My Best Friends
I would like to introduce you to some of my best friends - Bob and Craig from Topo Custom Vehicles. They are some of the mechanics that have been taking care of the grooming portion of my mobile van since 2007. I can always count on them to repair my van when something goes wrong, regardless of the problem. I cannot tell you how many times they have gotten me out of a jam. Finding a good mechanic is absolutely essential in running a successful mobile grooming business.
If you don’t have a trusted, talented mechanic you could be in for a disaster. My first attempt to find someone to service my batteries for routine maintenance resulted in having a blown out inverter and a burned up, flaming battery that almost killed my husband! I was desperate to find someone who knew what they were doing. Then I came across Topo. It was my lucky day.
I can pretty much drive over there whenever I’m ever having some new catastrophe and they always manage to save my a**. I will always remember this past Christmas week, the toughest week of my grooming career. I was tightly booked with all my regulars. These dogs had to be groomed for the holidays. They were my favorite customers. That week I made three “down” trips to my friends at Topo. Timing couldn’t have been worse.
From a broken nozzle, a blowing fuse, and a dying dryer that forced me to plug in. Then my inverter panel decided to light up like a flashing Christmas tree!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mh6HCIsjB_Y&feature=youtu.be
The highlight of my week you might ask? When my battery cage fell down on a highway exit ramp two days before Christmas.
Gary from Topo came to rescue me on the side of the road. This good soul laid in the mud on a dog towel, ratcheting up my heavy cage so I could limp back to Topo for repair.
When I tried to tip him he refused, wishing me a Merry Christmas. This is why I love Topo. Once I got there, Bob rebuilt my cage support better then ever as I sat with my smartphone playing on facebook. They are magicians. These are the “behind the scenes” people that allow mobile grooming to happen.
So if you are considering mobile or are already mobile, get your ducks in a row. Make sure you have someone on deck to service your vehicle should you encounter a problem. We use our vans and trailers as a shop so there will be wear and tear. Things need to be maintained and repaired especially when dealing with inclement weather. The mechanics that service these vehicles need to be well versed and understand how our systems work, whether it be inverter, generator or shoreline. Perhaps you might have a Sprinter like I do, which needs a specialized maintenance program. Take everything into consideration.
Backup is more then just having an extra clipper or blades on board. It’s having the right people with the know-how and expertise to take care of you and your van or trailer on a moments notice. Trouble can come knocking at your door, rain or shine, but if you have awesome friends like I do at Topo Custom Vehicles you won’t have to worry. You’ll be up and running before you know it.
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