Never underestimate the value of a high school elective course. Thanks to two years of auto shop, Danny knew what he was destined to do as a career. One week after graduating from high school, he packed up his things and moved 120 miles away to attend Universal Technical Institute. There he obtained his Automotive Certificate and ASE Certifications.
Danny worked for different companies on all kinds of equipment. He was much more than an auto mechanic. His expertise allowed him to work on transit buses, dirt haulers, earthmoving and all kinds of construction equipment. His employers trusted him to work in the field repairing equipment on site. Danny was even a civilian contractor aboard the USS New Orleans! The more varied the work he did, the better mechanic he became.
Danny decided to take the huge step of becoming self-employed. He sold many of his recreational items (OK... "toys") and other possessions in order to raise the money that he needed. He began building his customer list while working out of his Ford Bronco.
As he earned money, he put nearly all disposable funds into the business. He removed the camper from his Ford F250, put a service body on it, and Johnson Services was born. He obtained his fictitious business name and tax ID number April 11, 2017.
Many of you may recall the "1st Annual Customer Appreciation Picnic" last April. Danny invited his customers, work associates, and supporters to be his guests. He did all of the cooking while at the same time saying "Thank you" to everyone who had a part in making the first year of business for Johnson Services a success. He had become known and work continued to pick up. For mobile equipment repair, Danny has been referred to as "one of the best in San Diego".
Below are some pictures of Johnson Services in action:
Broken down on the road? Johnson Services to the rescue!
Can't even get on the road? Johnson Services comes to you!
You don't want to have to call a tow truck!
However, you never know what a day will hold for you. This proved true for Danny on Tuesday, August 7, 2018. Danny was working on the engine of a big diesel motorhome. The engine harness he was inspecting gave way, and his left hand went into the spinning engine fan. He wrapped up his bleeding hand, and Googled the nearest hospital. Thankfully, it was just 5 minutes away so Danny drove himself to the emergency room.
Danny was actually lucky. He had serious cuts to his index and middle fingers on his left hand, but only the index finger was broken. "Shattered" would be the better term. The surgeon used mesh and pins to stabilize his index finger. The decision was made to allow the finger to heal with the realization that more surgery may be needed later on if his finger did not heal well.
Danny is a "Diesel Doctor". He needs the full use of both his hands in order to do what he does. Many of his customers and others asked what they could do to help. Danny received offers to turn wrenches for him as well as offers to help financially. Danny took a "Let's wait and see what happens" position and the healing began.
September 19, 2018 was a big day. The cast came off and Danny was finally able to REALLY wash his forearm. He could begin to stretch his fingers and use them a bit.
He had his first physical therapy appointment on October 4, 2018. Danny was anxious to get back to work and was looking forward to showing Sarah, the physical therapist, a lot of improvement at his next appointment.
Monday, October 8, 2018, proved to be another one of those days when the unexpected happens. Danny was disconnecting an air hose and it shot back and hit his index finger. It hurt. It continued to hurt. The following day x-rays were taken. One of them was taken at a different orientation than had been done before, and it showed a piece of bone that hadn't been there before. Danny will see the doctor again tomorrow, October 15th. It's likely that he'll have surgery later this week.
After the initial accident, Danny remained in high spirits and laughingly referred to himself as, "One Hand Dan". He considered the accident simply a "speed bump" in the success of Johnson Services. He wanted to get back to work so he could start paying his medical bills. After re-injuring his finger, Danny is broken and devastated. He must begin the healing process all over again following more surgery and more pain. He is at a very low point.
Although Danny continues to have health insurance, he doesn't have the greatest plan in an effort to keep his monthly costs down. His hospital and doctors' bills are adding up and of course his usual monthly expenses are ongoing as well. He's got start up costs, his commercial vehicle insurance, and recent equipment purchases (a welder) he has to pay for. He MUST keep paying his medical insurance premiums!
Danny is a proud man. He's proud of what he has accomplished and the brief success Johnson Services was able to enjoy before the accident. It is only at the encouraging of others, that Danny is now reaching out on this platform. To those who had asked earlier if they could help...now is the time. If you can help Danny financially, please donate. Every little bit helps. If you are willing to share this via your social media accounts so that others may see this, please do.
Danny thanks everyone for their previous good wishes and kind thoughts.
Danny worked for different companies on all kinds of equipment. He was much more than an auto mechanic. His expertise allowed him to work on transit buses, dirt haulers, earthmoving and all kinds of construction equipment. His employers trusted him to work in the field repairing equipment on site. Danny was even a civilian contractor aboard the USS New Orleans! The more varied the work he did, the better mechanic he became.
Danny decided to take the huge step of becoming self-employed. He sold many of his recreational items (OK... "toys") and other possessions in order to raise the money that he needed. He began building his customer list while working out of his Ford Bronco.
As he earned money, he put nearly all disposable funds into the business. He removed the camper from his Ford F250, put a service body on it, and Johnson Services was born. He obtained his fictitious business name and tax ID number April 11, 2017.
Many of you may recall the "1st Annual Customer Appreciation Picnic" last April. Danny invited his customers, work associates, and supporters to be his guests. He did all of the cooking while at the same time saying "Thank you" to everyone who had a part in making the first year of business for Johnson Services a success. He had become known and work continued to pick up. For mobile equipment repair, Danny has been referred to as "one of the best in San Diego".
Below are some pictures of Johnson Services in action:
Broken down on the road? Johnson Services to the rescue! Can't even get on the road? Johnson Services comes to you! You don't want to have to call a tow truck!However, you never know what a day will hold for you. This proved true for Danny on Tuesday, August 7, 2018. Danny was working on the engine of a big diesel motorhome. The engine harness he was inspecting gave way, and his left hand went into the spinning engine fan. He wrapped up his bleeding hand, and Googled the nearest hospital. Thankfully, it was just 5 minutes away so Danny drove himself to the emergency room.
Danny was actually lucky. He had serious cuts to his index and middle fingers on his left hand, but only the index finger was broken. "Shattered" would be the better term. The surgeon used mesh and pins to stabilize his index finger. The decision was made to allow the finger to heal with the realization that more surgery may be needed later on if his finger did not heal well.
Danny is a "Diesel Doctor". He needs the full use of both his hands in order to do what he does. Many of his customers and others asked what they could do to help. Danny received offers to turn wrenches for him as well as offers to help financially. Danny took a "Let's wait and see what happens" position and the healing began.
September 19, 2018 was a big day. The cast came off and Danny was finally able to REALLY wash his forearm. He could begin to stretch his fingers and use them a bit.
He had his first physical therapy appointment on October 4, 2018. Danny was anxious to get back to work and was looking forward to showing Sarah, the physical therapist, a lot of improvement at his next appointment.
Monday, October 8, 2018, proved to be another one of those days when the unexpected happens. Danny was disconnecting an air hose and it shot back and hit his index finger. It hurt. It continued to hurt. The following day x-rays were taken. One of them was taken at a different orientation than had been done before, and it showed a piece of bone that hadn't been there before. Danny will see the doctor again tomorrow, October 15th. It's likely that he'll have surgery later this week.
After the initial accident, Danny remained in high spirits and laughingly referred to himself as, "One Hand Dan". He considered the accident simply a "speed bump" in the success of Johnson Services. He wanted to get back to work so he could start paying his medical bills. After re-injuring his finger, Danny is broken and devastated. He must begin the healing process all over again following more surgery and more pain. He is at a very low point.
Although Danny continues to have health insurance, he doesn't have the greatest plan in an effort to keep his monthly costs down. His hospital and doctors' bills are adding up and of course his usual monthly expenses are ongoing as well. He's got start up costs, his commercial vehicle insurance, and recent equipment purchases (a welder) he has to pay for. He MUST keep paying his medical insurance premiums!
Danny is a proud man. He's proud of what he has accomplished and the brief success Johnson Services was able to enjoy before the accident. It is only at the encouraging of others, that Danny is now reaching out on this platform. To those who had asked earlier if they could help...now is the time. If you can help Danny financially, please donate. Every little bit helps. If you are willing to share this via your social media accounts so that others may see this, please do.
Danny thanks everyone for their previous good wishes and kind thoughts.