
00:01:17
When has there been a moment that you were reminded of why you love doing what it is that you do?
One thing that stands out is helping people in simple ways.
A mom might stop in with a car full of kids needing air in a tire. Something small like that doesn’t need a charge. You can see the stress people are under in this economy.
Helping someone in that moment, seeing the relief on their face, and then having them refer business back to us later means a lot. That’s really where our heart is, and we try to build on those moments.
For me, it’s seeing customers smile and enjoy the food. It’s also seeing employees make a living wage.
We have a single mom who bartends and serves here, and she’s able to afford her own apartment. Creating an environment where people can support themselves and their families is incredibly rewarding.
What is a skill you’ve improved on as a result of running a business?
00:02:07
A little background on me—I spent 20 years in retail.
Growing up, I was extremely shy. I didn’t play football or do a lot of things because of that. Over time, I learned by observing how people communicated and carried themselves.
Now I’m comfortable speaking in front of one person or a thousand. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of listening. A lot of people want to talk, but being a good listener is a skill that goes a long way.
I can relate to that. Growing up, I was quiet and reserved. I was the guy everybody knew, but nobody really knew.
Now I can walk up to anyone and start a conversation. Public speaking used to make me shake when I was in college, but now it feels natural.
What is something that you think makes you stand out in your industry?
00:03:45
We try to be a one-stop shop so customers don’t have to call six different places.
Our mindset is simple—we don’t say no. We’ll go as far as possible to help solve a customer’s problem. Ninety-nine times out of a hundred, we can handle it. If we can’t, we’ll point them in the right direction.
For fleet customers, if we can’t perform the repair ourselves, we’ll manage the process and coordinate it for them.
For Dubs, it’s all about being different.
Ninety-five percent of our menu is homemade, and about 90 percent is fresh, never frozen. We use top-quality ingredients and focus on putting out the best product possible.
All of our recipes are made in-house. We make our mac bites from scratch, use fresh green beans, and even make our bacon in-house.
Customer service is another big difference. We’re family-oriented, people know us, and we work hard to make everyone feel welcome.
00:05:07
Who has been the most influential person in your life?
For me, it’s my father. He was a hardworking blue-collar guy, military background, and always did whatever it took to provide for the family.
One lesson he taught me was, “The more you know, the more you’re worth.” That’s something I’ve carried with me throughout my career.
For me, it’s my mom.
Growing up, she always told me, “Everybody’s waiting for you to become somebody someday.”
That stuck with me and lit a fire under me. There have been a lot of influential people in my life, but my mom had the biggest impact.
00:06:00
Give one piece of advice for someone still new to business.
There’s always a way. If you believe in something enough, you’ll find a way to make it happen.
One day at a time. One brick at a time.
Believe in yourself, keep showing up every day, and keep learning. Growth happens when you’re willing to put in the work consistently.
As long as you’re working hard with your hands and your mind—not just your mouth—it’ll work out eventually.
00:06:27
If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?
Maybe Heath Ledger.
I’m a huge Batman fan, and his performance as the Joker in The Dark Knight was incredible. I’d love to understand where his mindset was while preparing for that role. He completely embraced the character.
It’s unfortunate how everything turned out, but I’d love the opportunity to tell him how incredible that performance was and hear about his experience.
I’d choose Gordon Ramsay.
First, because getting yelled at by Gordon Ramsay would be an experience. Second, I’d love to pick his brain and learn how he built and manages so many successful restaurants.
00:07:27
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love sports.
I recently became a high school football official with the SGFOA. With the shortage of officials, it’s a great way to give back, stay active, and stay involved with the game.
It doesn’t feel like work because I genuinely love football and being around the sport.
I enjoy being out on the water. I don’t have a boat, though.
I know a guy.
For me, it’s putting my headphones on and going for a walk. I’ll walk for hours.
00:08:25
Why should someone give your business a shot?
We try to be fair to everyone.
Whether you’re a fleet customer, a first-time customer, family, or a referral, we want to treat you right and make things right when issues arise.
That’s what it’s all about.
For us, we stand behind our products.
We have a great atmosphere, lots of TVs, amazing staff, and food we’re proud of. If you don’t like something, come talk to us.
Don’t go straight to the internet. Have a conversation with us. We’re happy to make things right.
00:09:16
This was a little different for me, but it was nice at the same time.
Thank you all for being on the podcast.
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