Meet Scot Smith of The BikeSmith in in Chandler

Today we’d like to introduce you to Scot Smith.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
After graduating high school in 1986, I entered the United States Air Force and trained, then worked as a jet engine mechanic. Once my service ended, I was at home in California in my garage one day fixing my dirt bike. I was approached by a neighbor who asked if I was interested in helping him buy, fix, and sell motorcycles. With no job at the time, I was excited to get started.

Two months later, my garage couldn’t hold any more bikes. In 1995 we decided to open a small shop to do the work and also began servicing. Although I had no formal training on motorcycles, I learned quickly.

As time went on, the business grew slowly but the overhead did not. In 2000 I shut it all down and decided to go mobile with the clientele that I had accumulated. Only part time in the beginning with two hand held toolboxes. With no overhead, I was able to save enough to acquire a step van to convert into a small rolling shop. 18 years later and help from social media, here I am. I moved to Phoenix in 2015 to be close to family for my kids, and I return to LA every month or so to take care of old and new clients.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Yes, fairly smooth. In the beginning when the business was only part time, I contracted at a small independent motorcycle shop and quickly learned again that overhead can kill a small shop if not managed properly. As well as not having enough good mechanics, can create poor quality care and callbacks where more money is lost.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into The BikeSmith story. Tell us more about the business.
I do complete mobile motorcycle maintenance. Everything from tire and oil changes to performance modifications, computer diagnostics, dynamometer testing and fuel injection module tuning. Full engine tear downs and rebuilds.

I specialize in anything motorcycle related short of painting, Known for my quick diagnosis, quality work and knowledge and customer service.

Mostly proud that I have created something to do that I love, and has allowed me to live comfortably and raise a family. Also proud of my track record and that I can do any task to any bike. From Harley to Ducati.

What sets me apart is my experience and that I am a one man show and a personal mechanic for life to anyone who needs it. I am cool with clients who wish to learn and watch any procedure and I truly treat each bike as if was my own and I love people who ride. Since there is very low overhead, I only charge for the time it actually takes to fix a problem, unlike shops that charge by what the book hours are. So, a lot of money is saved. And of course, I come to you. Amazingly, there are very few guys that do what I do.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I do believe in luck, but hard work, determination and surrounding myself with wonderful friends and family has gotten me where I am today.

Pricing:

• $75 service charge
• $100 per hour labor rate

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bikesmithmobile.com
• Phone: 818-269-2872
• Email: scot@bikesmithmobile.com
• Facebook: BikeSmith Mobile Motorcycle Mechanic
• Yelp: BikeSmith Mobile Motorcycle Mechanic

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.