Today we’d like to introduce you to Sam Buckner.
Hi Sam, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
This place all started at the house in a one stall garage that I called “Stall One”. While managing at a Sams Club for many years and working part time in the garage, I decided to take it seriously when some of the best managers I’ve ever worked for were walked out because they “changed the management criteria” and wanted to shake the tree a little. I knew my time there could end whenever they wanted it to. Two weeks after they fired all the managers, I stepped down to a part time roll in another department and worked full time at home. About 4 months after that, I came outside to 12 cars in front of my house and said “Its time”. I opened my first location in Bloomington in Nov of 2019. Small portion in the back of a warehouse that you had to drive thru an alley to get to, no visibility from the street. Four months later the world shut down. I stayed open as drop off only and was able to make it thru the holidays and COVID. 5 years later at that location and the owner stops in one day and says he rented the whole building out to one company. 5 tenants had to move. I decided to make the leap to the big leagues and rent a building right on Lyndale. All is good and well and then the owner stops in and says he needs to sell!! The bank was able to make it happen. Now we are here making it work.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
LOL a smooth road…
The first locations owner rented out the whole building and kicked all the renters out. The second location said he needed to sell 8 months after I move in. The city wanted everything except my first born. And the bank wanted everything else. It hasnt been smooth at all but the bills are still paid.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I just do general automotive repair. That means we work on anything that comes in the door. I specialized in working on old cars and used to maintain 34 classics at one point. When I opened the doors here, I had to stop taking classics because there isnt much money in them anymore and they sit at the shop for weeks waiting on parts. I guess I’m known for my care and trust with people. They know I’m going to take care of you no matter the situation. I’m just an overall relaxed guy that loves taking care of people and treating people how they should be treated.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Not really sure. Ask away
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stalloneautomotive.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stall_one_auto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StallOneAutomotive
