Looking to keep Machine Wizard open to the Public

Hey All!

Many probably know me already. My name is Dustin and let me give you a run down of what we are facing.

Machine Wizard LLC has been extending itself out to the community throughout the Covid Crisis. We have needed to change vendors often due to parts production issues, carrier issues and general damage to the supply chain. Things got tough. Not just for us but for everyone in all industries. With that came a plan - we can continue our services on payment plans to help the individuals that need it most seeing as we are all in this together. Many of these payment plans went unfilled when it came time to pay us back on that generosity. Instead of making matters worse for these individuals and families by placing Liens on their vehicles we took the Loss.

Interested so far? Well lets cut into the next section and this will show you some additional heart.

My hometown area catches ablaze. I grew up in Southern Oregon and global warming has been nothing if not a "HOT" topic. I acquired multiple resources, called in my favors, and with the help of the community at large moved multiple U-Haul trucks with supplies to the area. It was a blessing and I couldn't have done it without our donations and help from each of you. This did not incur its own fees onto Machine Wizard, but my heart was full of gratitude and it was worth every cent (10/10 would do anytime).

Next up we have more of a recent situation - The Bad Actors.

Who are the "bad actors"? They are the people that finally broke our system of running on razor thin margins to keep cost down, inspections free, and many diagnosis free as well. Ultimately this has lead to our current financial position. Increase in attempted break-in from these bad actors has lead to increases in security and costs to protect client vehicles. Peeled up fencing and cut chain-links have cost thousands in repairs, time, and materials. People cancelling checks after getting working vehicles and the loom of unjust lawsuits. Many of you have had your own interactions with these bad actors - stolen catalytic converters, broken out windows on vehicles for "smash and grabs" and we have done our best to combat back and get your vehicles back online as soon as possible.

Now that you know - Lets talk about us for a second.

Hi, I am Dustin. I run this business. Been a mechanic now for 16 years of which I own my tools on a personal level not my company. In fact my company owns very little as I opened this to help people, not get rich. I worked 7 days a week getting started 6 years ago, 2 years ago went down to 6 days a week and ebbed and flowed between those during Covid (funny to state it that way as it is still very much an issue). I went to Wyotech Trade School, went to automotive competitions (17th in the nation, number one in Oregon some years back now), ASE Master tech at a young age, and done/seen just about everything in the industry. I truly do enjoy helping people, but flat out I am burned out. I have put my heart and soul out to all and it has netted me debt and a very real situation of potentially losing everything I have worked to obtain. My tools are my collateral for this building and if I fail to pay rent I lose them all. I need that restoration of faith in humanity to continue to serve and that is why I am asking for your help.

Lets add a little extra spice -

May 9th, I end up in a MVA. Rear ended by someone not paying attention. Surprise, but not really that surprising in PDX. This causes bodily damage that keeps me from performing my daily actions and sets up the schedule for additional failure as my functions is lead technician, estimator, phone answering, scheduler, diagnostic tech, and pretty much most other roles.

The actions of a few are in the process of hurting over 600 people whom would need to find a new mechanic in town. One they can trust and know is not overcharging or misdiagnosing. I am trying to see this to the end but it is very difficult in this moment. The goal was set out to build one of the best Auto Repair Facilities in Portland and we have achieved that goal with reviews to prove it, and for that we are blessed. Thank you to those of you that do choose to support us, we hope we can continue to serve the community. Those that have put us in this position, we do believe in Karma around here and we do not need to go into further specifics.

Our best to all, and hope everyone is staying as safe and sane as they can in these troubling times. We wish for the world and the people in it to heal and find peace. Thank You!

MW and Dustin

P.S. Funds from this will go to paying off parts debts, commercial rent, company debts acquired, bad transaction fees/cost, and most Importantly Help keep us from Closing our Doors to the public! (though this is not guaranteed :( )