A Simple Letter of Intent Transformed an Employee Into a Shop Owner [RR 551]

Terica Buckner grew up in Portland Oregon and now lives in Vancouver Washington with her husband Andrew and their two year old daughter Emrys. She started working on cars at Benson High School in the automotive program at age 15 and started working as the shop helper at Hawthorne Auto Clinic just before her senior year. Terica continued her education by completing her Associate degree in Applied Science for Automotive at Mt Hood Community College, working as an automotive technician apprentice at Hawthorne Auto Clinic as part of the program.

Shortly after graduating she became a service advisor at the Clinic and later earned her Bachelors degree in Business Administration. Terica expanded her skillset by becoming the bookkeeper while continuing service advising, utilizing both her degrees and automotive technical experience. After 20 years of working at Hawthorne Auto Clinic she was offered the chance to purchase the shop and took over ownership 2 years later in January 2020. Terica continues working with passion in the automotive industry and is excited to now be in the position to set new standards in an ever changing field, especially with the current challenges COVID-19 presents. Look for Terica’s Episodes HERE.

Key Talking Points:

• Employee turned shop owner23 years total, started summer before senior year of high school 
• Was apart of the automotive program in high school then a scholarship to apprentice program for post-secondary schooling
• Passion for fixing things
• A succession plan for the previous ownerWanted to retire within 5 years, Terica wrote a letter of intent for buying the business
• Terica had the experience in many different roles in the business along with established relationships with the employees and customers
• Advice for other female technicians wanting to become an owner- open communication with the existing owner, learn as much as you can about all aspects and roles of the business. Share your dreams and passions with others. 
• Covid-196 months into owning business pandemic happens
• I the first week the town shut down the sales dropped 50-60%- put majority of staff on furlough, held onto 2 of their top technicians to continue working
• Each week got better with the support of customers
• Sent emails to customers to keep them updated on their sanitizing procedures and tips to keep car maintenance from not driving 
• Staff4 females, 4 males
• Technician training- 40 required hours of training per year, give feedback about training classes after completed

Resources:

• Thanks to Terica Buckner for his contribution to the aftermarket’s premier podcast.
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