Rope Harnesses - The Mike Abel Story

Hey Wrench Turners!

In this edition of Wrenches for Wrenches, we dive deep into the world of mechanics, bringing you stories, insights, and a touch of cheekiness from the industry's best. This month, we're featuring the inspiring journey of Mike Abel, a motorcycle mechanic and the brain behind Able Motorworks. Buckle up, folks, as we navigate Mike's path from a push bike enthusiast to a respected motorcycle mechanic with a thriving business and a robust social media presence.

Beginnings: From Push Bikes to Apprenticeships

Mike Abel's journey began, quite literally, on two wheels. As a teenager, Mike's fascination with mechanics was ignited by his work at a bicycle shop. What started as a week of work experience extended into seven years of learning and growing as a bicycle mechanic. This early exposure laid a solid foundation for Mike's mechanical skills and instilled in him a love for fixing things.

It was through a customer at the bike shop that Mike found his next step—a general automotive apprenticeship. "I did work experience in school, like a lot of people did, and then I did a week. The following weekend they just asked me to come back, and I ended up working there for seven years," Mike shared. The apprenticeship was primarily focused on cars, with occasional work on motorcycles, which further fueled his passion for two-wheelers.

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The Leap into Motorcycles

Despite his solid footing in the automotive world, Mike's heart was set on motorcycles. He applied for several motorcycle mechanic apprenticeships but faced rejection after rejection. "I didn't get a single one, but I was at college," Mike recalled. Undeterred, he seized an opportunity at a custom Harley shop called Brit Chopper Customs. This was no ordinary job; it was a baptism by fire. Mike and a friend, both barely out of their teens, took the reins of the shop while the owner was away on business. This experience honed Mike's skills and gave him invaluable insights into running a business.

Building Able Motorworks

Mike's time at Brit Chopper Customs was pivotal. He started Able Motorworks from within the Harley shop, focusing on general mechanical work for road bikes, sports bikes, and motocross bikes. As his reputation grew, so did his client base, eventually leading him to establish his own workshop.

"I knew quite early on that people weren't gonna wanna bring their sports bikes, road bikes to a Harley shop that was quite obviously advertised towards, you know, Harley-Davidson's customization," Mike explained. This realization pushed him to create a distinct identity for Able Motorworks, emphasizing quality and specialization.

The Move to a Home Workshop

Faced with the challenge of expanding his business and hiring more staff, Mike made a bold decision. He moved his workshop to his home, building a dedicated space in his garden. This move, which might seem like a step back to some, allowed Mike to focus on the work he truly enjoyed without the pressures of scaling up unnecessarily.

"It definitely felt like a backward step at the time. When I did that, it was only two and a half years ago I moved into this workshop, maybe less, two years ago. It definitely felt like a backward step," Mike admitted. However, the move proved to be a game-changer, allowing him to concentrate on quality over quantity and giving him the freedom to take on projects that genuinely interested him.

The Power of Social Media

Understanding the potential skepticism about working from a home workshop, Mike leveraged social media to showcase his expertise and professionalism. His high-quality content on platforms like Instagram and YouTube not only attracted clients but also established him as a trusted voice in the motorcycle community.

Key Lessons for Mechanics

From the transcript of the Wrench Turners Podcast featuring Mike Abel, here are three key lessons that mechanics can learn:

1. The Importance of Continuous Learning and Adaptability

• Mike Abel's journey underscores the significance of continuous learning and adapting to new challenges. Despite initial setbacks in securing a motorcycle mechanic apprenticeship, Mike did not give up. Instead, he leveraged opportunities at a custom Harley shop and later started his own business, Able Motorworks. This adaptability and willingness to learn are crucial traits for any mechanic.
• Takeaway: Always be open to learning and adapting. Whether it's new technologies, different types of vehicles, or new business strategies, staying flexible and continuously improving your skills will set you apart in the industry.

2. The Value of Professional Relationships and Networking

• Mike highlights the critical role that professional relationships and networking played in his success. From his early days in the bicycle shop to running Able Motorworks, building strong relationships with other mechanics, local businesses, and customers was essential. These relationships provided him with support, referrals, and collaborative opportunities that were vital for his business growth.
• Takeaway: Cultivate and maintain strong professional relationships. Networking with other professionals in the industry can provide invaluable support, knowledge, and business opportunities.

3. The Balance Between Specialization and Broad Skills

• Mike's experience shows the benefit of having specialized knowledge and broad mechanical skills. While he enjoys working on electrical systems and creating custom wiring harnesses, he also handles various mechanical tasks on different types of motorcycles. This combination of broad and specialized skills allows him to take on many projects and provide high-quality service to his clients.
• Takeaway: Develop a balance between specialized expertise and a broad set of mechanical skills. This versatility can help you handle diverse projects and meet different customer needs effectively.

Episode quote: "the two most powerful warriors are patience and time" - Leo Tolstoy

Supporting Quotes from Mike Abel

• On Learning: "It's amazing what you can do when you haven't got massive overheads. And the decisions you can make on work you take on for interest and for learning is a big part of what I do."
• On Professional Relationships: "My biggest bit of advice and the thing that shocked me the most when I opened my own workshop was how nice and how important it was to have really good working relationships with other car mechanics, motorcycle mechanics, and other local companies."
• On Specialization: "I really like that side of work. And for me at the moment, that is the section of my work that doesn't really earn me the money, but I do it because I love it and I like learning that side more than anything else."

Valuable insights for mechanics at any career stage. He emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement, networking, and maintaining a versatile skill set.

Insights and Advice

Mike's journey offers valuable lessons for aspiring mechanics and business owners. His emphasis on learning, quality, and professional relationships stands out. "My biggest bit of advice and the thing that shocked me the most when I opened my own workshop was how nice and how important it was to have really good working relationships with other car mechanics, motorcycle mechanics, and other local companies," Mike advised.

He also highlighted the importance of finding a balance between work and passion. His love for electrical work and wiring harnesses, for instance, is something he pursues for the joy of it, rather than purely for profit. This balance keeps him motivated and constantly improving his skills.

The Future of Able Motorworks

Looking ahead, Mike focuses on honing his craft and expanding his knowledge. His recent foray into race team mechanics underscores his commitment to learning and growth. "It's amazing what you can do when you haven't got massive overheads. And the decisions you can make on work you take on for interest and for learning is a big part of what I do," Mike said.

Final Thoughts

Mike Abel's story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and smart decisions. From a teenager fixing bicycles to a respected motorcycle mechanic with a thriving business, Mike's journey is as inspiring as instructive. As he continues pushing his craft's boundaries, one thing is clear—Able Motorworks is a name to watch.

Content Update, Recruiter Series; In full swing!

Half of the Recruiter Series episodes of the Wrench Turners Podcast have been released! Episodes from Larry Feldman , Steven Adragna , Nathan Lenahan , and Jayne Reczulski have dropped and We’ll be launching more episodes in the coming weeks! This special series with recruiters, whether you’re searching for your first job in the shop or looking to make a career move, will arm you with the knowledge you need to navigate the job market effectively.

These episodes are released on Fridays at 730am EST!

Check out the YouTube Channel!

Wrench Turners Recruiter Series Episodes

• Larry Feldman
• Steven Adragna
• Nathan Lenahan
• Jayne Reczulski

Remember,

Negative pushes,

Positive pulls,

and always clean your toys before you put them away.

j.

Joshua Taylor , developing Technicians into Leaders

Founder, Wrench Turners Podcast Online and The Sweaty Leader

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Disclaimer:

The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and is based on my personal experiences and insights as a mechanic and automotive industry professional. I am not a therapist, doctor, or highly educated analyst. The content of this article should not be taken as professional medical, psychological, or academic advice.

While I strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, I make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability concerning the article or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the article for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

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Please consult with a qualified professional for specific advice tailored to your situation. My views and opinions are my own and do not represent the views of any entity with which I have been, am now, or will be affiliated.