Episode Summary

Get information from under the hood on how car repair shops truly operate and what Michael Holland, Jr. has envisioned to change that model.  By creating AMPcar, Michael has brought his guiding principle of “be the change you wish to see in the world,” to life and seeks to take the mystery out of your car repair bill.  Also on the menu, mentorship, motivation, and the importance of friends and family to your ultimate success, in this episode of the Create Your Life Series.

Kevin Y. Brown

Kevin Y. Brown is a National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) Center For Public Trust (CPT) “Being A Difference” award recipient, international speaker, entrepreneur, and author.  The former MTV Networks host and NYC fashion marketer has created an international following as a speaker on personal excellence, effective communication, and leadership.  Kevin has been featured by Black Enterprise magazine as a “Modern Man of Distinction” and highlighted in various publications for his self-help speaking work and helping students graduate college debt-free.  Recognized for his commitment to empowering foster care youth and as a foster care system alumnus, he has also delivered the keynote address at the International Foster Care Organizations Conference in Sydney, Australia, and Osaka, Japan.  Kevin is currently the creator/host of Sirius XM’s “Create Your Life” series, a fellow in the New York Chapter of the Startup Leadership Program, and an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. 

Michael Holland, Jr.

Michael Holland, Jr. is an auto industry veteran who started his career at the age of 19 as a junior service advisor for Ford and Lincoln. Michael has since held every conceivable client-facing position that a dealership has to offer.  After moving to New York City in 2005, he attended New York University and worked full-time on New York’s 11th Avenue of auto dealers until he, and co-founder Eric, started an automotive-maintenance management company.  AMPcar saves clients time and money while providing honesty and transparency when it comes to servicing their automobiles. 

Insights from this episode:

• Details on why Michael created AMPcar, the cost-saving services they provide, and the next steps they are taking to provide more efficient and affordable solutions for customers.
• Benefits and difficulties of having a successful career at an early age, such as income versus freedom.
• Five steps to having a successful career in the automotive industry.
• How mentorship can provide invaluable resources to help you advance your career, the value in criticism, and accepting help.
• Three steps to providing great customer service.
• Strategies for balancing life and career obligations including leaning on your friends and family for help. 

Quotes from the show: 

• “I know what it’s like to be on both sides of the coin, I’ve been the dealership person calling and asking for the money and I’ve also been the customer on the other end not sure what I should do.” – Michael Holland, Jr., Episode #183
• On the benefits of AMPcar: “People have more confidence when they have someone that knows what they’re talking about in their corner.” – Michael Holland, Jr., Episode #183
• On starting a career early: “It was probably the one of the greatest decisions I made, and also one of the worst decisions I made in a way.  … It afforded me to earn a six-figure income really early in life but it’s kind of like golden handcuffs.”  – Michael Holland, Jr., Episode #183
• “Everyone can give you their own advice and everyone can give you what they feel is working, it’s my responsibility to take that advice and adapt it to me and my company in a way that makes sense.” – Michael Holland, Jr., Episode #183
• “When you receive excellent customer service, you remember it, and you want more of it.” – Michael Holland, Jr., Episode #183
• On how Michael balances work and home life: “Without [friends and family] it would not work.  I’m not anything special, I just have special people around me.” 
• “I love that you’re being solution-based versus emotional in order to make sure that you can push your company forward.”  – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #183
• On staying motivated: “I haven’t even scratched the surface of where I want to be.” – Michael Holland, Jr., Episode #183
• On the secret to success: “Not being afraid to just go after what you want and that’s what I’m doing right now.  I’m not afraid anymore.” – Michael Holland, Jr., Episode #183
• “Show me your friends and I’ll show you who you are.  You are the company you keep.” – Michael Holland, Jr., Episode #183
• “I judge myself against my performances each month and I try to get better each month.” – Michael Holland, Jr., Episode #183
• “Educate yourself.  There is no reason to be ignorant on any topic that you’re passionate about or curious about.” – Michael Holland, Jr., Episode #183

Resources

The Richest Man in Babylon by Geroge S. Clayson

Favorite book:

The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason

Favorite quote:

“Most become the change you wish to see in the world”

3 keys to Create Your Best Life:

1. Break free of whatever is holding you back
2. Educate yourself
3. Don’t be rigid, be loose

Stay Connected:

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Kevin Y. Brown

Website: www.kevinybrown.com

Instagram: kevinybrown

Twitter: kevinybrown

Facebook: kevinybrown

Michael Holland, Jr.

Website: www.ampmycar.com

Instagram: @ampcarinc

Twitter: @ampcarinc

Instagram: @mikehollnyc

Twitter: @MikeHollandjr

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This episode was produced and managed by Podcast Laundry (www.podcastlaundry.com)