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- The Independent Advantage
The Independent Advantage
Get Your Digital ID!
Welcome, Mobile Techs.
Pride of ownership leads to the most efficient and cost-effective mobile service solutions for the transportation industry.
The Independent Advantage
There’s a certain comfort in being taken care of, and some larger mobile service providers seem to excel at this. Yet, when a new venture is offered, many technicians are eager to make the leap—especially when the opportunity includes a degree of autonomy.
One of the most obvious advantages of independence is the potential to double your income. If you’re earning $40 per hour working for someone else, you could be making $80 on your own. However, in my view, the true power of independence lies in the freedom it grants your mind. Independence not only allows but also demands the full engagement of your intellect. You don’t need to be a scholar to succeed; you just need to learn quickly from your experiences.
For instance, the best way to get an AI robot performing optimally in a new environment is to set it free. Let it work, learn independently, make adjustments, and eventually perfect itself in the real world.
The human mind does this too, but with the added advantage of creativity—seeing opportunities in the environment that others might miss. When I became a self-employed trailer technician in Detroit at 23, my first customer was a small paper recycling company with about 30 ancient dry van trailers. When I told them some were no longer roadworthy, they asked if I knew where they could buy used trailers.
My dad did similar work at a nearby trailer leasing company, and I was aware of a batch of trailers that had just come off lease. They were beat to hell by the automotive plants, but I saw an opportunity. I offered to buy them for $1,000 each, put in about $2,000 worth of parts and labor, and sold them for $8,000 apiece.
Not only was my customer thrilled to own trailers less than ten years old, but they also began to see me as a resource—a consultant and expert. In truth, I was far from it at the time, but in hindsight, they were too small to attract the attention of the bigger players and now had someone they felt they could trust, right or wrong. For years, that tiny paper recycling plant made up half of my self-employed income.
The story of my early days as a self-employed technician highlights a simple truth: independence breeds opportunity. When you step out on your own, you’re not just doubling your income—you’re doubling your potential. Independent thinking allows you to see opportunities where others see obstacles, and it’s this mindset that will ultimately set you apart in any industry.
So, whether you’re just starting out or considering making the leap, remember that the real advantage of independence isn’t just financial—it’s the freedom to innovate, adapt, and grow on your own terms.
Introducing Digital IDs for MMA Members
We’re excited to announce that the Mobile Maintenance Association (MMA) now offers Digital IDs to all our members! This innovative technology not only identifies you as a member but also helps us create personalized benefits tailored specifically to your needs.
While we’re still building our catalog of discounts and programs, your Digital ID is key to shaping what comes next. By joining now, you’ll have early access to any new discounts, training programs, and exclusive events as they become available. Your participation also allows us to better understand your needs, enabling us to develop custom programs that will serve you best in the future.
Get your Digital ID today, and help us build a stronger, more responsive MMA—together!
Be Seen
Are you new and just starting out?
Be seen.
Don’t wait for a phone call or a response to your ad.
Be seen.
Slap a magnet with your logo on your vehicle and…
Be seen.
Even if you’re not the technician, put on a pair of coveralls with your logo and…
Be seen.
Visit suppliers, even if you’re just browsing for a part you don’t need.
Be seen.
No one goes unnoticed in this industry, as long as you’re seen.
I launched my mobile service in Detroit at 23 and have spent my career in the industry. I’ve consulted for companies like FedEx Ground, Cox Automotive, and Ford Mobile Service, but my true passion is supporting self-employed technicians and small mobile service businesses—the future of this industry. As an MMA member, you’ll have my direct contact, and I encourage you to reach out with any challenges. Your success is my priority!
Connect with me on LinkedIn.
That’s it for issue 2 of MobileTech Insights!
Want to help build the platform and get exclusive discounts, proprietary information, and potential business opportunities with regional and national carriers?
Mobile Maintenance Association is a brand of MotionMatic Technologies LLC, and not a formal association. The Mobile Maintenance Association is dedicated to providing innovative tools, support, and resources for self-employed mobile service technicians.