In the Midwest, recreational vehicles like ATVs, UTVs, side-by-sides, and golf carts are becoming more popular. This trend means more of these vehicles are on local roads, creating a big need for maintenance. Unfortunately, finding the right parts and services can be tough for both DIY enthusiasts and those looking for professional help.
That’s why we started Dr. PullStart Outdoor Power Specialists, LLC. Based in Shell Rock, Northeast Iowa, we specialize in parts and services for lawn and garden equipment, powersports, recreational vehicles (like golf carts and go-karts), and more. Since opening in July 2021, we’ve grown from a 1,000 sq. ft. shop to a 6,000 sq. ft. facility, with annual sales of $275-300k. This growth has been exciting, but we’ve faced challenges, especially with maintaining a steady supply of parts.
We currently work with over 40 vendors to get the parts we need. While we do sell parts, our inventory is limited due to a lack of funds. There’s a strong demand for aftermarket parts, particularly for maintenance and accessories. Although online shopping has grown, there’s a gap in the retail market that we can fill. We want to be like O’Reilly’s or AutoZone, but for powersports and small engines. Our vision is to shift from a service center that sells some parts to a retail parts supplier that also offers services.
Over the past three years, we’ve built strong community relationships and proven our value. We’ve reached the limit of what we can do with our current resources. To improve our efficiency and service, we need better access to parts. Automotive shops often have multiple parts suppliers, which helps them repair vehicles faster. If you look at automotive service shops, they have 5-10 aftermarket retail parts suppliers in the area to increase their access to parts and therefore can reduce repair times of customer equipment. We don’t have that advantage, leading to a loss of $10-15k per month because of unavailable parts. This venture will increase our yearly total gross revenue to the $1M mark over the next 3-5 years.
We’re ready to focus on the retail side and become the leading supplier of aftermarket small engine parts in our region. Our goal is to set up a full retail parts store within our existing facility, offering parts for powersports, lawn and garden equipment, forestry, golf carts, go-karts, and more. This store will serve local businesses, DIY customers, and companies that use this equipment in their work (such as construction, farming, and lawn care). We have the supplier relationships we need and now require capital to build inventory, set up storage, create an e-commerce website, and hire and train staff. In closing, we are building a highly profitable cookie-cutter model, once fine tuned, will be able to open new locations or franchise for future further expansion.
Owner Bio: Jeff Buss
Jeff Buss is the principal owner of Dr. PullStart Outdoor Power Specialists, LLC, bringing over 30 years of expertise in the mechanical trades to his role. With a robust background in industrial maintenance, Jeff has accumulated extensive experience in managing high-value maintenance budgets and inventories. His career includes 18 years in management positions with leading companies such as Caterpillar, Great Dane, BOMAG, and Trinity Rail, where he handled annual maintenance budgets exceeding $5 million and inventories of maintenance parts valued at up to $2 million.
Jeff's proficiency in managing relationships with manufacturers and suppliers has been pivotal in maintaining a fast-moving, high-turnover inventory and understanding critical part lead times. This expertise ensures that Dr. PullStart is well-equipped to meet the needs of its customers promptly and efficiently.
Jeff's leadership extends beyond his business. He is known for his insightful customer advice and dedication to his community in Shell Rock, IA. His extensive knowledge and reliable guidance have garnered him a trusted reputation in the industry, with customers valuing his expertise in servicing and refurbishing small engine equipment.
Driven by a lifelong passion for small engine technology, Jeff dedicated 20 years to planning and saving before opening Dr. PullStart. His journey brought him to Shell Rock, where he initially worked as a primary project manager for the new Trinity Rail Maintenance Center. After completing the facility build, Jeff seized the opportunity to start a new chapter with Dr. PullStart, recognizing Shell Rock as an ideal location for his business model.
Jeff's commitment to excellence and his deep-rooted passion for the field continue to drive the success of Dr. PullStart, reflecting his longstanding dedication to both his trade and his community.