Weekly Spotlight Archives - Page 6 of 6

Utility Avenue is a platform for business owners and entrepreneurs to scale their services. We have created this spotlight to promote local businesses every week. This time, we present Machado Auto Sales.

Who is Machado Auto Sales?

Machado Auto Sales is an independent dealer that has served the community of South Florida for over ten years. It is a family-owned-and-operated business with more than 25 years of experience in the automotive industry. We highly value the concepts of family and trust, and we treasure the relationship we build with our customers.

What is your strategy to stand out over the competition?

Being a family-owned independent dealer helps the development of our business. We work from an intimate and personalized perspective. Identifying the client’s needs and understanding their economic reality guarantee the selection of the right vehicle. The financial institutions that we collaborate with help us acquire fair loans and equitable interest rates for our customers. The solid relationships we have built with these institutions allow us to better serve customers with difficult credit conditions.

We want our clients to become part of our family and consider us for future investments. At Machado Auto Sales, we don’t only want to sell cars. We want to make a positive impact on customer lives.

We can assure you that we have a car and a loan for each client.

Any advice to those that are thinking about buying a car?

Purchasing a car is a complex process. It is one of the most significant investments, only surpassed by those of real estate transactions. You will be dealing with banks and assuming financial responsibility for several years. The result of this relationship and how you meet the requirements of the contract established by the bank will influence your credit capabilities in the future. Bad financial decisions could significantly affect your credit history and even end in bankruptcy.

Let us help you: consider our professional advice, and allow us to guarantee the right loan for your credit health. This will give you the possibility to acquire better vehicles and more favorable loans in the future. Apart from consulting professionals, you, as a client, need to be objective and understand what you can realistically afford. Be flexible and understand that our objective is not just to sell you a car, but to establish a lifelong relationship of trust with you.

How has COVID-19 affected the car sales industry?

The current COVID-19 pandemic has also affected the car sales industry. However, small businesses, as well as big franchises, have turned into finding alternatives first to guarantee the safety of clients and then keep a business load solid enough to keep the doors open.

What measures have you taken regarding COVID-19 to help and protect your clients?

In Machado Auto Sales, we have significantly reduced the prices of all our inventory to facilitate the acquisition of these vehicles.

We have also created the necessary conditions to ensure social distancing, so we work per appointment. In most cases, the clients choose the vehicle online and submit all the information to process the loan. That way, we have reduced the waiting time in our facilities. The clients get to the dealer just to confirm the conditions of the selected vehicle and seal the deal.

We recommend clients to be responsible. We encourage them to make their decisions at home and get to the dealers more to buy than to explore. Taking care of ourselves and protecting others is the best way strategy to beat COVID-19.

Machado Auto Sales Contact Info

843 NW 27 Ave. Miami. Fl 33125

786.397.7033

www.machadoauto.com

IG: Machado Auto Sales

FB: Machado Auto Sales

Utility Avenue is a platform for business owners to promote and scale their businesses. Like Robert Ingersoll, we believe we rise by lifting others. So, we have created this spotlight to encourage local businesses every week.

Today, we give you Natasha Knutson, from Natasha Knutson Events!

Who is Natasha Knutson? How did everything start?

I am the owner of Natasha Knutson Events: the mom of two little girls who wanted to follow her passion for design and decor and do something in life that my girls can look up to. I have always had a keen interest in event design and decor. What started as a passion for event planning turned into a business opportunity. Once I decided that it was time to head back to work, I wanted to do something that would make me happy, and I could see myself doing for the rest of my career. Event planning was the ideal choice for me because it brings me joy and fulfillment.

What aspects of your background have helped you the most?

Growing up, my mom would always throw us lavish birthday parties taking care of the most minute details. All the kids wanted to attend, and people would talk about how amazing these parties were for months on end. She also had a knack for design. People would always ask her for her opinion and help with events, decor, and even outfits. I would sit and listen to what she would suggest. It always amazed me how she made everything look so perfect. My mom would throw herself in with all her soul on all of her projects. She is my inspiration.

At the beginning, which were the main challenges?

Starting a business from the ground up is challenging. To bring all the ideas that are floating in your brain to a cohesive business plan is the first step. One of my biggest challenges was figuring out what works for my business, what the market needs are, and how best to present them to potential clients.

Who was the most supportive of your idea?

I have been incredibly lucky to have so much support from friends and family. They encouraged me to start my business and have helped me with every step. They are my biggest cheerleaders, and I wouldn’t be here without their faith in me to succeed.

Who is your primary target audience?

Anyone who is planning an event is our target audience. Be it a wedding, a corporate event, a baby shower, or any other event someone needs to take to the next level. We are here to make your event a success. All the while, making sure the host is enjoying every moment along with their guests.

With all the competition in the world right now, what makes your offer unique?

In the Event Planning Business, understanding what your client wants and bringing it to life is what makes you unique. It is the relationship that you have with your client that helps you create their big day exactly how they envisioned it.

If you could go back in time, would you change anything?

I think about this a lot. I should have started this business a long time ago, but I always afraid of not succeeding, wondering how well my business would be received. We let our fears hold us back so much sometimes, and I just wish I had jumped into this business a lot sooner.

What challenges do you see ahead of you?

Given the current situation with Covid-19, there is uncertainty about how things would be soon. People are canceling events and celebrations, and things look a little bleak, but I also see the light at the end of the tunnel. People love to celebrate and have a great time. We can’t keep away from these celebrations for a very long time. Once the virus settles, we will be back up and, hopefully, come back stronger.

Have you used Utility Avenue? How would you describe your experience with the platform?

We have used Utility Avenue to interact directly with our potential clients. We can reach a significant number of potential clients and have been able to answer their questions and have had clients book us via Utility Avenue. It is an excellent resource for small business owners looking for new clients.