Kevin Sunman is a prime example of the American entrepreneurial spirit at its best.
When auto parts supplier ThyssenKrupp Budd decided to close its Detroit metal stamping plant in December 2006, Sunman, who worked there as a general foreman in assembly, didn’t know what he was going to do next or how he was going to provide for his family.
‘It was pretty scary, I’ve got to admit,? said the 41-year-old Oxford man. ‘There aren’t a whole lot of jobs with other companies right now.?
Working at that plant was Sunman’s life for 21 years. Built in 1919, the plant played a large role in his family’s history.
‘My father worked there. My grandfather worked there,? he explained. ‘Both retired from there like I thought I would.?
Looking around at the state’s troubled economy, Sunman decided it was time to stop working for others and start his own business.
‘I’d been thinking about doing this for years,? said Sunman, who now owns and operates On Site Mobile Auto & Marine, established last fall. ‘But in a way I was kind of trapped. I had too good of a job to quit.?
From boats and cars to trucks and motorcycles, Sunman, who’s a certified master mechanic, does a variety of repairs and maintenance work such as brakes, oil changes, shrinkwrapping, winterization, tune-ups, engine repair, diagnostic services, detail, paint, graphics and lettering. ‘So far, I’ve had very positive feedback,? he said.
Unlike a traditional auto or marine shop, customers don’t come to him and wait around in a small lobby or drop their vehicle off and hope for a phone call.
‘A lot of times when you take your car in to get it worked on, they stick it in a lot and forget about it,? Sunman said.
Armed with a blue van full of tools and equipment, Sunman travels to his customers? homes or wherever his skills are needed and does all the work on site.
‘The service is immediate when I come out,? he said. ‘It’s getting worked on right away, instead of just sitting around in a shop.?
Each job Sunman tackles has to be finished before he moves on to his next one.
‘A lot of people are a little nervous because it’s different, but once they see the work, they’re happy,? he said.
Not only is working on-site convenient for customers, it helps Sunman keep his overhead low. ‘I’m trying to get into this with as little investment as possible,? he said.
Right now, Sunman said he’s ‘pretty much willing to go anywhere? his services are needed. ‘I’m not refusing any work,? he said.
However, in the future, he hopes to limit his service area to Oakland County, so as to save on gasoline costs.
Once the business starts to catch on and grow, Sunman hopes to secure an industrial-like building to serve as home base and add a couple of trucks and employees. ‘I think it is something that could be expanded,? he said. ‘I think there’s a real market there.?
For more information about On Site Mobile Auto & Marine or to schedule a service appointment call (248) 506-2094.