Name of Business: Willie’s Motoring

Name of Entrepreneur: Willie Bringier III

Location: Inglewood, CA

Type of Business: After-market Automobile customization

What does your business do? We are a full service, after-market automobile accessory company. This includes adding rims, tires, radios, video screens, DVD players, lights, spoiler kits, doors, alarms, etc., to cars, trucks, and vans.

When and why did you start the biz? I’ve worked in the after-market automotive business almost all my life. When I was young, my dad used to bring me with him to work in his shop, called “The Custom House”. I grew up in that shop and watching my dad and his employees operate on cars was what led to my curiosity with automobiles. I was able to hook up my first eight track tape in a van by age 9 and I continued to work with my dad until I was ready to go out on my own at 23.

How Many People are in your Company? 7

What's the toughest part of running your biz? Recently, a competitor “Rent-A-Wheel” opened directly across the street from our store. It’s also difficult to stay current with the latest trends in automotive customization and to keep up with customer satisfaction.

What's the most fun part? Being creative and consistently delivering quality service and parts to my loyal customers.

What's next on the horizon for your biz? Every year, I think that the after-market accessory market is going to halt, that it’s not going to get any better. But next thing you know, something new comes along. It’s all about one-upmanship.

What advice do you have for others? It’s better to keep the customer happy than to be concerned with making a quick sale.

Prior jobs or business or education? In 1991, when I was 23, I started “Kaboom!” a small stereo shop that turned out cars loaded with the latest sound systems customized to the owner’s specifications. I started Willie’s Motoring after I closed that shop.

Is there any one person or event in your life that led you to go into business for yourself? My father and grandfather were great role models for me. I’m the 3rd generation of entrepreneurial men in the tire business. I hung with my dad in his store when I was young and experimented there. That’s how I learned to love cars.

Contact Info: 525 E. Manchester Ave., Inglewood, CA / 310-673-5357
Website URL: http://www.williesmotoring.com/