Q: Kindly give our readers an introduction to your business. Please include what your business is all about, in which city you are located and if you have offices in multiple locations/ cities.
A: Valentin Mobile Auto is a mobile mechanic service based in Statesville, NC. We focus on high quality auto care with the added convenience of being able to travel to you. We are able to service a 45 mile radius outside of Statesville.
Q: Kindly give us a brief description about yourself (it should include your brief educational or entrepreneurial background and list some of your major achievements).
A: Christian Valentin is the owner of Valentin Mobile Auto. He got his start in mechanics at his vocational high school where he studied auto body. After graduating, he enlisted in the US Army where he was trained as and worked as a wheeled vehicle mechanic. After leaving the Army, he knew he wanted to keep working with cars but wasn’t sure where to start. In summer of 2025, Christian opened Valentin Mobile Auto, choosing to focus on entrepreneurship and helping others.
Q: What inspired you to (start a new business venture) or (to make significant changes in an existing business)? How did the idea for your business come about?
A: Christian wanted to build something of his own that combined his mechanical skills with real flexibility for customers. During his time in the Army and afterward, he saw how difficult it can be for people to take time off work, arrange rides, or sit for hours in a repair shop just to handle basic car maintenance. The idea for Valentin Mobile Auto came from wanting to remove that stress. By bringing honest, reliable auto care directly to people’s homes or workplaces, he could solve a real problem while building a business rooted in trust and convenience.
Q: What three pieces of advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?
A: First, start before you feel fully ready. You will figure things out as you go, but you have to begin.
Second, take pride in your work and your reputation. Word travels fast, especially in local communities.
Third, be consistent. Success does not come from one big moment, but from showing up every day and doing the work even when it feels slow.
Q: What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
A: Adaptability, because things will change and you have to adjust quickly.
Communication, because clear and honest communication builds trust with customers.
Discipline, because when you work for yourself, no one else is holding you accountable.
Q: How many hours do you work a day on average?
A: On average, Christian works 8 to 10 hours a day. Some days are longer depending on customer needs, travel, and scheduling, but flexibility is one of the reasons he chose a mobile model.
Q: To what do you most attribute your success?
A: Christian attributes his success to his work ethic and the discipline he developed during his time in the Army. He also credits his customers for trusting him with their vehicles and recommending him to others. Building strong relationships has been just as important as technical skill.
Q: How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?
A: Marketing for Valentin Mobile Auto is managed by Victoria DeVita Writing, a marketing and consulting firm. Their work includes local SEO, website optimization, and ongoing visibility efforts designed to help customers easily find and trust the business online. The most successful forms of marketing have been a combination of strong local search presence, community focused Facebook groups, and word of mouth referrals. Consistent SEO efforts and positive customer experiences have supported steady and sustainable growth.
Q: Where did your organizations funding/capital come from and how did you go about getting it? How did you obtain investors for your venture?
A: Valentin Mobile Auto was self funded. Christian invested his own money into tools, equipment, and startup costs. He chose to grow without outside investors so he could maintain control and build the business at a sustainable pace.
Q: What is the best way to achieve long-term success?
A: The best way to achieve long term success is to focus on quality, consistency, and relationships. Taking care of customers, continuing to learn, and adapting to growth opportunities are key to building something that lasts.
Q: Where you see yourself and your business in 5 – 10 years?
A: In the next 5 to 10 years, Christian sees Valentin Mobile Auto expanding with additional service vehicles and technicians while still maintaining the same level of personal service. He hopes to continue serving the local community and creating job opportunities while staying true to the values the business was built on.
Q: Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
A: Christian admires businesses that are built on craftsmanship and integrity, especially small service based businesses that grow through reputation rather than shortcuts. He respects companies that prioritize customer trust and long term relationships over rapid expansion.
