Scott Anthony has immersed himself in the automotive mechanic industry since the age of 20, acquiring knowledge through hands-on experience and on-the-job training.

Anthony achieved mastery in automotive repair, obtaining certifications for various vehicles, including heavy trucks and school buses. His extensive experience fueled his aspiration to establish his own business.

In recent years, Anthony devised an exit plan from the corporate world. Beginning last year, he started working with clients on a part-time basis, securing their commitment to transition with him upon his departure from his corporate role in late December 2023.

Anthony Truck Bus and Auto, located in Nash, Texas just outside Texarkana, started operations on January 1, 2024, marking its official establishment date.

Before departing from his previous position, Anthony invested in a work truck and pursued financial assistance to acquire supplementary equipment and tools needed for the modern truck repair sector, including software and computers.

Anthony was connected with Communities Unlimited’s (CU) Lending Team through the Texarkana Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Collaborating with Small Business Lender Chris Ranniger, Anthony secured a loan with funding coming from CU’s partner, the T.L.L. Temple Foundation in the East Texas region. This financial support gave Anthony’s nascent mobile mechanic business the vital resources it needed to thrive.

The additional funding has enabled Anthony to launch his day-to-day operations with vigor.

“I’ve been busy since 1-1-24,” Anthony said. “I’m already at a point where I’m considering hiring somebody to help as an additional mechanic or potentially an apprentice. Business has been good. I keep getting phone calls and I keep working to expand my market, increasing my presence online and making sure I can be found in all the applications.”

Anthony pledges to deliver dealership-level services to vehicle owners across the greater Texarkana area, with a primary emphasis on RVs and buses.

The issue arises from the limited options available to RV and bus owners. While smaller shops often decline these vehicles, larger truck shops also tend to refuse such work, as Anthony highlighted.

In recent years, Anthony has dedicated himself to networking and fostering relationships within various sectors, including local school districts, used truck dealers, trucking companies, RV parks, campgrounds, and individual RV owners. Through these efforts, he identified a crucial gap in Texarkana for an RV mechanic proficient in engine work, generator maintenance, and chassis repair.

Anthony, who will also be servicing semis, cars, trucks, and SUVs, sees an opportunity to capitalize on this specialized market in Texarkana.

“The popularity of RVs has exploded in the last few years, especially with the increasing housing costs that we’ve experienced,” Anthony said. “There’s RV parks all over the place. There are new ones in the area, but nobody works on RVs here. I’m marketing myself as the RV repair guy. So far, that has worked well.”

Ranniger strategically blended with CU’s Entrepreneurship Team and connected Anthony with Management Consultant Trent Thomason. The two meet biweekly over Zoom to discuss Anthony Truck Bus and Auto.

To date, their conversations have delved into topics such as bookkeeping and business structure as well as exploring various marketing strategies for small business owners.

Anthony was quick to credit CU for helping get his business started from the ground up.