Boudreau’s Services
359 Page Blvd,
Springfield, MA 01104
413-STICKER (784-2537)

Turning Adversity into Opportunity

Springfield, Mass. - A year ago, Andrew Santos purchased a flailing automotive inspection site and turned it into a successful business by centering on a simple concept.

“Everybody comes in here with a problem and they leave here with the problem solved,” he said. “Diving into the personal development and the business development, you learn that you’ve got to solve a problem and at the same time help people. That’s what I’m doing.”

Boudreau’s Services completes licensed inspections on cars, tractor-trailers, corporate vehicles and individually owned vehicles. Santos started his career as a diesel mechanic ten years ago and was easily able to transition into vehicle inspections.

He improved on a process created by the original owner to inspect vehicles in a fast and thorough manner. He usually can complete truck inspections within twenty minutes.

Customer service is a top priority for Santos. He realizes he can be efficient and effective, but doing it with a smile on his face brings customers back.

“I’m super friendly with everybody that comes in,” he said. “That’s why I do it.”

“I get you in, I get you out of here and everybody’s happy,” he said.

Finding His Niche

Although Santos has only owned the business for a year, Boudrau’s Services has been around for decades. Several years ago, it was sold to the owner of an adjacent automotive complex for what appeared to be a logical fit, expanding their automotive services.

Santos was hired to manage the business and, - along with another employee - conduct the inspections. Yet the business model wasn’t sustainable.

After working at Boudreau’s Services for more than a year, Santos was hoping for a raise that didn’t materialize. He reviewed the financials with the new owner and came to the realization that it would be cheaper to buy the business than hold out for a higher paycheck. The owner would be able to cut his losses and recoup some of what had originally been paid for Boudreau’s Services.

“I knew that if I purchased the business, I wouldn’t need to hire anybody for now anyway. I could do it on my own. I basically purchased my job from him,” Santos said. “It’s a win-win for everybody.”

In the past year, Santos has more than doubled the volume of vehicles inspected. Word of mouth and referrals are key to his growth. During a transition period, Santos worked closely with the son of the original owner and met customers, making connections that continue today.

Building a Business

Santos felt ready to take a leap and buy Boudreau’s Services thanks to his business and life coaches. His business coach advised him with establishing credit and acquiring funding, and helped Santos recognize he was financially ready to buy the business.

At the same time, his life coach guided his mindset and taught him to overcome previous belief systems. “Basically to bet on myself,” Santos said. “It was just like perfect, perfect timing.”

Boudreau’s Services had to temporarily close to transfer ownership and that’s when Santos made his move. He knew the financial situation well enough to make a fair offer on the business, and he knew that it could be profitable with only one employee.

Once he became a new business owner, Santos joined Marketing and Cupcakes to understand how he could increase his customers and visibility. Understanding the power of consistency and getting the word out guided his foray into social media. Santos has seen a jump in views since he started posting. Seymour Social, the AI software Marketing and Cupcakes provides it’s members, helped him keep up with marketing needs, making it simple to manage social media.

Santos is glad he took the leap to become a small business owner and has advice for others considering a big step.

“Bet on yourself, because nobody else is gonna,” Santos said. “That’s all it really took. Once I realized that I could do this, and I believed it, there’s been nothing to stop me since.”

For COMMERCIAL & NON COMMERCIAL VEHICLE INSPECTIONS
Boudreau’s Services
359 Page Blvd,
Springfield, MA 01104
413-STICKER (784-2537)