Jack-of-All-Trades Enjoys Rebuilding Most By Traci Matt Associate Editor When John Franklin Pearson and his wife decided in 2004 to sell their rebuild- ing business and move on to other endeavors, they never expected to gravi- tate back to the industry in less than three years. “We really wanted a change of life after 29 years of rebuilding so we sold out to look for that better job. We did find other things to do, but nothing paid as well as rebuilding and especially with the rebuilding, the initial cost of invest- ment was much smaller and the profits were much greater,” said Pearson, who today owns Pearson Hitches & Wiring in Fort Payne, Ala. They dabbled in everything from tree trimming to used car sales before return- ing to their hometown and to electrical work. “Not wanting to hurt the people we sold to, I opened a new shop and started a new business doing trailer hitches and all wiring pertaining to towing. After nearly two years in this new business I will say the wiring is by far the most profitable and less strenuous than trailer hitches,” he said. Although Pearson has tried not to become too competitive with the owners of his old business, he is pleased to have had many requests to do rebuilding. “A customer can sense when you are interested in what’s best for them — both financially and service. A satisfied cus- tomer will tell other people,’ he said. “A knowledge of what to do in your field of work, along with a good attitude, will win, even when being honest with a cus- tomer may not seem to be in your finan- cial interest at the time.” Not all of their former customers have returned, but that doesn’t bother Pearson, who believes in the power of competition and that no one company can “do it all.” His new approach has required the purchase of basic rebuilding tools such as alternator and regulator testers, five-in- one stator, rotor, diode tester, parts vibra- tory washer, and smaller tools. Pearson said he hopes the versatility he offers today will keep business steady. “In the rebuilding industry we have always experienced some dry times, even with service bays for diagnosis, removal and installation,’ he said. “Now I’m more open to do other lines of service to help fill the void spots. It’s very rewarding to get paid for something you enjoy doing.” ET RIE| Nearly thirty years of reb uilding hasn’t been enough for John Pearson. He’s back at it and has adapted his gig to include trailor hitches and wiring.