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How a windsurf instructor traded his surfboard for tires and found entrepreneurial success

Carlos Rodriguez said as time grew, so did his business.
Credit: ABC24

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — For 12 years, Carlos Rodriguez has owned and operated 360 Wheel Repair, an idea he said was born from people who ride on custom wheels.

He said as time grew, so did business.

“We do alignment, rear front balancing, front end work, brakes, so a little bit of everything you can imagine doing to your wheels and tires,” Rodriguez said.

In the beginning, 360 Wheel Repair was started inside of his mom's garage. A year later, he moved to a stall at a shop, and now after more than a decade of hard work, Rodriguez owns the entire lot.

“The competition is so aggressive that it makes you get to another level, and that’s what we’re emerging on right now," Rodriguez said. "We’re putting our foot into a part of the business that’s in another league. That’s on a different level right now."

The next level for him is retail. Rodriguez said after so many years of working on wheels, he thinks it’s time to start selling them.

“Put your money in it. Put your heart in it. People can tell that and that’s how you’re going to grow and before you know, it’s going to be bigger than hands can take and you’re going to need help.” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez said he’s even been able to bring his family into the business to help run day-to-day operations. It's something that brings him joy when he closes the shop every night.

“My wife is a business owner herself. We never had our own kids, I guess this is our kids. Her flower store, my shop, these are our kids together. Seeing her success and seeing myself grow, what can I say? I need a little more off time to go windsurfing,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez said they're looking for help around the shop. For more information on how you can apply, call 360 Wheel Repair at 901-210-3389.

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