Episode 177: Built After Hours (Featuring Don's Garage)
Welcome to Episode 177 of The Endless Growth Podcast! This week, Alex and Edgar sit down with Don, owner of Don’s Garage and Mobile Services, to talk about turning years of mechanical experience into a growing business and what it really takes to build something of your own. Don shares how his interest in cars started at a young age, eventually leading him into transmission work, automotive school, and more than a decade in the industry. What began as side jobs for friends and family slowly grew into Don’s Garage, first out of a small garage in West Ogden and now into a business that has reached the point where his full-time job is starting to get in the way of its growth. The conversation dives into the reality behind that growth. Don talks about working his regular job during the day and then taking mechanic calls at night, on weekends, and even during lunch breaks. He shares why he rarely says no to an opportunity, how small jobs can turn into lifelong customers, and why young people trying to start a business should focus on learning the craft before chasing the money. Of course, running a mobile mechanic business also comes with some wild stories. Don tells the guys about rescuing a cat trapped inside a dashboard after police couldn't get it out, helping stranded travelers with 10 dogs after another mechanic left them stuck for days, and taking roadside calls that sometimes mean working just feet away from freeway traffic. From there, things get even more interesting. Don shares the story behind a wrecked Jet Ski he bought that had been involved in a fatal accident, his plans to bring it back to life, and his obsession with anything that gets the adrenaline going. That leads into trash car racing, where Don, his wife, and his dad race reinforced junk cars around a muddy oval while trying to push competitors off the track. The episode also explores how Don has used social media to grow his reputation. By posting raw videos, going live during repairs, and showing customers exactly what goes into the work, he has built trust in an industry where mechanics are often viewed with skepticism. Some customers now specifically ask him to record their repairs because the behind-the-scenes transparency has become part of the Don’s Garage experience. Whether you’re building a business, working toward eventually leaving your job, interested in cars, or just enjoy hearing stories from someone willing to take the calls nobody else wants, this episode is packed with lessons, laughs, and a look inside the grind behind Don’s Garage. Follow Don’s Garage Utah on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donsgarage.utah 00:24 How They Met at ATC 03:12 What Don’s Mobile Service Does 06:02 How Don Got Into Cars 09:37 Starting Don’s Garage 14:09 Going Full Time and Marketing 19:56 Big Picture Growth Plans 21:57 Hiring Helpers and Quality Control 27:15 Why Transmissions Are His Favorite 29:02 10 Speed Problems and Best Brands 34:46 Upgrading and Tuning Transmissions 37:42 Wildest Mobile Mechanic Calls 50:06 Towing Rates and Referrals 51:52 Finding a Real Shop Space 52:17 Advice for Young Mechanics 59:49 Grinding and Motivation Mindset 01:01:11 Hosts Background and Podcast Origin 01:04:12 Jobs He Hates Diagnostic Anxiety 01:10:04 Fishing and the Deadly Jet Ski Story 01:14:32 Trash Car Racing Explained 01:20:57 Why He Posts Repairs Online 01:34:01 Wrap Up Plugs and Final Thanks