Life & Work with Mike Richardson of Mesa, AZ

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Richardson.

Hi Mike, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My beginnings into the world of engine repair started when I was a boy. My parents never had a new vehicle and never had the money to put it in the shop for repairs. So my father learned how to keep our vehicles chugging along. I was always the official light holder and tool grabber. This was the foundation for jump starting my mechanically thinking mind. After high school I started working at the bottom of the totem pole for a large civil construction company, the same one my dad had worked at for the last decade. I started as a laborer and through hard work, grit and skill I was quickly promoted to oiler and greaser. Which meant staying after shift into the night and ensuring all the equipment was in tip top shape for work the next morning. It wasn’t long before the company mechanic was giving me mechanical duties to do at night alongside my current duties. I started doing more mechanical duties than the actual mechanic plus my current positions duties. The company fired the mechanic and put me in my first mechanics truck at 19. I had no idea what I was doing, but I understood the mechanics behind engines and every aspect of repairing equipment, which helped me to quickly learn how to properly maintain and repair everything that was ever placed before me. Being in charge of millions of dollars worth of equipment, time crunches to get equipment back up and running to ensure the job was not delayed and being the only mechanic for the Arizona division of the construction company was another layer of my foundation for becoming a successful independent heavy diesel repair shop owner. I learned how to become a heavy diesel mechanic the old fashioned way, through experience, hard work, determination and with having an already innate mechanical mind definitely helped. The company that started my diesel mechanic career suffered many financial loses in 2010 and laid off almost all their Arizona division, including myself. But thanks to the entrepreneurial drive I inherited from my grandfather (who was a successful farmer in Buckeye, AZ) I felt the urge and had the drive to start Mike’s Fleet Service as a mobile heavy diesel mechanic in 2011 at the age of 23. I had a few odd job and made some money during those early months of forming the business but sadly I was not successful. Most companies didn’t believe a young man like myself was capable of performing the duties and repairs I claimed to be able to do. I was hired into another civil construction company for a few years, but still felt the urge to set off on my own again. And in 2014 I did! Starting as a mobile mechanic once again I grew my clientele base and knowledge of running a business into the successful heavy diesel repair shop I have now! Which is one of the largest in the east valley!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has definitely been long, hard and bumpy! Learning how to manage a business and employees was and can still be a challenge. Starting my business with only the money I was able to make and save has been the hardest challenge. I’ve never had financial backing and have had to work very hard for everything I have. All alongside supporting my family and keeping a roof over their head and food on the table.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a self employed Heavy Diesel Mechanic. That founded and owns a heavy diesel repair shop in Mesa, AZ. Starting my business from the ground up and knowing how hard owner operators work to make a living has given me a unique insight and has allowed me to generate a clientele base that trust my mechanical expertise because they know I want to see them back up and running as quickly as possible.

Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory would have to be eating lunch exactly at noon at my grandparents farm in Buckeye, AZ. Lunch would be served precisely at 12pm everyday and I would do hard work on their farm most weekends and lunch was my payment.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mikesfleetservice.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikes_fleet_service?igsh=d2dmZzZ6dTF0anBj&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1WRXuxHeNa/?mibextid=wwXIfr