INITIAL SITUATION

Peter Sosi, owner of Autocare Mobile Services, is a retired army officer, with rich and varied experience in automobile engineering, military technology, logistics, security, peacekeeping operations and nonprofit management. He started his career with the Ghana Armed Forces, after earning a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana. It was his father, then an Auto Mechanic in Ghana, who inspired him to pursue a career in mechanical engineering. He served as an officer for over 17 years, retiring as a Major. During his service in the Army, he worked mostly as a maintenance officer in charge of servicing various vehicles, including armored vehicles, trucks, buses and cars.

The idea of Autocare Mobile Services was birthed when he went in to get an oil change at his regular shop only to realize that the company had relocated. He tried another place close by and was told he was going to be scheduled to come back later, after an hour or two. He ended up doing it himself within 30 minutes and thought others who find themselves in this situation might also need this kind of service at their doorstep. After deliberations with his wife, his final decision to provide basic maintenance services to automobile users was a natural choice given his considerable experience in automotive maintenance and field/onsite repairs in the military.

The Widener University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and entrepreneur, Peter Sosi, held a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony, for Sosi’s business, Mobile Auto Care on Wednesday, November 16th, 2016. The ribbon cutting ceremony was held at Widener University.

HOW THE SBDC HELPED

Autocare Mobile Services was incorporated in February 2016. The Widener SBDC helped Autocare Mobile Services to develop a business plan. In addition, Autocare received consultation to develop a marketing strategy. The Widener SBDC also assisted Autocare to obtain a microfinance loan from Entrepreneur Works and hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to open the new business.

Every year, one week in November is dedicated to Global Entrepreneurship Week to celebrate and encourage entrepreneurs from all across the globe to follow their dreams and turn their ideas into realities. This made for perfect timing for Sosi’s grand opening, as his story is truly one of passion and his outlook on global entrepreneurship instills the values that are celebrated during this week.

The Widener SBDC also facilitated the adoption of the Autocare Mobile Services business model by Widener University’s senior capstone business course (Management 451) to help strengthen the business plan and marketing strategy. Students prepared financial projections, marketing plans, and an operational plan to help solidify the foundation of the newly started business.

SUCCESS

Peter is motivated by the belief that vehicle maintenance affects road safety and it is his desire that Autocare becomes the first option for oil change and a leader in on-site automotive maintenance services, for the convenience of our valued customers.