I Make $9.8M/Year Upgrading Exotic Cars: Here’s How I Do It
Welcome to the world of exotic cars and high-octane success! My name is Shaw Sadiki, and I’m the founder of SSR Performance, a renowned performance auto shop in Orange County, California. What started from humble beginnings has grown into a thriving business specializing in exotic cars, with revenues pushing upwards of $10 million a year. I’m excited to share my story, the challenges I faced, and the insights I’ve gained along the way in the realm of exotic cars. Buckle up, because this journey is anything but ordinary!
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Table of Contents
The Beginning: From a Small Shop to a Multi-Million Dollar Business
When I look back at the early days of SSR Performance, it feels like a lifetime ago. We began with a tiny shop, barely big enough to fit one car. Working from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. every night, we focused on BMWs initially. Despite the long hours and the small space, our passion for cars and dedication to quality kept us going. We quickly outgrew our first location and expanded to a larger facility, paving the way for the successful enterprise we run today.
Crafting a Vision: The Design Suite
One of the standout features of our shop is the SSR Design Suite. This space allows us to bring our customers’ dreams to life with precision. We use advanced software to visualize modifications, like changing wheel colors or lowering the ride height. For example, if you’re torn between satin white and army green for your car, our design suite shows you both options side-by-side. This capability ensures that our clients make informed decisions and see exactly how their car will look before any work begins.
The Black Theme: A Minimalistic Approach
Our design philosophy revolves around minimalism and elegance. The black theme in our shop, reminiscent of Bruce Wayne’s penthouse, exudes a chic, urban vibe. We spared no expense on the details, including screens that cost around $7,000 to $8,000 each. Every element of the space is meticulously chosen to complement the hard work that goes into making this place look extraordinary.
The Power of Lights: Illuminating Our Work
Lights play a crucial role in our operations. We invested $85,000 in lighting alone because it’s essential for our work. The specialized lighting allows us to spot even the smallest defects, ensuring that every detail of our work is flawless. Interestingly, these three lights alone consume as much power as all the other lights in the building combined, costing around $2,300 a day to operate.
The Wrap Department: Precision and Quality
In our wrap department, precision is key. We use special lighting to detect any imperfections, ensuring that every wrap job meets our high standards. Whether it’s a full door jam wrap or a complete color change, our wraps look as though the car was painted. The quality of the wrap largely depends on the skill of the person applying it. My advice to anyone considering a wrap is to choose a shop based on their past work rather than just the material they use.
From Broke to Building: My Journey
At 21, I was just starting out, juggling my job at Costco with my dream of owning a business. I attended community college and then transferred to UC Irvine to study mechanical engineering. Despite the rigorous academic and work schedule, I managed to start SSR Performance. My early days involved intense labor and long hours, but the dedication paid off as the business began to grow and evolve.
The Evolution of SSR Performance
SSR Performance initially focused on BMWs but quickly diversified into exotic car upgrades. Our clients now include successful entrepreneurs from various fields—business owners, landscapers, and even plumbers. They bring their high-end cars to us for significant modifications, with average bills ranging from $80,000 to $127,000 for heavy mods.
Investing in Cars: A Guide to Smart Purchases
When it comes to investing in cars, choosing the right model is crucial. Cars under $100,000 typically depreciate quickly, so it’s essential to buy wisely. For those interested in different price ranges, I recommend the Toyota Supra or BMW M3 for $0 to $50,000, the AMG GTS or BMW G80 M3 for $50,000 to $100,000, and the Lamborghini Huracan or Audi R8 for $100,000 to $200,000. For those spending over $200,000, the McLaren 720S offers exceptional value.
Startup Costs and Profitability
Starting SSR Performance required minimal capital. I invested $5,000 in tools and paid $1,200 a month for rent. Within the first five months, we upgraded to a larger space, reinvesting our earnings into the business. We became profitable after two and a half years, thanks to our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
Overcoming Failures and Finding Success
My entrepreneurial journey wasn’t without failures. My t-shirt company, while profitable, wasn’t sustainable long-term. Living at home with my parents and driving a hand-me-down car allowed me to sustain SSR Performance without drawing a salary for over two years. Finding a business partner with a complementary skill set was a turning point, enabling us to divide responsibilities and focus on different aspects of the business.
Building a Reputation: From Online Sales to High-End Clients
Initially, we sold parts online and offered installation services, which helped us gain our first clients. Our reputation for high-quality work quickly spread through word-of-mouth and positive reviews. Today, our established reputation drives our business, allowing us to charge a premium for our services while delivering exceptional results.
Growing the Team: Managing Success
Our team, consisting of around 30 to 35 full-time employees, is crucial to our success. I focus on hiring individuals with strong character and a sense of urgency. While technical skills can be taught, honesty and integrity are essential qualities we seek. Maintaining a high standard of work is key to preserving our reputation and ensuring customer satisfaction.
The Secret to Long-Term Success
Success doesn’t come overnight. It requires a long-term focus and the ability to persevere through difficult times. I’ve learned that staying committed to a vision and not letting short-term challenges derail progress is vital. Networking with positive, goal-oriented individuals has also been instrumental in my journey.
Daily Habits and Reflections
My daily habits play a significant role in my success. I start each day with prayer, which grounds me and reinforces my purpose. Regular gym sessions help clear my mind and spark new ideas. Additionally, I set aside time each week to focus solely on business growth, away from daily tasks. This dedicated time has been crucial for generating my best ideas.
Lessons Learned and Future Outlook
One lesson I wish I’d learned earlier is that many car enthusiasts focus more on price than quality. It’s essential to understand your customer base and align your business focus accordingly. If quality is your priority, ensure your customers value it as much as you do. Otherwise, consider pivoting to a different market where your efforts will be better rewarded.
The Risk-Taking Mindset
Taking risks has been a fundamental part of my journey. Staying focused on the vision and not second-guessing has been crucial. Doubt can be a significant barrier to success, so maintaining faith in your goals and pushing forward is essential for overcoming obstacles.
Advice for New Entrepreneurs
For those just starting, my advice is simple: don’t give up. Success often comes right after you’re on the verge of giving up. Pay attention to industry trends and adapt to changes. The automotive world is evolving rapidly, and staying ahead requires continuous learning and adaptation.
Conclusion
Thank you for joining me on this journey through my entrepreneurial path. From the challenges of starting a small shop to building a multi-million-dollar business, the journey has been both exhilarating and demanding. I hope my story inspires you to pursue your own passions with dedication and resilience. Remember, success is a journey, not a destination, and with the right mindset, you can achieve incredible things.
FAQs:
What is the meaning of exotic cars?
Exotic cars refer to high-performance, luxury vehicles that are rare, unique, and often expensive. These cars are characterized by their distinctive designs, advanced engineering, and superior craftsmanship. They typically offer exceptional speed, advanced technology, and an exclusive status, making them highly coveted by car enthusiasts and collectors.
What is the most exotic car?
The “most exotic” car can vary depending on personal opinions and criteria such as rarity, performance, and design. However, some of the most frequently mentioned exotic cars include the Bugatti Chiron, Ferrari LaFerrari, McLaren P1, and Pagani Huayra. Each of these vehicles is renowned for its extraordinary performance, unique design, and high price tag.
What are the names of some exotic cars?
Several exotic cars are celebrated for their unique characteristics and high performance. Some well-known examples include:
- Bugatti Chiron
- Ferrari LaFerrari
- McLaren P1
- Lamborghini Aventador
- Pagani Huayra
- Aston Martin Valkyrie
- Porsche 918 Spyder
- Koenigsegg Agera RS
Is Bentley an exotic car?
Bentley vehicles are often considered luxury cars rather than exotic cars. While they are high-end and offer impressive performance and craftsmanship, they are generally more associated with luxury and comfort rather than the extreme rarity and extreme performance that typically define exotic cars. However, some Bentley models, like the Bentley Continental GT, can be seen as exotic due to their high-end features and exclusivity.
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