RSG148: Bringing Car Repair to Your Home with RepairSmith

In this episode, we’re going to be talking to Joel Milne all about car repair and maintenance at your home. I love studying on-demand businesses because there’s a lot of innovation going on. RepairSmith is no different in that aspect!

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Intro to Joel Milne

  • Joel is a serial tech entrepreneur
  • Previously co-founded 4 start ups
  • Now founder of RepairSmith
  • First company in the automotive space

What is RepairSmith?

  • Most convenient (and now safe) form of car repair because it comes to you
  • Pandemic hasn’t really had a material effect on the business
  • Launched in August 2019
  • A lot of people like RepairSmith because they appreciate the mobility, trustworthiness, transparency

RepairSmith vs Traditional Repair Shops

  • Cost – try to beat the average cost structure in each city
  • Don’t have the same rent costs as big shops
  • High quality repair
  • Biggest cost for RepairSmith – labor

Tips for Vehicle Owners & Drivers

  • Vehicle maintenance is the key to having a long lasting, healthy car
  • RepairSmith works with a lot of fleets – take care of your car now to prevent expensive maintenance down the road
  • Oil, tires, brakes, and filters – stay on top of it!
  • Ever more important as the car gets older, especially if you haven’t been maintaining it

RepairSmith Employees

  • All employees, no contractors
  • Didn’t feel they could get the quality with the contractor model
  • Legality questions as well!
  • They’re also working in tech, using Slack, etc.

Competition in the Space

  • Traditional competition, of course – thousands of places to have your car fixed
  • Similar companies to RepairSmith, including the mobility options
  • Tackling a different solution
  • Competition for good mechanics is high

Future of RepairSmith

  • Small player in a big industry – think they have a better mousetrap for consumers and fleets
  • Looking to grow in those markets but also across the country
  • Favorite stage of the business

Outro

  • Thanks to Joel for coming on and talking about RepairSmith!
  • Interesting company in the midst of a pandemic – COVID is accelerating these trends

Show Notes