MB Auto and Truck, Indianapolis, IN
Mike Beer has had to travel quite the path to get to where he is now. He worked 13 years for an exhaust manufacturer, constantly traveling to represent his company at trade shows. On one of particular trip to Indiana, he met his wife and decided that it was time to settle down, effectively quitting his job. But, not unlike a scene from a good mob movie, they just wouldn’t let him leave and gave him an offer that he couldn’t refuse. The company ended up giving him a trailer and warehouse of merchandise to support his efforts, having him go to local states as their representation. This lasted for about five more years until the birth of his daughter. It was that life-altering moment that made him realize that the trade show life on the road just was not for him anymore. He decided that it was time to start working himself, and because of his time working in the aftermarket he came to know a variety of vendors that he could tap into.
Mike’s next step was to build a website and try his hand at selling online. He began working as soon as his wife pulled the car out of the garage and left for work. To his surprise the gamble payed off. What used to be his garage quickly transformed into the business’ center of operations. The attic above the garage was filled beyond capacity with parts, making for somewhat of a dicey work environment as the ceiling began to bow under the weight of retail products.
The next step in Mike’s journey was to move from the garage to a warehouse. He ended up in an old GM storage facility that provided the much needed space, but little else. There was no bathroom in the building, he had a heater that worked intermittently, poor ventilation, was dimly lit, and only had one power outlet. Not the best of circumstances, but it worked. In a decision to further evolve the business he invited his brother, a mechanic by trade, to come join him so that they could offer installation services.
After debating for two years, his brother finally joined the team. They broke ground on a new facility, moved in lifts and started to grow the business even further. His business neighbor at the time were in the power sports business, and they had a showroom that welcomed in customers to view the various vehicles for sale up close. That gave him the idea to create a showroom of his own showcasing the products he carried. “There’s no better place to be in business than next to that guy,” said Mike, “so let’s have something that welcomes people in.” Having a showroom proved to be a good move for Mike as customers from the power sport shop came in to see his shop, increasing his sales.
As Mike’s way of doing business payed off once again it was time to further evolve his company where it stands today in a 6,000 sq. ft. building, complete with a great showroom and a bay where they provide installation service for all the products they sell. From traveling all abroad, to working out of a garage to the beautiful building MB Auto and Truck Accessories inhabits now, Mike has proved that hard work pays off. His is a true success story.
MB Auto and Truck
7601 E. 88th Pl, Building 8 Suite 121
Indianapolis, IN 46256
(317) 324-4416
mbautoonline.com
