He's been holding a tool since before he can remember, and Chris Enright's journey from technician to shop owner has been one of his proudest achievements. Find out how this mechanic-shop owner-content creator made the jump.
Who is Chris Enright?
Chris Enright has been working in the automotive industry for roughly 14 years. He’s enjoyed working on his own vehicles for as long as he can remember. So, like any good entrepreneur, he decided to turn his passion into a career.
After working with other experienced mechanics, Chris decided to open his own automotive repair shop, and he hasn’t looked back since. His shop, located in Alexandria, OH services both Asian and domestic vehicles, specializing in Hondas and Acuras. After gaining a lot of experience, Chris opened up his own social media outlet, where he offers product reviews on the tools he’s used and gives advice to up-and-coming mechanics.
Time in Training
Chris has worked with some masterful mechanics and refined his skills by learning from others who taught him the ropes. He says that the shop owners and mechanics he works with are a great group of people, and they’re one of his favorite things about the automotive industry — but he wasn’t content just to let others teach him repairs.
Chris regularly practiced with his equipment on his own time, honing his skills on his picoscope and other tools of the trade. He received extensive training directly from manufacturers and has attended several training events like ASTE and Vision KC so that he can become a master of his craft.
In fact, Chris has become so confident in his craft that he can offer the industry-leading 3-year/36,000-mile TechNet nationwide warranty, which lasts three times longer than those offered by many competitors.
All that training is why Chris’ customers know they can trust him to get the job done right the first time. It’s also why he recommends that prospective mechanics gain as much training as possible and work at shops that will invest in their development.
Likes and Dislikes
Those who are best at their trade often take a great deal of satisfaction in their work, and that’s the case with Chris. When Chris was asked what his favorite part of a vehicle to fix was, he didn’t just give a component; he said that he enjoyed the entire process of restoring something damaged. “I love it when a vehicle comes in broken and leaves fixed”, Chris said, citing that feeling of satisfaction he gets in knowing that something’s been made whole.
But even with so much training, Chris knows that the automotive industry can still be a challenge. Aside from clearing off stubborn rust (Chris’ least favorite part of the job), he still encounters tough jobs that require extra grit. He finds the challenge satisfying, especially once he comes up with a solution.
Like many mechanics, Chris’ passion for vehicles extends outside his profession. His favorite car to work on may be almost any Honda, but his dream car is the sleek and stylish Mclaren P1. He has other interests outside the shop and particularly enjoys basketball, as well as content creation, which he’s used to better both his business and others.
“Dedicated to bringing trust and honesty back into the automotive repair market again.”
- Chris Enright
Cars and Content
Chris will tell you that opening up his own shop was both his greatest challenge and achievement. But he’s proud of another achievement too: his social media accounts.
His viewers enjoy his product reviews, but so many have asked about his experiences with opening up his own shop that he’s now begun putting out content reflecting on his journey. By sharing his own successes, mistakes, and things he wishes he would’ve known, Chris hopes to help aspiring shop owners start from a better place.
Chris has always enjoyed reviewing videos and sharing his insights on the tools he’s used, so he thought he’d open up his own YouTube channel. He also has a Facebook and Instagram account. He has used his YouTube channel for tools reviews, such as:
- Roll carts
- Diagnostic carts
- Wrenches and ratchets
- Thermal imagers
- Drawers and organizers
- Tool cart tours
- Much more
Chris's Advice
It’s helpful to listen to the experiences of pros who have been there before, so aspiring shop owners would do well to take the wisdom of an established shop owner like Chris.
Chris gives practical advice on everything from shop management systems to pricing models, but his most practical advice is on having the right attitude.
He says that the two most important attributes an automotive mechanic should have are good critical thinking skills to solve complex problems and the ability to maintain a positive perspective. He tells those currently studying the automotive industry to get all the training they can find and to work with garages that will send them to training workshops and help them master their craft. He believes that good character is a must!
