Auto repair business keeps Ngo on the move
HAMILTON @ WRK
Name: Nam Ngo Age: 32 Position: Co-owner and operator of NV Auto Job description: I manage the automotive service side of my business, performing a lot of the servicing and repairs, and building race cars. How did you come to be in this job?
After working several years for an automotive dealership and a performance racing shop, I opened my own business seven years ago. I hired an office manager (now my business partner) to care for the customers while I focused on the actual repairs. As the business grew, we hired three more staff: a technician, an office manager, and then a senior technician who had actually taught me when I was an apprentice. We now have five full-time employees, and I am hoping to hire two more in the new year. What gets you up in the morning?
I love everything about my job. I wake up every morning looking for new ways to move my business forward, and looking for new learning experiences to becoming more successful, in work and life. Lessons learned?
I’ve learned that to be a successful entrepreneur, you cannot do it alone. You must learn to trust and depend on those around you in order to achieve the goal you set in front of yourself. Also, if you want to have a successful business that grows, your business should be your priority (after your family, of course!). Never stop learning new ideas and new approaches and new skills. Roots? My parents are both Vietnamese and they met in Hong Kong, where I was born. My family moved to Hamilton when I was 4. My education and most of my work experience has been in Hamilton. Recent social media post(s)? Groups and associations: Hamilton Vietnamese Alliance Church Favourite place in Hamilton:
NV Auto! Besides that, Sam Lawrence Park: looking down from the edge of the escarpment is the best view in all of Hamilton. What would make Hamilton a better city?
Better internet speeds. I would like to see the City of Hamilton advocate on behalf of small businesses to improve telecom infrastructure. What’s next for you?
Continuing to make my business grow, and constantly acquiring new skills. This feature was co-ordinated by the Hamilton Immigration Partnership Council (HIPC), Global Hamilton and Workforce Planning Hamilton to highlight professionals from a diversity of backgrounds. If you know an immigrant professional or entrepreneur who would make a good candidate for this series, contact HIPC at immigration.partnership@hamilton.ca.