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My wife and I are moving to STT or STX within the next 30 days..... It sure has taken a while to get everything together so we can leave...LOL! We can't wait. We are willing to try STX if I can land a Job there. Either Island is beautiful.
We have been in contact with a few really nice people in regards to apartment rentals and we feel finding a place to live will be the easiest part..... it just takes some money and determination. With that said, I need to move on to the EMPLOYMENT part..
I am a 40 year-old Mechanic by trade. I have extensive experience in welding/fabrication (with building monster trucks, dune buggies, safari jeeps, etc... to the extent of being on the speed channel here in the States). I have experience working on all makes and models of vehicles ranging from 70's model imports to the newer pickup trucks. Brakes, tune-ups, timing belts, timing chains, water pumps, engine rebuilds, gear changes, trouble shooting, diagnosis, etc.... I have my own tools but will only be shipping my basics.
I have also repaired many ATV's, VW Buggies, Go-Karts, and small industrial engines (I did side work for a couple Lawn Companies on a regular basis... I even made a service call for one yesterday!). I am currently learning a bit about Boat Engine Repair!
If anyone can tell me about the Job Market for a good honest mechanic, I would really appreciate it. If anyone knows what the going rate of pay is and if anyone has a few good job leads... that would be great as well.
Thanks,
JB
Posted : May 9, 2009 1:22 pm
sent you a pm
Posted : May 9, 2009 1:51 pm
As a 40 year old mechanic, myself, (crap! I'll be 41 on the 25th!! Eek!) I have taken to doing work for people here on STT, advertising by word of mouth only, going to people's homes and businesses and doing things like brakes, oil changes, struts, fuel pumps, tire rotation, tune-ups, you name it...if it can be done without a shop, I usually take the job...and, I only charge $25/hr, whereas Western Auto charges a flat $75/hr rate for work...I give people good service for a good price...been keeping me busy enough. If you don't find what you are looking for on STX, maybe you might consider doing that? Just an idea....
Posted : May 9, 2009 2:13 pm
Topic starter
Marty,
Thanks for the information. How hard would it be to open a shop there?
JB
Posted : May 9, 2009 2:19 pm
It's not that it would be hard, just costly...Securing a shop that would suffice will require first, last and security (zoned for business usually jacks up the rent), plus the cost of adding whatever you might need and not already have, then the cost of a business license from DLCA, a fire inspection before you can get the license, a sign, business cards, parts and supplies, etc. You get the idea...
Posted : May 9, 2009 5:11 pm
Topic starter
Probably pretty much the same procedures as here (In Central Florida). Due to the economy , I recently closed my 5000 SF custom shop here..... It was a sad day!
JB
Posted : May 9, 2009 6:29 pm
I don't know if you've been to the islands but they are full of "backyard" mechanics like Marty. Now Marty's a bit cooler because he comes to you and that is much rarer. But on island many mechanics have an informal (and I assume illegal) shop at their home. I used one for many years until he left island and have never found a good backyard one again. So with whatever you decide to do, bring your tools and equipment, which I'm sure you will. And the generator think dntw8up suggested is a really good one. The guys that "maintain" these big one, charge a fortune and usually spend a half hour on them every 3 months or so.
Posted : May 9, 2009 9:40 pm
Topic starter
Thanks for the information. I am keeping notes....
JB
Posted : May 9, 2009 9:46 pm