Today we’d like to introduce you to Carrie Eldridge.
Hi Carrie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
In August 2024, I unlocked the doors to Mico Repair Services on Sunnyside School Road, not just to open a business, but to begin a new chapter in my life.
After losing my husband, Brad Eldridge, to cancer in late 2023, I was faced with an incredibly difficult decision: should I close the diesel shop that had been serving the community for over 12 years, or should I step up and take the reins? The thought of seeing everything Brad and I had worked so hard to build come to an end wasn’t something I could accept. This business had always been more than just a job—it was our dream, our legacy, and I wasn’t ready to let go.
Brad and I started Mico Transportation, LLC back in 2010 with just one over-the-road truck. Over the years, we built the company into a thriving trucking and mechanic business. Our dream was always to have our own mechanic shop, and in 2013, we made that dream a reality with the opening of our diesel repair shop. But when Brad passed, everything changed. We were in the middle of building a new, larger facility in Blue Springs to better serve our clients, and now, it was up to me to finish what we had started.
I didn’t have formal experience in diesel repair, but I knew the inner workings of our business—billing, scheduling, customer service. I hired new certified mechanics and began managing the operations day-to-day, determined to keep the doors open for our loyal customers. It wasn’t easy, but I had the support of our friends, family, and customers. Many of them had been with us from the beginning, and their encouragement was invaluable.
One of the ways we were able to reconnect with the community and bring in new customers was by leveraging a marketing strategy. My son, Jake, stepped in to help with this—he’s got a real knack for digital marketing, and together, we worked on a plan to bring more attention to the shop. Jake helped us design social media campaigns, create ads, and build an online presence, which was crucial as we transitioned into our new location. His efforts played a big role in getting the word out and reminding people that we were still here, ready to serve.
But Brad’s vision didn’t just stop with the business—we also wanted to give back to the community and provide an opportunity for young people interested in the trades. It was always a big passion of Brad’s to train and mentor students who wanted to pursue careers in diesel repair and mechanics. In his honor, we joined the Blue Springs School District’s Real World Learning Program. This initiative allows high school students to gain hands-on learning experience in the field, giving them valuable skills that could help shape their futures. It’s been one of the most fulfilling aspects of our new journey, knowing that we’re carrying on Brad’s passion for teaching and training the next generation of mechanics.
In just a short time, Mico Repair Services has expanded its offerings, including a new, larger building with ample parking for trucks. I also launched a marketing campaign to reintroduce the business to the community, especially after the loss of Brad and the transition to the new location. The most rewarding part of this process has been doing it alongside my five sons and daughter. We did it together, while still grieving the loss of a husband, father, and business partner.
Running a mechanic shop and trucking company on my own is a challenge, but it’s a challenge I take on with the full knowledge that this business is part of our family’s history. I want my children to see that no matter what life throws at us, we can keep moving forward and rebuild from even the hardest losses.
Now, nearly two years after Brad’s passing, I’m not just running a business; I’m reimagining it. Mico Repair Services is now one of the only woman-owned repair shops in the county. I’m proud of where we’ve come, and I’m determined to keep pushing forward, not only for myself and my family but to encourage other women to pursue careers in trades and business ownership.
While I never anticipated being in this position, I am proud of what we’ve accomplished. And I know that Brad would be proud, too
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The major obstacles and challenges I have ran into is overcoming the loss of Brad. Brad was an amazing mechanic. He could just listen to a truck and know what was wrong with it. The customers depended on his expertise so making sure the customers knew they could still depend on our shop and the lessons Brad taught the mechanics continue to live on in them. The other challenge I have ran into is making sure the customers know where our new location is.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Mico is a class 8 diesel truck and trailer repair shop. We have built our own building with a large amount of truck parking and have a pit in the shop. The pit makes it easier to get under the trucks for repairs especially car hauler trucks that are low to the ground. We are a family driven company and customers feel like they are part of the family as well. We are known for repairs to be done correctly and timely. We also depending on the repair we can do road service as well.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
We covered pretty much everything there is to know about us.
Pricing:
- 150 Hourly Service Rate
Contact Info:
