Interview with Tom Franklin, president
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: I worked for dealers for 25-plus years, then decided to start my own business. In 2001, I went to work for a towing company to find a place to start my own diesel repair shop. I towed in a car to 6250 E. Pine Lane in Parker in February 2004, and talked to the owner about leasing the south side of his shop, which was empty. My son and I did a survey off the number of diesel trucks in Parker by counting how many diesels drove by Lincoln Avenue and 20 Mile Road in Parker between the hours of 11:30 a.m. and noon on a Sunday. We counted 47 diesel trucks in 30 minutes. So we leased the shop, bought a dyno, and had my brother install it. We opened the shop with two people and 2,000 square feet in July 2004. In 10, years we have grown to nine employees and 9,000 square feet and are still growing.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: My philosophy in business is that when someone comes into the shop or calls on the phone, they are asking for help. That is what we provide. We don’t look at the money — we are there to help them.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: Meeting new friends and helping them.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: Convincing customers preventative maintenance is very important.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: We can do work on gas vehicles, also.
Profile
Business: Diesel Repair & Performance
Address: 6250 E. Pine Lane, Parker
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-noon Saturday
Founded: 2004
Contact: 303-841-6527
Employees: 9
