I came across an interesting story of a young entrepreneur featured in the Worcester Telegram. The business is Garage Galore and the owner is 22 year old college student Michael Matros.

Michael, who builds hot rods as a hobby, found his garage too cluttered to work in so he renovated it and realized that others could benefit from the same service.

Company Background 

The company was started in May of 2006 and has yet to hire its first full time employee but Michael does have 3 roommates who help with the installations. He started of with $11,000 in capital from his family and friends, is currently working from home and is looking for commercial space to get into after he graduates. After almost a year in business, Garage Galore is cash flow positive and is paying off its expenses.

How does he sell?

Customers like to see their design options so Michael invested his startup capital into creating a custom-designed trailer that he can take to the client’s site as well as trade shows. The trailer itself looks like a nicely designed garage interior and Michael has a TV screen which shows highlights of the various garages he has completed. On top of the 5 college classes he is taking, Michael will spend over 50 hours per week selling and delivering his service.

Michael’s Advice for Young Entrepreneurs?

“All new business is challenging. Early cash-flow needs and finding reliable, quality employees have been some of the early challenges I have faced. It’s a hands-on managing style, where for the most part I work directly with my employees out on the jobs, overseeing quality, and training the employees in professional installation techniques.”

“Being a student entrepreneur has been a very rewarding experience. Rather then just reading about how to do something, I can just go out and do it. My suggestion to any young entrepreneur is don’t give up. It is very challenging, however extremely rewarding, to run and own your own company.”

Is there a young entrepreneur you feel deserves to be profiled in our blog?

Evan Carmichael

Evan Carmichael
YoungEntrepreneur.com Blog Manager

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