If you’re reading this, thanks for joining.

I'm posting this to an empty group, but I hope it won't stay that way for long.

I run a solo mobile PDR operation that I started in April 2021. For the first two years I didn't take it seriously. I just enjoyed having a high-paying job where I could set my own hours and work as much (or as little) as I wanted.

In year 3 I crossed six figures in revenue. "This business stuff is easy!" Or so I thought.

The next year (2024), I didn't clear six figures.

I'd also leased a 2,000 sq ft shop that added $30,000 to my expenses. I dipped into savings to keep it longer than I should have, because I didn't want to admit I didn't know how to run my business well.

When I finally terminated the lease, I had $150 in my account.

Looking back, I can't believe I thought leasing a building was a good idea before I'd even optimized mobile. It also reminded me how much customers value mobile service, so I decided to lean into it.

In 2025 I pushed hard. 10-hour days were the norm, and I lost track of the 14+ hour nights. An ice storm hit Northern Michigan and left plenty of dents behind, and my body shop relationships let me keep working late after everyone else went home.

I hit a record $150k last year. Not a huge number, but still a milestone.

My 6th year in business wraps up in a few months. I've learned a lot lately, but I'm still far from where I think I should be.

Right now I'm struggling with the decision to hire. I need another tech to service my accounts more regularly than "whenever I can get to them."

The seasonality up here worries me. Supporting another person through the highs and lows of demand is daunting. But that's the leap I'm preparing for.

Running a business poorly is easy. I've been doing it for years.

Running a business well is really hard.

This is where I'll share my wins and losses (as many as I can stomach) to help others and get help myself.

If you've made your first hire, or you're stuck on the same decision, tell me about it in the comments.

(Photos - My first few jobs in the shop shortly after leasing)

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If you’re reading this, thanks for joining.