Polanski Advanced Auto Service Ltd
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MAREK POLANSKI had a business idea and was ready to do the research. For one year he offered a mobile car repair service, where he would go to a customer's home and work on site. He would listen to their previous experiences with auto mechanics and then offer them an alternative. "This was my primary method of research to find out about client needs and build a client base. From the beginning, I built my business around the customer." Coming to Canada from Poland in 1989, with an engineering background and a particular interest in electronics, Marek thought that auto mechanics - as a long-term goal - would be a viable opportunity for self-employment. For 4 years he worked in mechanics shops, took mechanics and English courses at college and gained a lot of experience. By June of 1994, he had received his Certification of Qualifications for Motor Vehicle Mechanics; his high score on the exam enables him to operate across Canada! During this time, self-employment was always on his mind so in one sense getting laid off and seeing the notice for the Self-Employment Assistance Program in the Employment Centre was meant to be! After an intensive 2-hour interview at the CBRC he was accepted into the program. The combined classroom training and one-on-one counselling worked well. "The training really helped with my business plan as did the sessions with my counsellor. I needed information on how to set up a business and they made it very clear." Marek expressed that the training program left him much more prepared and confident about his ability to deal with other business professionals. Starting your own business is no easy job. Endless time and energy are required and often there are significant barriers that must be overcome. Finding the appropriate location for his business took considerable time and effort. Because of zoning restrictions, Marek was unable to set up shop where the majority of his client base was located. A creative strategy of putting an ad in the paper, outlining exactly what he was looking for, ended up being successful. Another barrier was securing financing. Small business people are not a priority client group for most commercial banks but after considerable effort and many rejections, he overcame this obstacle as well. Polanski's Advanced Auto Service Ltd. Has been up and running since April of this year. A lot of work went into cleaning up and painting the garage space, building an office and washroom and making it into a professional, comfortable establishment. Efficient, timesaving computer software is in place that contains information relevant to the diagnosis of mechanical and electrical problems for any type of car! There is even a choice of Perrier water or coffee to sip on while you wait. Marek is optimistic about the future. His solid determination, love of what he is doing and understanding of customer needs, should see him through a bright self-employed future.
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