Entrepreneurs take niche goods, services to road for customers’ convenience

Business is on a roll for some in Centennial Hills.

Economic woes aside, mobile businesses remain in forward motion.

Their services range from car detailing and mechanic work to dog grooming, veterinary and spray tans. Some owners jumped on to growing trends while others got cozy in a niche.

Mark Price was a recreation vehicle owner when he looked around and saw dollar signs.

"I traveled for my job in my RV," he said. "I had a break and had to pay someone to fix it. Once I realized I could do it, I was busier than I thought I could ever be."
Price made a career switch to help RV owners such as himself keep their rigs in working order. He co-owns Desert Mobile RV repair.

"There is constantly a need for service," he said.

The company has two repair trucks that dispatch throughout the valley. His office on four wheels makes dollars and sense, he said.

"You have less overhead, and it creates its own demand," Price said of mobile business.

He said downsides include battling the elements, a slower economy and keeping a balance with other mobile RV repairmen.

"I think there is just the right amount of us right now," he said. "We're all just staying steady."

Price's goal is to own a repair shop and dealership.

For those whose specialties are more broad, quality is key, they say.

"It's like basketball : There are many players, but there is only one Kobe Bryant, and he goes to the hoop a certain way," said Roosevelt Jones, owner of a Centennial Hills-based mobile car detail business.

Jones' belief in a unique approach is the name of his game -- Amazing and Unique Mobile Detail. To him, he's a Kobe Bryant in his industry.

"There are too many (detail services) out there, but I'm unique," he said. "I have a unique way of dealing with my customers."

Paula Burr, manager of Custom Tan and Spa, 7135 W. Ann Road, Suite 110, echoed the importance of being a quality player in an atmosphere of thick competition.

"The market is flooded with a lot of amateurs," she said. "There are a ton unlicensed in the custom spray-tan business in Las Vegas, and that's dangerous for everyone. We have insurance a lot of people don't carry."

The spa went mobile about four years ago, she said.

"We had people who wanted it," she said. "There has been an influx nationally with more awareness of air-brush tanning. More people are having it done at home."

Jones said work has been steady since he started his business two years ago. He purchased a trailer for his truck and became licensed with the city of Las Vegas, Clark County and the city of North Las Vegas.

He has about 10 calls a week, he said.

Business is " what you make of it," he said. "You get out what you put in."

Contact Centennial and Paradise View reporter Maggie Lillis at mlillis@viewnews.com or 477-3839.