the abandoned repair shop is DRIVING ME INSANE

How much longer can I last? The abandoned shop is slowly driving me insane, but there are good things to report as well after only four months. The bad news is there are never enough hours in the day to accomplish the things I want to do.
Demilare 250w Led High Bay Indoor Light I used in the main shop, 12 in total
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The original story of my abandoned shop!
• I bought an Abandoned ...

[@joshmoe3680]

Do not let the shop ruin your home life. And always pay yourself. I didn't manage my time properly and I never asked for help until it was too late. Good customers understand a wait. Bad customers need to be let go

[@geoffreyb3337]

❤ I could not agree anymore. I watched my brother lose his shop, the same way it was heartbreaking.

[@thatmechanicguy1993]

Never be afraid to fire a customer.

[@chuckclark6162]

Amen. Always pay yourself first & never let a customer bully you into doing anything you’re not comfortable with.

[@user-fq1cu3or2w]

100%

[@Pterodactyl-kn3ve]

Everyone can be your client, not everyone should be your client.

[@markszczepaniak5888]

LT, I have been watching your channel almost since the start. You have been doing a great job, not a problem for you to take care of your family, it's #1 and your new business at this time. I can bet that most of the viewers are understanding, since car/truck people are the best. Also take care of your health and don't get stressed out over all the changes.

[@johnathongulley1146]

100% agree. !!! Keep it up LT your doing a great job !

[@drewledbetter526]

👆👆👆👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@leebrown317]

yes

[@InnocentMiscreant]

When head gasket jobs come in always check the cost of a motor swap it can save a lot of time and money depending on vehicle if because you never know how hot it was run or if the head or deck surface is warped

[@Broadpaw_Fox]

On the topic of "learn to say no" - as someone who is exactly the same about taking everything on, I eventually found a method that works. In your situation, you've now had a taste of what the daily grind is like, and now you can set realistic expectations for how quickly you can get some things done. Use this to your advantage - I don't say "No, I can't do that". I say instead, "Well, I can't do that until (insert realistic timeframe), so if you're willing to wait I can put you on the list". That list might get rather long, depending on how much people like your work and their patience. Take for example the custom builds/hotrods - you might have a 2 year long waiting list once you sort out a reasonable schedule for getting them in and finished. Some people will be willing to wait, some won't. But the best thing to do is be up front about your current schedule and abilities - let the customer say "No, that doesn't work for me". Also, finding other options to suggest to customers is a great thing - some of your customers might not know where else to look, so get familiar with the other local options to both suggest alternatives and also as potential backup in case you need it. ;) TL:DR, never say no, just tell the truth and let them decide if you are the solution they want. :) **edited for spelling**

[@JimFlanagan4206]

It's a catch 22. The better job you do for customers, the busier you'll get. Then the less time you'll have for personal/ youtube stuff. You might need a shop manager, if you can find one you can trust, to help ease your workload.

[@myz06rocks]

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I love the wholesome get to business approach. Some channels start that way and have no become all about gimmicks and click bait garbage and the content has become unbearable. Stay true and you’ll get to the finish line and be the same person you were when you started.

[@GDaddyTx]

LT, I’ll give a few simple tips and these are coming from the son of a father who ran his own shop for over 30 years. Don’t force your kids to be involved, let them do it at their own pace. He never pushed me to work in the shop, but when I had time away from practice or games (played baseball & hockey) I would stop by to help because I wanted to. Also, be there for your family, dad always made time to be there on Sundays for us as well as he never missed one of my games, unless it was out of town. Even then, he surprised me with a few appearances. The point I’m trying to make is that you need to find you a strong GM, someone you trust with your business, this way you can always put your family first. Best of luck to you!!

[@taw5218]

LT, you are killing it brother. The auto service industry can be smothering in itself, without the KZbin gig and personal projects on top of it. Keep pushing brother! You got this!

[@leebrown317]

ya

[@keithalbrecht4785]

LT, you do what you need to do! We'll be here when the videos come out!! Your just going through the growing pains & it will get easier down the road!!!

[@izzmonk]

I had my own shop for 2 years and time management and learning to say no to bad jobs are some of the hardest things to learn when you first become a shop owner. Good luck and keep up the good work

[@irvinlewis5022]

You should show more of the costumer builds for content. I would like to see projects on the Lincoln. If you are working on those someone could be doing shop work. could space yours in to keep variety.

[@redrubi3942]

Don't beat yourself up. Been watching you for a long time. You are building a business it takes hard work. We are all happy to come for the ride and you share what you can, when you can. We have your back!!

[@keithdavis7122]

The reason we watch you are humble. You have an incredible skill set and show us what should always be done. Keep it up and bring the family up with the same sense of self

[@Sergeantgrunt]

I love your content, it's real and not these high end builds that NOBODY can afford to do. I just wish I had the means to invest in your shop. Keep up the hard work and it will work out!

[@carguy4v2222]

Stay after it LT its gonna come back to you guys in layers so be ready for it. Step by step!!! We'll keep watching!!!

[@jerrylong3580]

How about some videos of day to day operations? Make your techs KZbin stars.

[@HeathBilbrey]

Congrats! People always underestimate what goes into owning a business, and it looks even you had an eye opening experience. Looking forward to updates and new content LT. Keep up the hard work and you'll succeed!

[@lop8828]

Ive closed my shop last November. The best decision ive made for my mental and personal health.

[@georgenelson3496]

As a multi shop owner my people are my largest asset. Keep pushing.

[@mrmidnight32]

I had a shop exactly like that by my house. It was a Macys tire center and was abandoned for about 15 years. The mall wouldn’t sell it unless you bought the entire property. And even then that wanted to demolish it for appartments. I wanted it so badly my entire young adult life. Sad to see it gone and shitty “luxury” apartments built there now

[@HeavyChevy]

Running a business is not easy, especially at the beginning. Looks like you’ve gotten a lot accomplished during your first months. Your a good guy and you do good work. I’m sure that in time your new business will be running smoothly and you’ll have many happy customers.

[@billybike57]

Hang in there LT, I’ve been with you for the early days, you got the talent and personality to overcome any road blocks, stay strong!!!

[@baby-sharkgto4902]

Man you seem like one of the most genuine, nicest, humble, honest, hard working guys ever. Of course you will do good. Cheers!

[@adampinczesgarageandfabric9930]

yes remember to say no. I still struggle with this because it's easy to get caught up in other peoples problems that will eat up your time. you only have so much time and if you over do it, you will wear yourself out. finding good people who you can trust to help you is important. you need to delegate some stuff so you can find the time for your own stuff. finding those people to help can take some time but once you find those people then things should start falling into place. good luck and God bless.

[@garylincoln2502]

From custom builds to general repair. Hard transition believe me. experiencing the same thing right now. building a customer base is proving difficult. patience is the key i am learning. good job bud!!!!!

[@steelwheels327]

I use to watch you LT when you were on TV too! You can't do it all ....you just need a good team working for you !

[@lamboferruccio]

All relatable buddy, I’ve been freelance for over 3 years and don’t own my own shop but work with local shops in my area and it truly is a challenge, time management being the biggest one, there just isn’t enough time in the day to get everything done!

[@benjones3329]

Hey LT! you’re doing great, the best advice I’ve ever heard as a fellow business owner, husband and father is “ you can’t set yourself on fire to keep others warm” and yes as a people pleaser learning to say “no”is the hardest part.

[@dominicene3647]

KZbin just recommended me to your channel. I'm a first-time watcher of your content... Yay!!!... You took the words right out of my mouth. You do seem like a people pleaser and a perfectionist like me. A wise man once told me that life is not perfect and you will not please everyone. I had to learn that the hard way. You should always strive for excellence but don't beat yourself down either. By all accounts, you are killing it!!!! But you are right that it will be a dilemma balancing the shop business and youtube but congrats on the early success of the shop. Can't wait to continue watching the progress.

[@corymcmanues7905]

Alot of people have already said this but take care of you and your family first. We'll be here and enjoy what ever you decide to put out. Glad to see the update and keep kicking butt man.

[@LivingtheSprings]

Welcome to Colorado! Thank you for contributing to our city! Can't wait to see how your business grows! Keep us updated :)

[@randomrandy1166]

bro i bought a mechanic shop at the first of the year, and like everything u say is resonating sooooo much, i dont have a youtube channel but everything you say hits so hard

[@Charlies_Corner]

Business isn’t for the faint, I’ve been doing it for 6 years and last year I decided to add doing KZbin videos and I can relate to you on time management. Just need to build a schedule and try and stick to it. I’m a one man band and so there’s days where I don’t stop until I fall asleep but it’s worth it.

[@timgresdal3617]

Hey LT I love the content! I love what you are saying. Make sure you don't bury yourself so deep that you burn out, make sure you look after your family too. I will always be here. God bless!!

[@paintucation]

LT, great shop! Thanks for the great content as well. I completely understand the challenges of time management, and my best ( unsolicited) advice is to keep forward motion... keep pushing and what needs to get done will get done! Looking forward to watching more. KT

[@PrestonFarr]

Awesome! You are rocking it man! One day I'll send ya progress pics on my trucks, your help in college, and your channel keep me movitated to do better and learn more!

[@keith_hudson]

Love the shop man. Good luck to you brother. I hope everything gets lined out and you can get in a flow.

[@JIMFED63]

Best of luck LT, you’ll be fine and very successful in your venture. Looking forward to the next video !!!

[@neilbrown82]

And seeing the trend that most youtubers bought a big shop for all their projects and to pump out more content on a regular but you bought a full-time job that's going to consume you and you move to an emission state as well

[@SMcda]

Congrats! I always love to see younger guys jumping in and starting a business. Tip 1: Figure out what your most profitable part of the business is, that is what you say "yes" too. over time you phase out the lesser money makers and that's the "no's" sorry we can't do that

[@scotttimpany2845]

Seems like you're doing well LT. I wish you continued success

[@michaeldeas1969]

My old accountant told me, when I had my shop in Indiana, "if your business is too busy and you don't have enough time to get everything done and your home life is suffering, remember that your time is precious and charge more for it." So I raised my labor rates about 20% and some of the business fell off. I lost a couple of customers, but made more money and had more time for my family. Just a thought...

[@mattmanyam]

It's a tough nut to swallow, especially for a diy type, properly assigning a dollar value to their time. Double-especially for a "people-pleaser" type personality.

[@michaeldeas1969]

@@mattmanyam precisely. I struggled with it for a while, but when I realized that my family was suffering and I was grumpy most of the time, the choice was easy.

[@ericemenhiser5781]

Love your content LT. Do what you gotta do, we're here for you, even if it's only by watching your videos.

[@James-kg1wf]

Business first as it is very important to take care of the business and youtube is a second for this part of life. Obviously family is also very important. Glad everything is working well for you with the shop and I hope it gets even better!

[@erichildreth7562]

You have done an outstanding job on this shop and handling everything from what I can see so keep up the excellent work! Yea I know this is not an easy thing to do but you got this LT!

[@CITYBORNDESERTBRED]

Big things LT. Thanks for sharing and keeping it real 💪🏾

[@famegarage]

Completely badass! I'm local to you and will have to stop in and say hello! Rocky Mountain service equipment will have lift parts and they are 15 mins away from you. Glad to see that shop being used.

[@paulhudgins5120]

Keep it going, you killing it, the auto repair business is so demanding itself don't worry about KZbin, we will still be here, always take care of the business,family, customer work first and the other will work out. Keep up the great work.

[@tripleeathletics]

I watched you on the show way back, and wondered where you went LT! Im really glad I ran across your channel. As an Auto repair/Collision repair shop owner, If I can give you some advice it would be, to Enjoy the fruit it bares, and even the one that fall & rot. When I opened my shop years ago, I was spending too much time working and getting the shop organized in the way I wanted, and Far too much time working. Luckily it didn’t cost me my family! So enjoy it, and remember, No matter how much you make, Ya can’t take it with you, So ENJOY IT!!!

[@justinfargas2367]

Good on you mate. Keep on keeping on...

[@rwendell0912]

Coming along nicely,all the best to you

[@OG_Eid]

Wow congratulations man. Good luck man.

[@stanpeterson5527]

12:44 Keep up the good work LT! I'm glad that you recognize that your family is the most important consideration in your life! I caught your comment about family considerations with your time management decisions. You obviously put them number one. Nothing is worthwhile without a good family life, in my opinion. One has to watch out to not become a workaholic. Balance is key. I've seen people put work first and their family second with time expenditures. I've seen people all alone and in nursing homes with nobody visiting or comforting them during their final moments. They still had family on this Earth. However, they had no connections to them as they did not invest in their relationships properly. They couldn't go back and replace all of the childhood memories and experiences with their children and spouse that they had missed due to them always being at work. Those connections can not be bought with money of any amount. It's kind of like that song Cat's in the Cradle. They were taught an outstanding work ethic by their mentors. However, they were not taught about family family life and how to value it and how to put work in perspective properly. Thank you for the excellent media content you provide as I am no longer physically able to do what I used to be able to do. I enjoy watching you perform your automotive passions in life. It gives me an escape from chronic pain and such. I miss being physically fit and active like I used to be, so thank you for the content that you provide. Your hard work and efforts do not go unnoticed. You are very successful in all you do, LT. You reflect it daily. Keep On Truckin. Take care and enjoy your journey through life! Thanks again!

[@hotrodtex2124]

LT, I started watching you about a month ago and have to say you do a pretty damn good job. I'm happy for you for all of the progress you've made. With all thats going on make sure you leave work at work and spend time with your family. Your kids won't remember that car you had to get out the door or that new mod you did to your truck but will remember you not being there to tuck them at night or watch them at the ball game. Good luck

[@c0wb0yTV]

you are kicking butt LT! thank you so much for all the cool content

[@Good-Enuff-Garage]

appreciate your honesty and transparency

[@CobraFangGaming]

The content is great been watching for quite some time and glad to see you’re enjoying your new business keep up the good work!

[@douglash3129]

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family LT!🦃🦃🦃

[@tabuksh]

Love you brother. Keep up the great work!😊

[@johnsmith-qz4bv]

great video ...never give up LT we know you can do it...

[@natemoothart6967]

Take care of your family and your business first, YT can wait! So glad you're doing well!

[@torind2000]

learning to say no is going to be the biggest thing you can learn to do. im pro at it. I work in IT and its my go to heh. you guys are rocking it, dont stress.

[@kensnyder2340]

Heck, yes. Run the business first! You have goals and determination. Those projects will get done. I enjoy the shop videos.

[@teter129]

Very honest on all accounts, dude your killing it. Just remember family time needs to be up there to please old you who might have regrets later in life.

[@markaubuchon2227]

Wishing you the best!

[@brentclark3627]

L T. you are doing great. I liked watching you when you were on the cable TV show and this is great that you are now the owner of a shop KZbin stuff is great to watch. It will all come together. Thank you for all the great content.

[@mikerider4073]

Love the channel Brother!! Been watching you since the studio days, always appreciate your skills, honesty& integrity and ability to laugh at yourself. Don't worry about pleasing everyone- its exhausting and impossible. Hire that mechanic, say no a little and those projects will happen. ✌

[@dougsweldingfabrication953]

That's a good problem to have. I'm glad you're busy. Keep up the great videos

[@mikegillespie4212]

Not disappointed in the video content. You took a big leap and looks like you landed on your feet. Keep it up. We are visiting Colorado soon, to see a race up a mountain, hope to check out your place, maybe pick up some merchandise.

[@68greengoat]

Congrats and keep up the good work

[@bluecollarhotrods9781]

Time management... a real conundrum at times. I have 5 projects of my own, 2 paying jobs/builds, my day job, stuff for my folks... not as much as you have going obviously, but it gets overwhelming. "One bite at a time"

[@SteveNicholson-tk2se]

Hey LT wats up ,North Maine Steve from Millinocket, ME. I have not forgotten u buddy youre a mechanical genius i really enjoy learning from you. HAPPY NEW YEARS! LT AND FAMILY

[@paulgrimm]

Love the Lincoln.The waiting room looks great. I like the pine on the wall

[@jessegroth2867]

Looks great brother! Thats a nice starter shop!

[@thomaswoitekaitis8977]

Good for you . There is one here in town ,pretty much the same as yours. Half a million in little crappy Sheboygan wi. 300,000 for little two bay Rents are hovering around 3500/mo if you can find a place to use for automotive use. Be glad you can even get that far.

[@dougrogillio2223]

Loved this video. You are serving your viewers well.

[@anythingbutwheelswithdanmi6040]

It sounds like you are on the right path what I did to learn to say no is to sit down and write a business plan that only encompasses the things I want to do, the things I’m good at and the things that make money. So it’s very easy when someone comes at me with something that does not fall within these parameters, I just say “I’m sorry that is not within my business plan” I don’t have to use it much but when I do i immediately feel relieved.

[@eliteman7652]

2020, I made a massive mistake getting involved with a shop. I found an abandoned dealership in Southern Alabama, and moved cross country. 12,000+ sq ft shop space. It was a cavernous space. But with that came a disaster of a 3 phase electrical system, the plumbing was a mess, and the rest of the place just had so many issues but had good bones. Ended up bailing due to my ex business partner and his actions and things not working out, but man...I hear you on the initial clean up and expenses of getting a place just operational. One thing I can tell you...make sure you pay yourself. Set time aside for yourself and loved ones. Also...remember some "customers"...it's OK to fire them LOL

[@ericquatkemeyer7084]

Keep up the good work..

[@TheHortond]

Welcome to Colorado. We used to rock here. Outside Denver and Boulder we still do.

[@eastcoastken]

Keep the good work up bro! And thanks for being honest and keeping it real with us 💪💪💪

[@randy6350]

I’m happy for you LT! And thanks for considering installing the L33 in our Tacoma‼

[@danielmaher7294]

See you next Sunday, have a good week. 👍

[@RockBottomGarage]

That’s awesome. Best wishes.

[@360VRStudios]

Good Job LT!!!!!!!

[@jaehohwang8125]

Welcome to COS, hope you do well COS has alot of repair shops.

[@teaguegearhart9851]

Kudos to you. Making a business run is not easy. Being master mechanic on top of that is basically being Superman in two different places at the same time. You are my hero.

[@SJKile]

Oh darn it, I was hoping you were still in the Salt Lake area. My 98 7.4l Suburban needs some attention.

[@SkywalkerPMs]

New sub. Im a third generation Ford dealer, now retired. I, easily, spent 85-90 hours, a week, in the store, thinking about the store, or planning for the store. Feel free to pick my brain.

[@gasm1100]

Great update!

[@kyleross5541]

You're doing great work keep it up.

[@b.s.adventures9421]

You got it brother. Do what you need to do.

[@smilingeyes1938]

If you don't already have a plan for lighting upgrades in the reception lobby, easiest way is ballast-bypass LED tubes in the existing fixtures. Super economical, too, as 4' lamps are getting stupid cheap, even name-brand ones. Pop out the ballasts, direct-wire the tombstones, and slot in the lamps. Done. Once you've done one and see what it takes, converting remaining fixtures takes maybe five minutes per, tops. 4000k is a good neutral color temp that works well in functional spaces. After that, throw new decorative fill panels in the ceiling grid and you're good to go. If you really wanted to go all the way, maybe fresh ribs in the ceiling grid, or hit it with a splash of paint. A firm 1.5" foam roller makes short work of it. A rattle can will work, too, but everthing needs to be covered first. I learned that one the hard way.

[@nodak81]

I can only dream of having a shop like that. I'm too fat and crippled now. I wish you the best, dude!

[@jamievandalen]

I wondered where you eneded up. I watched what originally started as Power Block for ever. Trucks was always my favorite. Stacey David was the man. You were one of the new faces that I actually enjoyed. Most guys were ok, but you fit far better than most. Glad to see you back at it an doing what you're good at. Best of luck!

[@davidluckie4329]

good luck,dude. I too set up a six bay garage , shop. you will stay busy .Time management becomes a priority. do not over promise ,stay focused and remember the family

[@keithfork8663]

Good for you. If that swamp cooler is on your building it's an easy way into your building.

[@michaelb4060]

Congrats on the shop. I used to watch you on that TV show via youtube. I always liked what you did on the show even though it was TV show scrubbed. Work is important, but make sure you dedicate enough time to family. The time goes by fast and before you know it you missed things in your childrens' lives or time with your wife you cannot get back. Work will always be there, but do not sacrifice family for work. Keep doing what is right by your customers and they will always come back to support you. Best of luck and prosperity.

[@richarcruz7843]

Keep grinding LT ure truly are living ur dream alive u Faith an Strength will carry u always God Bless🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@Brothersfamilyfarm]

I figured you put in that wood wall in the customer entrance. It looks good. Idk why you'd change it. It matches well with the steel and white painted accents. Looks hip. My opinion though. Good work. Cool project. Thanks for sharing with the world.