– Vlad, please tell us about yourself and your story in America
Originally, I am form Mariupol, Ukraine. My relationship with my motherland was a short one, because soon after I turned 13, my family immigrated to the United States of America. Although it is humorous to me now, I remember the frustration I felt when I enrolled in my first American school, and it seemed as if I was returning to first grate in order to learn the alphabet! However, I retained the mastery of the Russian language even as I absorbed a new one. Looking back, I am glad I did, because now my community encompasses both Russian and English-speaking friends.
– What is your occupation?
People who have a vision and a passion to do a job, often find themselves on the road to becoming self-employed. It happened to me. I found myself quitting my comfortable 9 to5 job in order to open my own business, a mechanic’s shop that became known as ‘Austin Import Parts’. Today, not only does our small family business serve central Texas as a vehicle maintenance provider, but it also provides used parts for Volkswagens, Audis, Mitsubishis, Teslas, and more.
– How did you choose your profession? What do you enjoy in it?
From a very early age, I discovered my knack for fixing mechanical devises. I enjoyed the rational logic behind mechanics, and I was often curious about the way things worked. For some reason, this phenomenon is not uncommon for young immigrant children, and growing up, I always had a collection of RC cars and helicopters. It was not a surprise to anyone when I took an interest in automobiles, and at age 15 I successfully replaced an engine in my cousin’s car.
– How did you start your own business?
As an adult, I didn’t immediately get into the world of automobile repair; for a long time, cars were just a hobby for me. Instead, I went to college and later began working at a HVAC and pumping company. At that point in my life, it was not wise to risk everything on a business venture; I had just gotten married and had started my own family. I lived by the old proverb: “a jack of all trades but a master of one”, so no matter what job I was involved in, whether it was house remodeling or drafting, there was always a vehicle I was working on in the garage.
However, circumstances soon changed when I moved my family to this great, beautiful state in which we now live. When we moved in 2006, Texas seemed like virgin land; it was so full of potential and opportunity. Seeking a steady job, I obtained employment as a drafter at the Porter Company. Then, when the opportunity presented itself, I rented out a small commercial garage where I started legitimately tinkering with vehicles. It was fun in the beginning. I employed several of my growing nephews, and, after I worked my hours at the Porter Company, I would join them at the shop. From the very start, the shop was very family oriented, and I often brought my children along with me.
Over time, I was pleased to see that my fledgling auto mechanics shop was doing quite well. The name ‘Austin Import Parts’ sort of just latched on (we were closer to Austin then), and we built a knowledgeable and trustworthy reputation. However, that was when I ran into a problem. As the shop prospered, it began to get more and more complicated to juggle my two jobs. I remember a particular time when I was feeling torn between working to meet the demands of the Porter Company and squeezing in time to work at the shop, my wife took me aside and said, “Honey, go ahead and do what you love.” To make a long story short, I did just that.
– Please tell us about an interesting project you worked on
I admit it has been a lot of hard, sweaty work at times, but I wouldn’t trade this journey for the world. I love looking back and remembering the cool projects we have tackled over the years. My favorite project was when we converted a Mk4 Volkswagen Jetta into a pickup truck! We cut out the rear portion of the vehicle and purchased a kit from Smyth Performance to make the conversion. We certainly didn’t do this project for practical reasons, but rather just for fun! It took us a little over a year to complete the conversion; but in the end the vehicle turned out better than I could have expected, and it has been a great way to get our name out there!
Today, ‘Austin Import Parts’ has been serving central Texas for 12 years. What began as a little hobby in the garage has manifested itself into the business it is today; thanks to the influence of circumstance, support of community, and guidance of opportunity. After hopping from rent to rent, we have finally settled on a location in San Marcos, Texas, just off of IH-35. In the years to come, I hope to expand our facility in order to be more available to our customer’s needs. I look forward to continuing serving our growing community in a trustworthy and respectable manner.
Contact information:
Vlad Mogil
Austin Imports
Address: 2601 S IH 35 – San Marcos, TX
Tel. (512) 557-3473
E-mail: Austinimports@hotmail.com