Mark Granam is committed to providing great service and support to his local community!

 

When you’ve been in business for almost 20 years the way Mark Granam, owner of Mobil Mark Automotive Repair, has, you learn that a great reputation takes you far. Between a four-bay shop and two mobile units, his community knows they can count on him for all of their needs. With a dedicated team of 10, Mark says he sees them more as a part of his family than as employees. Most of his team has been working for him for more than 5 years and have helped him build his business to what it is today.

Mark’s shop is located in Bunnel, Florida and his two mobile units service the entirety of Flagler County. As he describes it, “My physical location is off the beaten path. It’s at the end of a dirt road and when I first opened I was worried customers wouldn’t be able to find us.” Years later though, his worries have subsided. He loves where he lives and the community that comes with it. “It seems like everyone knows everyone here. There are a lot of family roots and genuine southern hospitality,” he says.

If Mark had to describe his business in one sentence, it’d be “A family owned and operated Automotive Repair shop that can come to you or you can come to us.” As he puts it, “We’re here to keep Flagler County moving, any way they need.” What sets them apart from other shops in the area isn’t just the fact they help the community, but the fact that they are active members of it. “We give back to the community through sponsorships and donations,” Mark says. Mobil Mark sponsors local car groups, Live Like Cameron, SMART (Saving Missing Animals Response Team), and two different local youth racing teams.

“It’s simple, the youth are our future and I believe in helping them as much as we can within the community.”

One thing Mark has learned over his two decades of shop ownership is that honesty is always the best policy. He says, “Don’t lie, A lie must be followed up with another lie. Just do what you say you’re going to do to the best of your ability.” An honest mechanic is a mechanic with repeat clientele. If you’re viewed as trustworthy and reliable, your customers will recommend you to the people they know. This is a surefire way to expand your customer base and keep income rolling in.

There are many reasons Mark loves owning his own business. The reason he began in the first place was to have a more flexible schedule and to make more money. He says, “It can get difficult to have both, but DRIVE helps me achieve it.” Before Mark became a DRIVE client, he had his hands on everything, it felt like he was running around at 300mph but getting nowhere. Now, he can be more hands-off, he runs the business behind the scenes and supervises operations. “DRIVE has given me the ability to learn and do things I never knew I could or even knew I needed to do. If you’re not learning and growing, you’re dying!” He says.

As he continues to progress as an owner, Mark has noticed there’s more time to focus on his future rather than on the day-to-day survival. He says, “I’m getting paid more – closer to what I’m worth. I’m able to enjoy life more.” Which includes spending more time than ever with his wife, Vickie, and his three daughters, Madison, Taylor, and Avery.

This year, Mark is looking forward to attending his third DRIVE EXPO, which happens annually. This year’s is going to be in Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas and is partnered with WreckWeek. There are many things he loves about the EXPO, but his number one must be networking with fellow shop owners. He says, “I get to meet other seasoned shop owners and gain knowledge from them. Learning about their experiences helps let you know you’re not alone. The fellowship and friendship with my peers is unmatched.” Not only are there other shop owners, but industry leaders as well. At the same time, Mark’s able to see the latest technology and equipment available to him.

Mark’s final piece of advice? You have to put your pride and ego aside to succeed. He says, “Go into everything ready to learn and with an open mind. Listen to the years of wisdom and experience from others instead of traveling down the road of hard knocks. This is how you take yourself to levels you would have never imagined.”

Thank you Mark for sharing your story! Here’s to years of continued success.

 

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Prepared by Chase Clough