Single Dad Opens a Repair Shop - His Story

[@michaelt8330]

I consider it an honor to be a long-term employee here! I have learned more in the last 8 years than I have in my entire career. I can vouch for both of these guys that they are legit and sincere and the things that they say in the practices that they do. The professor under sells himself with his knowledge I can assure you!

[@StrongerThanBigfoot]

Lucky guy

[@alfee9411]

It shows! Keep diggin and turning out quality repair packages!

[@michaellane1316]

I can concur there Michael. I have watched a few of the videos and extended them to a young Lad wanting to learn more about the automotive trade. I too started out when I was 11 helping the then teenagers build an engine in a garage, that was in 1966. Eventually finding my way into the world of being a mechanic. Today they call us technicians. Recently retired in 2023 out of a union. Great career and life. As to his knowledge, I would say he has put his time in. We all become wiser with that road wisdom later in life. Anyone that has taken a lifetime and dedicated it to one profession is by and large going to be a real craftsman. When you find these jewels, understand you are looking at history so do not let that opportunity pass one by. Like they say, to collect the check, one must first put in the time. Nothing comes easy. We all learn as we proceed in life. Staying up with the technology is great but, learn from the older ones because they have a different approach. Be it work ethic, mannerisms, way of systematically doing things, they can teach us all a thing of two. What makes these senior techs great is when they acknowledge they are still learning everyday as well. We all benefit when we share out knowledge. I retired out as a heavy equipment mechanic in Washington state under the local I.U.O.E. local 302. Joined in 1975. Whatever one does as a trade, be good, patient at what you do. Mistakes will always be made, that's is sometimes the hard part to swallow but like the horse throwing you, we must always get back on. Never settle for second best within yourself, as this carries forward in your work. When you enjoy what you do when making a living, then everyone around you benefits. Many gentlemen around myself while in my career couldn't wait to get out, retire, etc.. What I did was to make work enjoyable and thus it became where I was like a magnetic for the younger fellers wanting information. It wasn't that I was any smarter but that I always had that little tick of road wisdom to share that kept them thinking. That I believe was my knack later in my career, getting any coworker to be creative with their troubleshooting skills. It was always......just what if...? I sometimes envy the younger generation in this field as is so very interesting. This is how we evolve through learning, being creative.

[@riceburner4747]

Sr., your a humble man. I'm 71 & see you run a great business. Word of mouth has helped your business by treating ppl well. A great story & thanks for sharing it with us.👍

[@zemoney954]

❤🙏👍

[@thenegotiator5193]

I love to hear stories like this where someone is “self made” and parents didn’t just hand them the keys to a business. “You can’t skip the struggle” to be truly successful.

[@andrewk.grizzle9786]

Great Phrase. I’m going to keep this.

[@TheTrailblazer1974]

Well said and so true

[@JoesAutoElectric]

Sherwood, you are one of the most caring and down to earth guys in this industry. I felt every word you and your son spoke. Your passion for diagnostics comes through in every video. God bless you. I'm honored to know you.

[@theroyaltyautoservice]

Hey Joe, thanks so much! I really appreciate you!!!

[@peters1821]

Hi Joe! Miss your videos! I hope you're doing good! God bless you!

[@JoesAutoElectric]

@@peters1821 I miss going them as well. Thanks so much.

[@mikem5465]

Thank God for people with your self-motivation and determination. The world could use more good men like you

[@tramany7]

Your father is such a kind man, great personality. Your channel is so entertaining, Thank You!

[@spelunkerd]

I find it very interesting to meet professionals who somehow find time to post videos, all the while operating a working shop. For a few years after completing training one can get away with using the skill set you learned, but all the best find a way to constantly upgrade their skill set. This is a great story, love the family business angle.

[@DJ-tn7vj]

Like most of us who started up as techs and turned into shop owners. The pressures of being a father or mother, to always put food on our kids plates and keep the lights on, pushes you to another level. We all are glad to hear your story guys. Very motivating

[@daves2520]

Thank you for running an ethical business and caring about your customers. You are an encouragement to all of us.

[@RichardBetts-m3s]

Thanks for your honesty. Worked at some rough places in the past. Retired now. ❤

[@youutartur1104]

I'm blessed to work for a shop like yours, specialist shop, family owned, with a massive reputation of good service. Started as cleanup, now diagnostician, the family allowed all my mistakes as long as I brought more to the table on the next one. A shop like yours and the one I'm in is a godsend. I'm happy for you and your success. The most important thing I see in a business like this is leading people, I've seen it at my own- where you're not good at one thing so you are placed into another. Everyone wins, you stay happy, you're not given up on, and you produce a lot stronger in another area of the shop. I see you did that with your son and that's the mark of a true leader. Other places won't explore a persons other talents. One person we had (passed away) was just awful at R&R, but somehow ended up being so good at interior work and detailing we kept him as that and he made some of the ugliest cars look beautiful and did the dash removals nobody wanted to do without breaking a single item- and when he did the way he'd repair it left us all in awe.

[@greg3296]

Wish your shop was closer, like your videos, like your transparency, lucky to be able to share this adventure with your son, keep doing what you’re doing. Your attitude is awesome and refreshing

[@lampo238904]

We need more Mechanics like you man it’s a blessing

[@ryanhamilton9709]

I will say this that I am seriously surprised that the owner was so honest about not being a good employer and actually said he lost a punch of good employees due to him not being a good leader Boss. Plus he talked about all the places he worked at and failed and just didn't give up!! Little bit by bit he would learn more about business and get doors open by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,!! I first watched one of this shops videos and would have never guessed that they struggled as much as he did because they come off as a high end shop but I also realized that they couldn't have been that big making KZbin videos to make extra money which is smart and I have a hard time learning from alot of other mechanics but when I watch the owner do his videos and breaks down every detail of what he's doing and why I completely understand it! So thank you for the videos you guys are doing a great job keep it up!!!

[@mikecarr2230]

Single father while starting out on your own? My wife and I have a 1 year old and man, are we tired. You’re an inspiration man, keep doing great things. I’m in Savannah, maybe I’ll come across your shop one day

[@videomks]

Outstanding ! Caring , humble, and honest. Great principles to follow in all of our lives. Thanks for sharing.

[@johnbonifas6040]

It would be really nice if you could talk about getting started my son wants me to open a shop your son seems to have his goals set for him that's great God Bless

[@theroyaltyautoservice]

We could do some videos on that. Do you have any specific questions we could answer in a video to help you?

[@StrongerThanBigfoot]

Great thing here is just because you’re not strong in one area doesn’t mean you can’t excel in another area of a business. More business owners need to understand this.

[@DavidDonohue-h2z]

Great story! I'd consider moving to Ga. just so i could use your shop. Customer focused shops putting out reliable work are so very hard to find!

[@jen304]

Such good elocution. I could listen to this all day. Best dad ever.

[@Thomas63r2]

Awesome story! It happens that someone can struggle at something for a decade or two - and then become an "overnight" success. Your humble nature serves you well, and all of those experiences have informed you first hand through the pitfalls and the peaks.

[@tommac5411]

Nice story. I'm glad you shared your story with your viewers.

[@nyc8452]

The edit between 7:14 and 7:15 says it all Sherwood. Sorry to hone in on that because you edited it for a reason, but it speaks volumes about where your heart is and how much you've put into this for your family. You deserve every success and for your kindness and professionalism.

[@Andrew-ep4kw]

So true. When you put family first, you learn that treating people with respect is paramount.

[@autumn1231]

Says a lot about you too for noticing that. You are an equally good person.

[@kimbuck-2]

​@@autumn1231As are you.

[@lt5322]

Thank you guys for your story. This was very insightful & helpful... not just for business but in common courtesy and respect for others. 👍 👍

[@MarshWaha]

Wow, I’m not an Auto Technician/Mechanic I’m actually a Bike mechanic mountain, road Bmx etc, but I can appreciate the story, the struggles, ups and downs, successes and failures of Royalty Auto I’m so glad to see you as a business grow and to see you all learn. I know for me the bike industry is different but I hope by the time I establish myself I will have risen in the ranks. I wish you all long heath and happiness and success and prosperity in the future. Keep it up!

[@johnrpizzaguy]

Great story. I’ve been a tech since 1984 and I’m currently training my last apprentice. I just had him watch your A/C basics videos (thank you for those), the skills that I have learned over my now 39 years have allowed my wife and I to live comfortably and raise two kids here in San Luis Obispo California. Unfortunately shops are closing down due to the mechanic shortage,how cool that you guys found good techs treat them well and they will stay because some other shop is actively looking to take them away.

[@windycityben4850]

Just seeing this in Dec 2024. Congratulations on your success. Definitely seems like a cool place to work 🙌🏻.

[@hitbyGROSJEAN]

I know this video is from over a year ago but Soichiro Honda (founder of Honda) once said…”Success is 99% failure”. His journey was also not easy so don’t feel bad if you weren’t a good employer, business owner, etc. It takes time to master everything.

[@truckladders4104]

Great content My life story is almost an exact copy. Divorce business colapse shops that rained inside harder than out. I added heart failure and more sons just to up the challange!,We are through to the other side but the challanges took their toll. Your story brings tears to my eyes because when your in the thick of the battle you cant reflect on where youve been Reading your story makes me reflect on mine Cheers to the survivors!

[@matcotoolsi]

I love your story. I started my business 6 years ago from scratch working at my house with a ⛺️ on the side of my house on the gravel making a lot of mistakes now I'm in 2 1/2 bay shop away from the rain, snow and heat. I would like to talk to you guys and learn more from you if that's possible I'm still struggle with some things that I don't see the way out I think learning from people like you is one of the best ways to learn something in life, thank you for sharing your experiences.

[@kentporter2991]

Excellent story! 5 Star ⭐️ operation! Can’t wait to meet you guys! 👍🇺🇸😎

[@donlemme898]

Wonderful story. Continued success to you.

[@jackflash5659]

I recently subscribed to your channel and was curious about how your business started then I came across this video. I appreciate how open you were to share your struggles and achievments with your viewers. I've seen enough of your videos to know Royal Auto Service will continue to grow and flourish. Best wishes! Cheers from Toronto, Canada!

[@DependableAutoTruck]

i as a viewer haven't watched your channel very long but do think i have watched them all. when i ask a question you always respond that means more than you will ever know. you always say that you will be glad to help any of us any way you can and i believe that thanks so much for the time and effort you go to to explain and try to help us who want to learn thanks again

[@moog2961]

Love your story lads , I can see just by watching the videos that you guys are all about the people. Hard work always pays off in the end. Keep on wrenching lads. X.

[@guyneeser2029]

Man, we love your content keep um comming

[@bobbrown9277]

Awesome story.you are awesome guy.

[@djosbun]

Do you know how many times Alexander Graham Bell failed? Many, many, many, MANY times! The best discoveries are found through failure. You are just like Mr. Bell in that you have reached success due to always learning and not giving up. May God continue to bless you!

[@kimbuck-2]

I like this guy.

[@philfortner1805]

The most brilliant mechanic out there! I have learned so much!!

[@randywilliams5337]

What a great video! I love working on cars and aircraft now. But at 70 years old I cant do much anymore on cars or planes. However I'm really facinated pn your work with scopes and everything it can see. I wish I had gotten into scopes years ago and applied them to some aircraft systems... Keep up the fantastic work...

[@Tillerman4]

So ….. I call myself customer zero… though I am sure I wasn’t. I had an 1982 Ford T-Bird that overheated and needed a head job. I couldn’t afford to pay for it (thru local shops). Sherwood hit me up later that same day and did the job in his back yard under a tarp for a more than reasonable fee. Car ran awesome til I sold it. Sherwood still does all our extensive repairs and tires. That was over forty years ago… This family and company still works on our family cars when needed. Carry on gentlemen.!!🇺🇸🙏😎 I need my helicopter serviced.!!😉🤣🤣

[@CodySoutheard]

I think yall are awesome with caring for ppl a d yall will be blessed for that and thank you to yall

[@randyduncan8863]

This was ur best video thank u I'm a single father one hoist shop an my oldest son is in a wheelchair so my shop has to make it. Again great video thank you

[@robertjospeh1097]

Great job guys!!!

[@paigylou]

As a tech, I enjoy watching your content. This video is unexpected yet treasured, to know how yall got where you are today. I'd love to hear about how you run a shop, I've just gone from a main dealer to an independent business and it has me wondering about the day to day running of a workshop. With this video, I'm even more intrigued. Thanks for sharing! Your format and depth of knowledge is appreciated :]

[@robertendl9205]

Great story. 😀

[@brucecooley4170]

Great american success story and dogged determination!

[@robhunter2435]

My hat is off to you sir and your son for staying the course and supporting each other. I am a single dad myself , my son and I are not close at all so stories like this make my day. Thank you

[@peters1821]

Hi guys! It was amazing to watch and listen to you guys! I'm happy that I found this channel! Good to know that there are still people out there doing this not only for the money! God bless you guys!

[@dag221]

This was a great video. Sherwood used to do my repair work in the 2 bay downtown shop in St.Marys. It was interesting to hear the history before then and try to figure out the locations etc.

[@jameschick2085]

That was an awesome story I can relate to being a single dad trying to make things work I know how hard it can be I opened JC MOBILE AUTO CARE I'm trying to be able to get into my own shop eventually

[@kymelefsen5276]

Well done guys. Love it. Persistence pays off. Keep up the fantastic work.

[@AAB371]

Great back story. Keep the videos and stories coming.

[@strikeryachts]

Great show !

[@jimkekoa2756]

That's life, you learn by doing, especially when things are difficult - you learn a ton of real-world experience. In the end, itmakes you a better man@

[@Fastecmec]

Sort of going through similar i got 2 daughters under 3. 8 year relationship down the drain, fire just went out now its just me an my dog travelling the country with tools fixing peoples cars. Hopefully i can get a place of my own one day. 🙏

[@georgescuflorin-k4f]

Thank you professor. Keep on doing this lovely work for us.

[@Scottadamsfan3481]

I love this

[@bobgabriel2538]

I too began working on cars when I was 13/14 years old. That was 60 years ago and I still love the work. Although what put food on the family table was my career in designing and maintaining large-scale computer systems, maintaining the family cars was my nighttime and weekend job. Just this past week I replaced the brake pads and rotors on our 2015 Forester along with replacing the serpentine belt, tensioner, and pulley. As for oil changes, I let the local shop do the work as part of the state inspection because they don't make money on the inspections and he has a family to feed as well. When I get to Savannah, I'll be sure to swing by to say 'hello' and thank you for all that you do in the videos as well as what you do for your clients. You guys are the real deal!

[@adampinczesgarageandfabric9930]

I've been searching for something genuine like this, like where I started, where it really is about helping people and doing a good job. you should open a shop in Tennessee.

[@karetnikovalexey]

What a great story! PLEASE do the video on your processes and how you take care of your employees. As a green shop owner, I would really want to learn from your experience. Thank you for all your content!

[@wturn5354]

Great story about perseverance!

[@2eagle86]

You eventually get into fixing cars the niche is their!! Interesting to hear how everything started from beginning to end KZbin is another great source for income and getting your name out their

[@rollthers3157]

Really interesting hearing where you guys started from compared to where you are now.

[@clarkaprosperi]

have a 911 2013 and im scared to go to the dealer here in sarasota. They are so rude and expensive that is scary. Wish you were closer or had a shop here. What a beautiful video and great message to all the shop owners. Congratulations!

[@edlopz1722]

Thank you for sharing your life experiences and what you been through, all the ups and downs and all the challenges that life threw at you. Also its great to finally reveal the man behind the camera who does an outstanding job. Buying the buildings was definitely a smart thing to do. Looking forward to see more videos from you guys. Shoutout to your great employees as well. Good luck with opening the third location soon

[@ke4ttu]

Sherwood, Sherwood 3, and others. Thanks for your history, which you shared.

[@BoeWalls]

I was stationed at the submarine base there in King Bay in 1998, I wonder if you guys worked on my Honda CRX. Great story.

[@scotts2k]

Thanks for sharing your story. Really enjoy the content and knowledge you share

[@gregoryprevost3183]

You guys are a testament to "The cream always rises to the top".

[@metal.mover23]

man this is a touching story sherwood is the man... cats and the credle used to get my dad tooo

[@als1023]

One of the finest videos I have enjoyed on this channel !!

[@Scottadamsfan3481]

Can you do a video about rebuilding engines and if that is something worth considering?

[@lauradooley1033]

Wish you guys were up for n the Northeast US. I follow Scotty Kilmer and I think he’s a good mechanic too.

[@isalmankhan1]

So glad to see you guy's😍

[@ronwilson6186]

Another excellent video

[@bogusienombre355]

Hi guys, This was helpful. Suggestion: on your channel, set up a play list. Shop talk, diagnosing, break it into systems like suspensions etc. It"'ll be easier to use as a resource channel for your viewers and you get more YT hits and your channel will grow. It's a win win situation. Viewers get frustrated if they have to hunt for a solution and it's all jumbled up on one page. Also your titles need to tell them in short order what solutions can be found or it's a general topic on off the wall things and maybe add in humor or how preventive maintenance pays off. Highlight who has the best car that has been well kept up. Do a customer engagement section. Like your channel and see. growth potential Best of luck.

[@dianelehn6178]

Great advice! I watched 1-5 and 8 of buying a used car. I cannot seem to find 6 or 7.

[@raymundomiranda7853]

I love you're videos guy's 💪

[@zemoney954]

❤Great story Guys ! thanks for sharing hope this touch lots and lots of Shop owners/ Serv Advisers/Techs and People in general ❤ And that apologie was so sincere and acknowledging the wrongs … Need more Shop Guys think like this … Thanks a bunch Love from SoFlorida may You Guys and business keep growing 🫡💯❤️

[@mzayts7852]

I always like to learn something new and the best way to learn is from someone else's experience, it's been an honor getting to know you Sr. I would like to meet you in person someday. I have learned from you not only about cars but also how to treat people and the way you do you always get the same back. May God bless your family with more blessings.

[@jeffreyesguitar5129]

I would go to my dad's for the summer and work in the warehouse when I was like 10-12yo. They would pay me $150 petty cash. But I remember the closet they kept the sodas in and the vending machine key when I wanted a cold one. Haven't spoken to him since 2008, but somehow those are pleasant memories for me.

[@malibuStroker]

Great story,loved to hear about your journey!

[@mandytuning]

Love to hear humble beginnings of shops, im a well rounded great tech, in my town of P.R people said im the best,but as a shop owner i suck,by same year as you in the 90's i struggle as a shop owner, but never find my way, i keep working for others and doing automotive side jobs still today. If you open a shop near to central Florida i will gladly be part of your team.

[@holadayseason5510]

Your videos are great. It’s nice to know that a tech can become a successful business owner. I hope to one day own my own shop as well!

[@wonjat5]

A great story of hard work, tenacity, being prepared to learn and look for opportunities.

[@BenKlassen1]

Good story!

[@dporrasxtremeLS3]

What a Fantastic You Tube Channel ! You all give back to the whole world of automotive needs and maintenance. Thank you ALL ! This Channel is SO Informative and interesting!

[@edcluchey4105]

I really enjoyed your story. You are inspiring!

[@tonywestvirginia]

Thanks for the story.

[@thomasbutler1174]

I wish you guys had a shop down here in St. John’s County, FL. This area is booming and we could sure use an Auto Repair Shop like Royalty down here.

[@thelifescout8335]

Awesome story and what timing this comes at. I am taking steps to start my own business and this weekend in fact I’ll be attending World Pac Chris Cotton business class. Like you mentioned in your early days not knowing the numbers and I can say I need to understand the basics and how that work in junction with one another.

[@toddmilligan2739]

Thank you so much for your videos. I really enjoy them but best of all I feel like I know you and can consider you a friend. Really like part of the family. I live about 3-4 hours away east of Athens Ga but I’d love to bring truck down there and have you work on it and just say hey. I do a lot of stuff myself but so much computer crap these days a reg guy can only do so much. But anyway, thank you for sharing your story and letting people know they have someone they can trust. God bless yall

[@austinsworld7180]

Took a long time doing the same thing but finally it worked out. Most people switch to different profession and give up.

[@MoparDan]

A very nice success story. May your business continue to grow and provide a quality shop for vehicle repairs.

[@davidsawyer1599]

I am new to the channel. This is an awesome story! I have been doing some catch-up here and there. I drilled down on those communities y'all serve. Roughly 20k population each location according to wiki. I would have to say that available clients are sparse. To actually make it and grow. Is a testimony to fortitude and perseverance. I am glad for your success and hope it continues.

[@danman9017]

good story tks

[@76089randy]

I miss my dad

[@danielkoontz6732]

This gives me confidence I'll be able to open and run my own shop one day. 12 years in as a tech so far. Still working for someone else right now, but I'm more and more confident thanks to guys like yall showing what's going on by uploading these to youtube.

[@k6ul]

The story of successful people is always 1) keep pushing, don’t give up, and 2) learn from everything that happens. And in my experience #2 is the most important of all - keep learning from everyone and everything around you. There isn’t an experience in life or a person in it you can’t learn something very valuable from.