As the mate who went for a ride out on GDB's first job... if your mate sets up shop on their own, do not go along for the ride. (Unless you are happy with 4 hours of feeling like your day at the pearly gates had arrived) Also worth a mention, you cannot push a 2.5t Sunshine Bus UP onto a trailer... Amazing to see what GDB himself has made of his business from then to now!
Quality video better boss than you give yourself credit for. There wasn't a thing that we needed that wasn't available or ordered. Always humble.keep up the good work pal
Im a female and was thinking about setting up a service like this for my son to run. This video is ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC! Great advice, loved how it was all explained
Just found your channel and subbed. This is a really inspirational and thought provoking video - thanks for sharing your story. So refreshing to hear that a small business owner isn’t overcome by the desire/greed for expansion at the expense of mental/physical health and well-being of themselves and others. All the best fella - hope you go far 👍
This is a great story about resilience - overcoming all those set-backs; and reflective skills - thinking about and understanding when your personal-life and mental-state weren't right, and addressing that. Top stuff imo, very impressive.
Hi Greg, huge respect for you. It was very honest and down to earth listening to your history. Nobody likes talking about their past. Best of luck for the future, i am sure your grandfather is looking after you and your family. God bless
Unfortunately I lived in the road where you did and understand that there were a lot of nosey people who were against you , but it’s nice to see your now living the dream and best of luck for the future
your vid brought back a lot of memories, so "when i was a lad"... we lost a new recovery truck where i used to work in the 80s, we had just finished kitting it out, not even painted up, it was a massive kick in the nuts. trade plates only in those days, so it was never registered. insurance claim was "reg", err none, "chassis no". err dunno, "colour" err primer, but its a ford! payout was really bad, so we were given a seized old hire truck + lots of heavy wooden planks, +a week of time. 2wks later, 2 pistons, a head gasket, big flapwheel, a big box of coachbolts, + a old turfor [hand winch thing] we had a "new truck". 2 gallons of oil + a can of easystart needed for every 45mph recovery, but that 6354 perky never let us down. did sunderland/torquay/sunderland in 24hs virtually non stop, took rad grille off to keep it cool, used 4 gallons oil that trip cant do more than an hour without needing to stop for a piss these days....
Good to hear how you started life in recovery, nothing in life is easy but sounds like you worked hard and pushed thru some difficult tines ,good on you fella
Nice video ,nice to hear both sides, i work part time for a garage and the other days doing my own customers work ,i doing take on long winded jobs ,just servicing and small repairs
Hello I’m a fellow vehicle transporter started out about a year ago. The video is brilliant with what youve said. See you on the road. Harry - H R Meads Transport
Great video I subscribed you told my story basically a trip down memory lane for me. (He who is content is richest) it’s good to go though the super hard times it sure dose make you grow as a person and appreciate a simple life and the value of good relationships.well done mate you are definitely a inspiration I really mean that😊👍✅
Work and business is ALL about ballance, the balance of how large you become versus the risks of growing too large, too soon. Drivers are prone to a few knocks and bumps, but giving that this business has your name on it, it becomes a total ballache when someone does something that not even you could foresee. I've run my own business in the past and yes sometimes the money is there, but I was always stressed, always thinking 'what if....' and ultimately, life is for living. You work to live, not live to work. Work should be a profession, not something that just gives you 'brass tax'. A very informative and eye opening video Greg. Thank you for doing it P.S, part of the reason I sold my old business was due to a family bereavement. Totally screwed with my mental health. I got to the point where I wasn't enjoying life at the time then, so I decided to change my situation. Many thanks Greg, take care and stay safe out there. Tony.
Your not wrong there, ive found that out later on in life really and then made the change! , this industry is a bit of a pig being 24 hour aswell but is what it is! , Yeah I hear you, I don't mind the odd thing here and there stuff happens, and always dealt with issues straight away, its how you deal with the situations that can make a big difference to! Least you took action aswell and made the change. less stress the better, less negativity more positivity! , Your comments are very very true. Jees sorry to hear, we all deal with emotions in different ways, there is never a right way to do it I guess! , BUT least acted and changed your situation and hopefully your in a totally better place now! Thanks for the watch and the comment, I can't always reply to them all but I do try where possible!
@@GDBRescueandrecoveryNo problem Greg. I'm glad you're happy with how things are right now. You seem to have a good balance of workflow and free time, especially for family, which I assume you will want. I can't have children so I'm resigned to the fact I'm in this for the long haul. Happy hunting!
Sub’d, genuine guy you are gregg, I’ve actually used your services in the past, glad to hear you sorted your life out, more outgoings is not a nice feeling, mental peace for the win, fazz 😃
Hi Greg, Followed GDB on Facebook for a few years, have spoken to you in the past too, really enjoying the channel. I run a landscape maintenance business - totally different ball game day to day but we’ve had very similar experiences growing our businesses! I had a terrible mental health breakdown when my staff created an endless amount of headaches. Great to see you’re in a good place now. I keep talking to MIND to see what support they offer for the self employed, but nothing specific just yet. Hope to get something started with them soon. Work hard and stay humble buddy. All the best, Jack
Hi Jack, bless you thanks for the follow I appreciate it! , I think all business owners can certainly relate to parts of the clip! Its a big headache but hey nobody said it would be easy! . I feel your pain brother, stay positive and stay strong PMA positive mental attitude! , stay safe and thanks for the watch, my phones are always on 💪
Brilliant video Greg, Teaches you that having a business is hard work and to make that business grow is even harder, sadly some staff just can't see how hard you have worked to build it up from scratch, I find as long as they get payed at the end of the month they couldn't care less. Hats off to you mate.. keep up the good work.
Hi Chris, Thanks for the watch and the comment, a lot of people have set up in this industry in my town a good 4/5 and none stood the test of time, just because things look well on social media's they assume easy pickings ! , Staff was certainly a real struggle! Anyone can achieve anything if they really want it! Thanks again!
Love the honest approach you have, amazing to see the kit you had and also the kit you have today, like you say once you loose the passion it’s no use, having staff is a pain, I served my HGV technician apprenticeship in a fleet and was taught to look after your service van as it’s a lot of money and a reflection upon you/company, that’s fair enough but then you get the tinks that treat kit like a skip, not caring if they damage etc, also I get you on the “club” work, it’s all a big pals act IMHO, I’d say keep it what you have now (I’m not a business guru BTW), I got out HGV/PSV game and eventually landed up fixing high speed trains, the motor trade just burst me, to many jumped up receptionist thinking they knew the job better than us who were on tools, I love your repo spec Nissan!!, and at end of day do what’s right for you and yours! Why run about like a headless chicken for poor money that’s barely covering your fuel etc,🤪, keep making the videos on the jobs, that’s what people like, most importantly please please please stay safe out on road
Just plodding through RU-vid trying find answers to my new venture and came across your channel instantly subscribed what a journey you’ve had thanks so much for your expertise and story top job 👊🏻
Great video. I'm looking at doing covered classic/super/race car trailering as a one man band. Had a very different business with 100 staff before and don't want that grief again. Sold that and did well so now just want a nice work/life balance. 👍
Ohh interesting! Just bare in mind the tacho / operator license side of things for transporter with trailers etc, they started clocking on it round here doing regular operations pulling them over! , Jees about 90 headaches more than me there! Fair play, but the only person you can rely on is yourself! Best of luck with your new adventure!
Thinking of buying a Transit recovery van myself mabey one day Sorry for your loss of your Grampa and a Honda Civic Aerodeck in blue x reg i had an Aerodeck vti in Green also an an x reg great cars what a car lost it too usual rust I’ve subscribed great video
Fantastic video, well worth the wait! Would definitely love to see a video on how to set up as it’s something I’ve always wanted to do! Can’t wait for the fleet tour and to see the jeep on the road
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the watch 😎 , will try do something in the future for sure! Fleet tour next big one i think! Jeep is undergoing some maintenance on monday 😜
Been contemplate starting a small recovery service with a friend of mine. We are both in the vehicle repair trade already so have a little headstart. Thank you for all the good information definitely a eye opener I wish you well mate 👍
Great video Greg, such an inspiration, Really love the GDB story, Please please do a video on how to set up a recovery company this would be so helpful. :)
Well that's pretty random, I bought that Pajero off you a few years back! Glad to see the business is still going strong and you've found a level you're happy with. Proper interesting video
Really interesting video mate, subscribed straight away. Used to work for the RAC 10yrs ago in the call centre and got the opportunity one time to spend a day out with the patrol. It was a great experience and a real sense of satisfaction. Being broken down can be a stressful experience and you are literally someone’s lifeline, I may decide on a career change one day. Look forward to seeing more videos!
Great video great recognising when to step back as I said before I worked 24/7 earning loads of cash but had no life I was in a dark place as well I I thought what do you really want to do the answer was farming and that's what I did and don't regret it one bit I earn less now but 100 times happier money isn't everything you need a life as well thanks for making the video 😃😃
Money is not everything for sure! We cant take it with us I know that much! If you enjoy your job you will never work a day in your life right! Glad your in a good place now too! 😀 Thanks for the watch 😎
Nice true what you said , I have 2 trucks . Was thinking about going bigger but like you said it makes a lot of sense as I’m quite busy as it is , I’m in Yorkshire Selbe goal Castleford Pontefract, thanks Greg
Bless you! Thanks for the watch 😎 glad you enjoyed it! My phones are always on should you ever need anything! Probably will make more of an effort for next year at tow show and meet some of you on the page too! Thanks again! Stay Safe GDB
This is an excellent video man, I'm in Germany but from Manchester originally and looking to return to the UK to do more or less exactly this, probably more toward the north east based on costs etc. Recovery + breaking and maybe some restoration work - restoration more of a hobby than for clients though :) breaking would likely (maybe obviously) be the starting point on anything commercial, I'm not looking to make a big business just enough to pay the costs for me and itself - I'm also in a totally different business at the moment (Warehouse automation stuff from the IT side) but always had a passion to return to this and what I do now is only helping secure funds to do it, but also allows me to transition more slowly. Really inspired by your video and great to hear your story. Thanks again for the tips on some of the real world aspects of the business!
Good video bro. I too went big and lost big in the trucking business. Your story was very familiar to me and that of my friends. Anyways, cheers from the USA.
Morning from across the globe 🌎 ahh im sorry to hear :( these things are sent to test us!!! Bless you hope your all good now, stay safe and thanks for the watch!
@@GDBRescueandrecovery so I've got 3 years fitting knowledge, and college certificates for motor vehicle maintenance, and both class 1&2 licence, would you recommend getting a recovery truck instead of a trailer like you began? Should I go for 3.5t beaver or would you go for a 7.5t (I can manage my own maintenance one other. Thanks for your reply
Just watched your video thoroughly enjoyed it mate. I would definitely like to know how to set up a recovery business as I’m thinking of setting one up. As an ex hub driver I can say you definitely made the right choice not doing heavy recovery it is a massive pain in the arse. Wish you luck with everything and look forward to watching more of your videos cheers
Great video, it's nice to learn about you aswell as your business, I'd love a how to set up video, aswell as some pointers on spec vs beavertail vs tilt and slide etc. Wouldn't mind hearing about that transit van with the spec arm on the back I've seen on your old photos. Thanks again!
Thanks for the watch 😎 , yeah thats a good suggestion to be honest! Certainly will try do a video on that soon! Haha yes our old dingle transit! Aka emmerdale 😅 one vehicle i do miss she was so so strong but very slow :(
As someone who up to recently had up to 12 staff and did Bodyshop repairs for as long as I can remember I know exactly what you mean . I closed workshops in December and now working with Action vehicle for films , we own a lot of cars and what you said is still ringing in my ears If it's not been used get gone . There's a few cars here like that. Recovery is a tough game and these guys with their ex supermarket trucks that are over weight are ruining the industry and it's nice to see that vosa are pulling them and this needs to be done more
They are just trying to make a living. Not everyone likes fannying about with tachographs. Insurance and taxation are theft. If your providing a good service and not causing anyone harm, drive on I say
Only just came across this video. Subscribed to the channel. Some growth right there. Great inspo. Just baugjt my first recovery truck myself. Lotta respect 🫡
Hi Greg. Another great vid. Would love to see a vid on how to start a recovery or mobile tyre business. I work in the industry and always dreamed of working for myself. Well done mate. Keep up the good work 👏🏻
Hi glad you enjoyed this one! , certainly i will look at making some more content like that soon! May have to do it in parts and stages and it can go very in depth! Will try in the future for sure! Thanks for the watch 😎 STAY SAFE GDB
Hi great video, for years I’ve been thinking about getting a recovery truck and doing a bit of recovery so this advise in this video has been very useful, I’ve just subbed thanks 🙂👍
Mate, I'm impressed with how candid and honest you are with your health and trying to get the balance. Having lost everything and wanting to start again, are there any qualifications or licences you recommend for someone starting out in the industry? All the best and I hope you keep strong!
Interesting video Greg, I remember you in the mobile phone shop in the guildhall back in the day, did me a fab deal on my old none working phones 😉 lol, your doing great, as long as you learn from your mistakes in business, you will always move forward, if you stay focused and think positive, you will succeed. Keep it up, ps: turn the screen saver off that bloody laptop, it was doing my head in 🤣🤣🤣
Hi Andy! Christ thats nearly half a life time ago 😌. Glad you enjoyed the watch! Appreciate your comments on the channel too! Cause laptop not plugged in sorry mate 😂
Great channel matey and a very interesting video. I'm in the early stages of setting up my own transport business, no idea if its going to go well... knowing me probably not! But you give a great insight here. Best of luck for the future bud you deserve it.
Thanks for the watch, we all have to start somewhere my friend. All you can do is try your best, better than always thinking what IF , least your giving it a go and i wish you the best in your new adventure! PMA Positive Mental Attitude . Believe and you will succeed 💪
As a fellow small recovery business owner (who you actually sub work out to sometimes) I can relate to your story more than I would care to admit publicly. Keep up the good work Greg,
I'd really like to see a walk through of that dmax you have mate. Looks a proper setup. I have an older one and I'm looking to do bit of emergency call out no start and basic break downs/roadside assistance on plant, agri, comercial, and private vehicles. That was an excellent and very informative video thanks.
She got sold sorry to disappoint, was a good vehicle only brought as a short term gap when my discovery engine blew up, then I bought the navara spec lift when it came up for sale! And Isuzu went to we buy any car as standard, took all mods off etc, The elder ones have much more power I know that much! , Ah I see well best of luck with your adventure and thanks for the watch!
@@GDBRescueandrecovery ah shame, discos are great vehicles abut they do have a habit of doing that. How's the cherokee coming along as I suppose that is sort of your replacement for them. Yes the old 2.5s are slightly better got a late one with low miles and in the green they did them in. Wouldn't mind seeing your video you mentioned about how to setup a recovery Buissness if you ever get round to it bet it would be very enlightening. Thanks and all the best to your self too subscribed.
@@robthurlow1347 Yeah 100% brilliant work tools, but when they go wrong, they go wrong and cost a fortune. Yeah jeep Is coming on great, hopefully will get a new up to date video near end of next week, got quite a bit being done on it this week, ive made the GDB STORY which shows some part of setting up, but a lot want to see how to set one up, wont be a short video may be in stages or something but will be very time consuming! Will try sort something in time. Thanks again!
Brilliant.. iv got 1 little 3.5 tonne canter 5 jobs a week min and max most weeks also work a full time job with council 5 days a week no headaches or stress anymore.. so load em heavy drive em steady
@GDBRescueandrecovery honestly, that's the reason why I turned down an investor who offered me a tow truck. It's not a life I wanted to get stuck on the very negative reasons you mentioned.
Thanks for the watch and the sub, maybe it could of been something could of done, but im not a fan of borrow finance lease etc if I have a rainy day here or something happens personally I can sell my assets!
