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This Nurse Googled How To Repair Cars — Now Her Auto Shop Brings In $440K/Year
Crown’s Corner Mechanics: Desiree Hill’s Journey in Auto Repair
Ark
June 02, 2025
Desiree Hill, a 39-year-old former nurse, has transformed her career and life by founding and managing Crown’s Corner Mechanics, an auto repair shop bustling with activity. With an average of 40 cars being serviced at any given time, Desiree’s shop handles everything from oil changes and brake pad replacements to complex engine rebuilds, transmission replacements, and even vintage car restorations. “We can do anything you want,” she says confidently, a testament to the skilled team she’s built and her own relentless drive.
From Oncology to Auto Repair
Desiree’s journey into auto repair began after a decade in the medical field, where she worked in the demanding specialty of oncology. The long hours and three-hour daily commutes in Atlanta traffic left her little time with her children, taking a heavy toll on her family life. Seeking a change, she recognized the constant need for transportation and saw an opportunity. “Everybody needs transportation. That’s never going to stop, no matter what,” she explains. What started as flipping cars—buying, fixing, and selling them—evolved into a passion for diagnosing and repairing vehicles.
Her first repair was a revelation. Faced with a vehicle issue, Desiree turned to Google and YouTube to research symptoms and solutions. She discovered a faulty throttle body, replaced it for $60, and fixed the car herself. “It was almost like a high,” she recalls. “I swear it was beautiful.” That thrill ignited a desire to tackle more challenges, leading her to work on cars late into the night after her nursing shifts, even until 2 or 3 a.m., before waking up at 6 a.m. to return to her day job.
Building a Business
Desiree’s hands-on approach extended beyond repairs. She manages every aspect of Crown’s Corner Mechanics, from answering phone calls and handling billing to scheduling jobs weeks in advance. “I handle the telephone calls, the emails, and the text messages. I keep us organized,” she says. Her organizational skills and customer service have fueled the shop’s growth, with bookings now extending two weeks out due to high demand.
Her transition to a brick-and-mortar shop was a pivotal moment, made possible by a generous customer who believed in her vision. When Desiree estimated needing $10,000 to $20,000 to secure a building, the customer offered a loan, complete with a three-year contract. “If it weren’t for that lady right there, I wouldn’t have this building,” Desiree says gratefully. This support allowed her to establish a permanent space, moving away from mobile repairs and the clutter of cars in her yard.
Proving Herself Every Day
As a woman in the male-dominated auto repair industry, Desiree often faces skepticism. “There are people that walk into my shop, and they don’t know the whole story,” she says. When she introduces herself as the owner, customers are often surprised. But Desiree quickly dispels doubts with her expertise. “They tell me what the issue is. Well, then I take them 20 steps further and break it down for them before they can even get to the next question,” she explains. Her deep knowledge and ability to explain complex issues clearly leave customers impressed, though she feels the need to “prove myself every time I open my mouth.”
A Passion for Learning and Sharing
Desiree’s passion for learning is evident in her meticulous approach to repairs. She records every job, initially for her own reference, to document her progress and achievements. “It was more to record for me and be able to go back and say, ‘I did that. Look what I did,” she says. These recordings, like one of an alternator swap on a 2006 Cadillac DTS, capture her hands-on work and problem-solving process. While social media wasn’t her initial goal, her videos have helped showcase her skills and build a community around her shop.
A Family Atmosphere
For Desiree, Crown’s Corner Mechanics is more than a business—it’s a family. “I not only have a family at home, I have a family here, and I have a family with my customers,” she says. The shop is a place of hard work and fun, where her team tackles challenging repairs with enthusiasm. Whether it’s identifying if a sensor is “bank 2, sensor one” or rebuilding an engine, Desiree and her team approach each job with expertise and camaraderie.
The Road Ahead
Desiree Hill’s journey from nurse to auto repair shop owner is a story of resilience, self-education, and determination. From late-night YouTube tutorials to managing a thriving business, she has built a legacy that serves her community and inspires others. “We work hard, but we have so much fun,” she says. “I think that’s the success in it.”
#Innovation #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #DigitalMarketing #Technology #Career #Networking #Business #Motivation #FutureOfWork
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