Contact Travis: travis@leavittautomotive.com
In the beginning, Travis Leavitt faced significant challenges, but today, Travis is the proud owner of two shops – Leavitt Automotive and Cutting Edge Auto Care. He knew he wanted to be an entrepreneur, but finding the right path wasn’t easy. After working various jobs in the automotive industry, from technician to service advisor and manager, he realized he needed to take control of his future.
“I’ve always had that entrepreneurial mindset, but I never knew what I wanted to do. I had an interest in cars and took all the automotive programs in high school, but it wasn’t until I was in my 30s that I decided to open my own shop,” Travis shared.
However, the journey wasn’t smooth. “I thought I was ready, but I quickly realized how tough it was going to be. I was in survival mode, living off credit cards, just trying to keep the business afloat,” he recalled. Despite these difficulties, Travis knew he had to push through if he wanted to succeed.
For a long time, Travis operated without clear goals. His primary objective was simply to own a shop, and he believed that meant being there all day, every day. But over time, he realized the importance of setting specific, measurable goals—not just for the business but for his personal life as well.
“I feel like I’m so passionate about goal setting now because I didn’t have any in the beginning. I just wanted to own a shop, and I thought that meant buying myself a job. But a couple of years ago, I started thinking about what I really wanted out of life,” Travis said.
This shift in mindset was influenced by a coaching program that emphasized the importance of having a clear vision and working backward to achieve it. “Business needs to work for us, not the other way around,” Travis emphasized. He began to set goals not only for his business but also for his personal life—where he wanted to live, the type of lifestyle he wanted for his family, and the time freedom he desired.
Setting goals is one thing; executing them is another. For Travis, the key to success has been having a clear vision and a strong “why.” “If I have a strong enough reason for why I want something, I’m going to give it everything I have to achieve it,” he explained.
Travis’s journey from struggle to success is a testament to the power of goal setting. “You need to think about what you want, create a vision in your head, and figure out how to get there. If you don’t know what you want, how are you going to get there?” he asked.
He encourages others to start by thinking about their goals, whether they are business-related or personal, and to write them down. “It’s like a road map. If you have a map, you can get there faster. You might eventually get there without one, but it will take longer,” he noted.
Travis’s story is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t come overnight. It requires perseverance, clear goal setting, and the willingness to take action. “Life will always throw obstacles at you, but you have to be all in and give it everything you’ve got,” Travis said.
For those who haven’t started setting goals yet, Travis’s advice is simple: Start now.
“Think about what you want, write it down, and take action. Reflect on your progress regularly and adjust as needed. The journey may be tough, but the rewards are worth it.”
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, Travis’s story offers valuable insights into the importance of goal setting and the power of persistence. Success is not just about having a dream; it’s about having a plan and the determination to make it a reality.