[Chim55117]

I don't usually post a whole lot anymore, but this thread hit close to home.

If you want to own a shop one day, it's unlikely that you're going to get there and have the skills and know how to do so as someone coming from a mechanic background. Being a good mechanic does not guarantee that you will have the skills needed to take care of finances, billables, or handle accounts with vendors and suppliers - these are things that you go to business school for. At the end of the day, a great mechanic is a great mechanic - not necessarily a great shop owner or manager. Specialization is the name of the game. Chris Carey went to the U of M for business management if I recall correctly.

Now, I do realize that there are always exceptions to the rule, but this is a pretty well established and accepted knowledge.

If you want to work at a dealership or a well-known shop, by all means, you're on the right path.

If you're serious about wanting to own or manage a shop one day, sink your interests into business school - learn finances, supply chain, marketing, and the like - these are what will help you succeed in the automotive business ownership.

I went through just about the same thing you're going through right now and went to school for business instead of actual mechanics - yes, it's not as fun, your friends might make more money than you initially, you get out 2 years later, but your earnings potential is greatly increased in the long run.

Best of the luck either way though!