muffler and brake shop

A good friend of mine started a general repair shop right before "the bottom" of our current recession. I think he is in year 3 now, and is doing well enough to employ one full time and one part time mechanic besides himself, and an occaional laborer (his son).
He does have a business partner that does some of the bookkeeping and legal/business stuff.

My wife has a theory that in a down economy, repair makes sence vs replace for those that either are paid off or don't have replace as an option.

My friend does a great job of seperating business and friendship.
He is a straight up guy and won't BS you, but won't give it away either.

They must be doing something right as there are literally dozens of "mom and pop" auto repair shops withing a 5 mile radius.