Meet Nick Gallina | Owner of MACE – Mobile Auto Care Experts

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nick Gallina and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nick, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting my own business has always been a dream of mine. The difficult part is getting through the fear that comes with trying something new so late in my life. At 45 years old, married with 2 kids, it was terrifying to think about taking such a risk. Fortunately a few things happened that became the perfect storm that led to me finally taking this leap of faith.

First, I have been through 2 lay-offs in the past 3 years from positions that I was convinced were going to be long-term. The realization that I was always going to be disposable to everyone but myself was a hard punch in the gut but also pretty motivating for me.

Second, I have an amazing wife who believes in my abilities and encourages me to follow my dreams. She and I both have the same philosophy: We only get one lifetime to be whatever we can or want to be. Just because I am older doesn’t mean I shouldn’t take the opportunity to create the life I want to live.

The third piece of this perfect storm (perhaps the most important piece) came from within. Most of my life I tried to control everything that happened to or around me. It wasn’t until this last year that I learned that I needed to let go of all of that. I needed to focus on what I could control. My attitude, my outlook, and the way I interact with people and the world around me directly effected the path my life took. I gave it all to God and told Him that I was ready to take on whatever He wanted for me. Suddenly so many things in my life began to fall into place. My marriage, my parenting, my friendships, and my desire to do more with my life all began to work in perfect harmony. It was then that I could see perfectly what I was going to do with myself and this beautiful life.

Choosing what business I was going to start took a little digging. I have never been someone who just knew what I was going to be when I grew up. If I’m being honest, I’m still waiting to feel like I HAVE grown up. Some people just know that they have always wanted to open a bakery, or start a daycare. If you are like me, you had to slug it out in the corporate world for a few decades before you felt your soul almost leave your body completely. There are so many opportunities and new ideas still out there for the taking and I decided that I was as deserving of that kind of life as anyone else.

If you are looking for advice, I would offer this: BE BRAVE. There is always a way. There are so many reasons to think you can’t do that thing you have always wanted to do. Like me, you are so much more than the labels that have been put on you or the bad decisions that you made in the past. The opportunity to become a new version of yourself is there for the taking every morning when you wake up. Decide today is the day. There is a place for you and your dream. I hope I get the chance to experience a few of yours.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I recently started a new company called “MACE” – Mobile Auto Care Experts, LLC. Our goal is to specialize in the more cosmetic aspects of your vehicle like detailing, tinting, glass replacement, ceramic coating, etc. Though we have lofty goals, we are currently ONLY focused on windshield chip/crack repair (not replacements).

MACE is a fully mobile, auto glass repair company that can get your windshield fixed as soon as same day by a knowledgable and professional technician. We come to you so you don’t have to interrupt your busy schedule just to keep that chip in your windshield from becoming a much more expensive replacement.

I am currently a “one man army” who has been working solely by word of mouth since the middle of September 2024. Business has been good but can always be better. The things that I’m finding are common complaints with my customers is that they have been burned in the past by other companies who don’t show up (on time or at all), have hidden fees, or don’t have the customers best interest in mind.

There are definitely a few choices when it comes to getting your windshield repaired. When you choose MACE you are getting a reliable, professional, technician who will be there when we say we will. Your vehicle will be treated like it was our own. If we can get your repair covered by your insurance, we will do so. If not, we promise to keep our pricing fair. We also promise to guarantee our work for the life of your windshield. If you are looking to help a new business grow, give us a call.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
While we definitely love Denver and going to sporting events, concerts at the many venues available, and finding the best spots to eat, we find that we are venturing outside of the city more these days. We love the town of Castle Rock. From kids events and concerts in the park, to the Castle Rock star lighting event, short hikes to the top of Castle Rock, and more, CR has plenty for us to do. We always recommend breakfast burritos from Dos Santos or Pollo Eats, getting a kabob or falafel at Mashawi Damascus Cuisine, or the smoked wings at Wild Blue Yonder.

For a quick out or an easy overnight camping trip, we love Mt Herman. It’s just west of Monument and has some amazing views of Pike’s Peak. The trail is full of dispersed camp sites but you’ll want to get there early.

If you are already considering checking out Red Rocks, we definitely suggest you make a point to take a short drive west on 74 to Evergreen to check out Blackbird Cafe & Tavern. Parking is a little wild but the food is great and you can sit outside by the creek and bring your dog.

We have also become “lake people”. Get yourself a paddle board and have a float around Chatfield Reservoir at Chatfield State Park. You could also take the drive down to Colorado Springs to visit Rampart Reservoir, North Catamount Reservoir, or Crystal Creek Reservoir.

If you decide to visit “The Springs”, you should go to a place where you can actually sample some of the natural spring water in Manitou Springs. The town is full of shops and places to eat and even has an old arcade in the middle of town. The kids always have a blast.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I always give credit to God, my wife & family, my dad, and the Dads of Castle Rock for all the support a guy could ask for.

Website: https://MACEMobileAutoCare.com

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