With President Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States, I’ve been thinking about how his proposed policies might affect my business, Brian’s Tire & Service.
As a long-time business owner in the auto repair industry, I’ve seen how government changes can impact operations, and these new policies are no exception. Here’s my take on what they mean for us:
1. Federal Electric Vehicle (EV) Mandate Changes
🚩 Impact:
- President Trump’s plans to revoke the federal electric vehicle mandate could slow the adoption of EVs nationwide. Our shop will likely continue servicing internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles for years. While that’s good news in the short term, I also see the importance of preparing for the future.
✅ My Plan:
- I’m monitoring state and local EV policies and gradually introducing hybrid vehicle maintenance services. This will help us ease the transition to EV readiness without rushing into costly changes.
2. Tariffs on Foreign Nations
🚩 Impact:
- I’m concerned about rising costs due to the potential for increased tariffs on imported auto parts. Many of our parts are sourced internationally; higher tariffs could squeeze our profit margins.
✅ My Plan:
- I’m strengthening relationships with domestic suppliers to ensure we can keep offering competitive prices without sacrificing quality. We’re also exploring ways to stock up on essential parts to avoid potential delays.
3. Crime Reduction Measures
🚩 Impact:
- The administration’s focus on reducing crime could be a positive change, boosting consumer confidence and economic activity. A safer community means more customers feeling comfortable coming to our shop.
✅ My Plan:
- To take advantage of improved community conditions by increasing our visibility through local partnerships and marketing campaigns. Everyone benefits from being part of a thriving, safe community.
4. Southern Border Security
🚩 Impact:
- Stricter border policies could impact the labor market, making it harder to hire skilled automotive technicians. While this hasn’t been a significant issue for us yet, I’m keeping it in mind.
✅ My Plan:
- I’m focusing on employee retention and investing in training programs for our current team. Our employees are the backbone of this business, and I want to ensure they have every opportunity to grow with us.
5. Economic Growth and Consumer Confidence
🚩 Impact:
- If the administration’s policies successfully stimulate the economy, it could mean more disposable income for our customers. That’s great news for us, as it could lead to increased spending on preventative maintenance and repairs.
✅ My Plan:
- I’m positioning our shop to capitalize on this potential growth by offering premium services and doubling down on customer satisfaction. We’re ready to meet the demand with top-notch service.
6. Tax and Healthcare Policies
🚩 Impact:
- Potential pro-business tax reforms could lower our financial burden, and changes in healthcare mandates might give us more flexibility in providing benefits for our employees.
✅ My Plan:
- I’m working closely with my accountant to identify any tax-saving opportunities and ensure our benefits packages remain competitive and cost-effective. Supporting my team is a top priority for me.
Looking Ahead
While we don’t know the full impact of President Trump’s policies, I’m taking proactive steps to adapt. From supply chain adjustments to workforce development, I’m confident we can navigate these changes and continue to thrive.
We’ve been in this industry for decades, and I’m committed to serving our customers and keeping their vehicles on the road, no matter what challenges we face.
