THE STORY OF FISHER'S AUTO REPAIR

At a very young age I had a passion for cars that started in my father’s garage watching my father & brother build race cars. Jason Fisher I was often asked, “What are you going to do when you get older?” I repeatedly said, “I think I want to work on cars.”

From there, I took Decatur area vocational automotive courses for two years. After graduating high school, I enrolled in Richland Community College while working part-time as a tire installer, steering & suspension, and brake technician. I obtained multiple certificates of course completion along the way, and Student of the Month honors.

I very quickly began to work in various dealerships gaining knowledge towards import and domestic car and truck repairs. I excelled the most while working at a local GM Dealership including where I was elected Team Leader of a crew of five great technicians.

I then realized that a garage of my own was a huge dream of mine. After gaining import & domestic experience with cars & trucks, along with GM experience with all makes & models, I ventured off to a Ford Dealership where I also obtained multiple certifications and experience. Some of the certifications I have earned are:

General Motors

Body Control & Communications

Introduction to Air Conditioning Part 1

Introduction to Air Conditioning Part 2

GM Braking Systems

Tech 2 Familiarization

Electronic Suspension Systems

GM Powertrain Performance

Electrical/Electronics Stage 2

Vibration Correction Part 1

Engine Performance Issues

Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Diagnostics Part 2

Rear Wheel Steering (Quadrasteer)

SKH Seminar – Emerging Issues

Tech 2 (GMICT /Med. Duty)

Auto: Engine Repair

Diesel Engine Performance 2001

Security Systems

Automatic Transmission/Transaxle

Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Diagnostics
Part 1 & 2

Auto: Brakes

Auto: Engine Performance

Auto: Heating & Air Conditioning

Auto: Electrical Systems

Auto: Suspension & Steering

SI Overview

Foundation Brakes/ABS System Service Part 1

Foundation Brakes/ABS System Service Part 2

FORD

Steering/Suspension System Alignment

Understanding Electronic Systems

Electronic Diagnosis Tools and Testing III

Electronic Diagnosis Tools and Testing I

Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle Inspection

6.0L Diesel Diagnosis

Diesel Engine Repair

7.3L Diesel Diagnosis

Diesel Air Inlet & Exhaust Operation & Testing

Diesel Fuel Supply/Injection Operation & Testing

Diesel Engine Theory and Operation

Automotive Measuring Tools

Engine Repair Fundamental

Fuel and Air Theory and Operation

Ignition Systems Theory and Operation

Basic Electronic Theory and Operation

Base Steering and Suspension Theory & Operation

Battery , Starting & Charging System OP

Fisher's Auto Repair It was in June 2006, when I decided to move forward with my dreams after reading several books on business and finding out that your closest family and friends can be your biggest deterrent due to the fact that they are scared for you. (Keep in mind they can also be your biggest fan.)

I created a Business Plan with the help of my great friend & lover Lonni Lane. I then entered the Illinois Small Business Development Center where I spoke with Al Luchetti, who helped me tremendously on a personal & professional level. I also attended a few of his courses offered through S.B.D.C. ( Small Business Development Center) As you could expect, next came the financing. That’s where the trouble began.

Office Manager, Lonni Fisher After speaking with multiple lenders and being told “NO”, my dreams where becoming a mere hope at this point. I did not give up. I found a two-bay shop on Rt. 51 Main Street, Decatur, IL, and I knew the traffic count was high. I met a splendid couple, Kevin & Cathy Stern, who previously owned and ran Novus Auto Glass Center out of this location. With several meetings and discussions they graciously gave me the opportunity to rent and operate out of this shop for a year. Now my dreams where turning into reality.

Opening the doors on September 5, 2006, excitement and worry was all in one. I knew that I had only one year to prove my worth to many. Things started very slowly with 1 employee, myself, and Lonni was a great help too.

After a year under the business name “Fisher’s Auto Repair”, I gathered my records and presented them to lenders again, in hopes that I had showed enough to be able to continue on. FINALLY, an answer other than “NO”. I purchased the building/property in September 2007.

The Great Crew at Fisher's With business increasing behind the motto, “Fixed Right the First Time”, I hired Lonni to run the front end of Fisher’s Auto Repair (although she had been doing it mostly since day one) and found a remarkable accountant, Dave Hensley, to allow myself the time needed to repair the vehicles.

During the first year of business I joined a very unique business organization called PRO’s (Preferred Refferal Organization). It’s a group of small business owners who share referrals to each other. They are a great group of people and very beneficial to Fisher’s Auto Repair.

Chief of Security, Pickle As business grew and the demand became much higher I have since hired two Technicians, totaling 4 employees. I have also started becoming more involved with a great community organization called “ GM Square”. The goal is to better our community and I plan to get more involved in the near future.

In September 2011 the opportunity arose to purchase a second location in Argenta, Illinois. The mechanic running this garage is Jason Polen.

I want to personally thank each and every one of my customers, family and my friends for this opportunity and just this year have been elected to “Top 20 Under 40” with the Business Journal. This honor is only given to 20 Businessmen each year who are all under the age of 40. I appreciate all of your support.