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Mark's Monster Garage....3800 sq ft

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yates

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Apr 14, 2017
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Mark, checking in after the hurricane to see how you and your family are as, I think, you were in the path of the storm.
 

LXCam

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More than a month without a reply? Sketchy.



Well hopefully they weren't impacted by the storm. Most likely (I pray) they're swamped and staging a build or two at SEMA right now. The doors open in the morning.
 
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IGO2XS

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I'm back!! Mark's Monster Garage is still alive and well and growing. Sorry guys business took over my life and I am currently finding my way back to reality. Some announcements coming about my life changing event and what is coming up next.

I took this picture last week. I picked up a few Corvettes here recently. I almost put the white Z06 in the ditch after only going about 100 feet in it. I set it on track mode and as soon as I got out on the highway I nailed it.........needless to say I was sideways in a second the the supercharger was still spooling! Luckily I was saved the embarrassment of a crash. LOL. I friend of mine dropped off his new ZL-1 Camaro so it was a great photo opportunity.

Good to see you guys and I will have some pictures to show you guys whats happening!!


 
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IGO2XS

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Yes I have been up to my eyeballs in business and I am seriously re-valuating my life.:headscrat I already have a real business I have been in most of my life and I want to spend more time with it. This car stuff was suppose to be a hobby.:D It got too big and too complicated and is requiring most of my waking life.:eyecrazy: Next week I am going to Blairsville, GA to try to buy a lot on top of a mountain.....seriously. If I get it done I will build my wife and I a place to go to get away. I have an idea for a garage on the side of a mountain so I can at least keep us all entertained. Would love to build another garage but small. ;)
 

don long

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It was nice to see your thread back up again. You have been missed.

Thinking of what you said about downsizing a garage! you won't be happy with it cause you will fill it up to quickly and wish it were a little bigger (IMHO)

There 's nothing wrong with a getaway though Every one needs a break now and then.

Missed you Buddy

Don
 

Bob Heine

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Mark, if you are going to be in Blairsville you should stop by Southern Polyurethanes Inc. (SPI) https://www.southernpolyurethanes.com/. The owner has a very down-to-earth attitude and sells some of the best automotive coatings in the USA. He is also your kind of business owner (the company help line is his cell phone). SPI loves helping hobbyists.
 
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IGO2XS

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A funny think happened on our way to Blairsville this past weekend. We ended up getting hit by a snow storm. We were driving through downtown Atlanta and it was coming down. Its been 20 years since I have seen snow. My wife was pretty scared but I was having a blast. Here is a picture in my mother in laws driveway.



While I was up there I ended up buying some property at a subdivision called Thirteen Hundred. It is a pretty cool place. Here is a picture from the center of the lot. I have an idea for a new garage build. Its only going to be maybe 2 car but it will extend off the side of the mountain. I want to have roll up doors on each corner so you can raise them and enjoy the view while working on a car.:D


 
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IGO2XS

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Will the new thread be called "Marks regular garage"?:D

Awesome view, can't wait to follow along with the fun.

It will be called Mark's tiny garage because most of the property is on the side of the mountain so I cant build much but I need someplace to hangout!

That is an awesome view

Yes it is and I must say I would rather look at this view than the ocean!

So here is my starting point for our cabin. Its only a theory but a few things I want to do......first, it has to have a small tower like the one on my house and garage, second I want old barn siding, stone, and even some corregated siding (rusty). I want it to look old, rustic, and run down on the outside. Call me crazy but this is what I am thinking.:headscrat

 
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IGO2XS

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I like it!!

Its a start. It has to be a 3 bedroom so bigger than this but not too big. I am going to find an architect up there to help me design some build-able plans and get some bids to build it. I am 10 hours away or I would build it. I will do the finish work and the details on the inside of the house.
 

Chadscamaro

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Oct 6, 2017
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St. Louis. Mo.
Amazing Thread! Just finished the whole thing and your drive and Garages are very inspiring. The amount of work and projects you have taken on as a second successful business WOW.

I've been Self employed since age 21 currently 37 its pretty easy to see why you have done well.

Usually fairly quiet and not outspoken but had to tip my hat. Well Done, time for a break you earned it! If I make it down that way your shop will be one of the first stops.
 

TurtleValley

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Dec 4, 2017
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BC. Canada
"So here is my starting point for our cabin. Its only a theory but a few things I want to do......first, it has to have a small tower like the one on my house and garage, second I want old barn siding, stone, and even some corregated siding (rusty). I want it to look old, rustic, and run down on the outside. Call me crazy but this is what I am thinking"


That is a very nice idea. I am still trying to figure out how to incorporate the galvanized siding detail on our house as well as some Cedar accents. I like what you have come up with for a tower as well. Maybe more glass so you can use it as an indoor Atrium? Roll up doors off the Side patio into the cabin to mimic what you were talking about on your garage with roll up doors so you can enjoy that spectacular view.

Since nothing is level there (Like out here in BC), how about a suspended deck that runs from the Cabin to the Garage?
 
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IGO2XS

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"So here is my starting point for our cabin. Its only a theory but a few things I want to do......first, it has to have a small tower like the one on my house and garage, second I want old barn siding, stone, and even some corregated siding (rusty). I want it to look old, rustic, and run down on the outside. Call me crazy but this is what I am thinking"


That is a very nice idea. I am still trying to figure out how to incorporate the galvanized siding detail on our house as well as some Cedar accents. I like what you have come up with for a tower as well. Maybe more glass so you can use it as an indoor Atrium? Roll up doors off the Side patio into the cabin to mimic what you were talking about on your garage with roll up doors so you can enjoy that spectacular view.

Since nothing is level there (Like out here in BC), how about a suspended deck that runs from the Cabin to the Garage?

I like your ideas. We have just contacted the guy who helped put my garage and house ideas to pencil and paper so we are very excited right now. I really want to have a plan done and have a few builders bid it. I would love to GC the project myself but not sure how the distance thing would work.
 
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IGO2XS

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Hey guys I have a big announcement and I cant think of a better place to officially make this public for the very first time. You guys have traveled a long journey with me from building the garage to working on cars in the garage to starting a business building cars. My wife says I dont do anything halfway and I must admit I really gave this hot rod shop all I had. Basically I was a car enthusiast who took his dream and made it a reality. We started out looking to lease 2000 sq ft and I ended up buying a 12,000 square foot building and built one of the nicest shops around. The success of GodSpeed Rides did not come without a price. The price I paid was the dedication of my time and the anxiety and stress of running a custom shop. It was hobby that turned into a million dollars a year in sales....not alot but not bad for a hobby!! LOL Not to mention we still have our real business....my day job!

About 6 months ago my wife suggested I sell the business and my reaction was absolutely no way. I couldnt imagine letting down my customers or letting my employees go. However, I was able to finally see the stress, time lost, and the battle of making this dream happen was not worth it. Finally about 3 months ago I agreed and i decided i was going to sell my building. Funny thing was I didnt even think about the business part and after a broker spoke to me he convinced me the business was in fact worth money. IN a short amount of time two guys approached us and wanted to buy GodSpeed Rides. They were impressed with the way I set up the business and were ready for the challenge. All my employees would stay and basically they would walk in and take over without any substantial changes.

Tomorrow I will bid farewell to GodSpeed Rides. They will lease the building from me and i will for a period of time keep an office there to be of service to these guys.

Trust me I learned al ot and consider myself lucky to have lived my dream. Now I am moving on to live some other dreams!!
 

Bob Heine

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Mark, I know how hard that decision was and how much you cared about the folks who worked for you. Turning the business over instead of closing it is wonderful news as well.

Take care of yourself and Mary and enjoy the leisure time you'll have only working one full-time job. I hope to one day see you again.
 

Toolfool

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Tallahassee, FL
Congratulations Mark. You laid a solid foundation with a good reputation and quality staff, classy way to hand it off. Wish I could have had you work on my '75 Ford Econoline. Hope you'll still be active on the GJ.
 
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IGO2XS

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Mark, I know how hard that decision was and how much you cared about the folks who worked for you. Turning the business over instead of closing it is wonderful news as well.

Take care of yourself and Mary and enjoy the leisure time you'll have only working one full-time job. I hope to one day see you again.

Congratulations Mark. You laid a solid foundation with a good reputation and quality staff, classy way to hand it off. Wish I could have had you work on my '75 Ford Econoline. Hope you'll still be active on the GJ.

Thanks guys. Its a big relief!! Not that I wont work my 12 hours a day but I wont be tied to the post!!
 

jbmatth

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Jun 3, 2013
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Northern Ok.
I'm sad to hear you will not longer be with the business, but very happy to see it will continue. Most importantly your employees will not have to worry about finding a new job this time of year. Congrats on the many adventures you've had and thank you for taking us along for the ride. I wish you the best in the future and hope you plan to keep us in the loop and show what you have coming down the pipe next.
JB
 
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