Noah Tanner, a young entrepreneur and Red Seal Automotive Service Technician, operates Rapunzel's Automotive as a thriving repair shop in Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia. Operating for nearly four years, Noah emphasizes the importance of sweat equity, humility, and reputation in entrepreneurship. Initially growing the business through word of mouth, he champions service, communication, and honesty as tenets of success. Continually updating his technical skills and maintaining a humble approach, Noah's vision is to continue to grow and expand his business with hard work and integrity.
 
 
Noah Tanner is a young entrepreneur with a steady grasp on his vision for his Lunenburg County business, "Rapunzel's Automotive." He can tell you clearly what goes a long way as an entrepreneur in Lunenburg County: sweat equity, a sense of humility, and reputation.
 
Rapunzel's Automotive has operated on the site of JND Construction's home base in Blockhouse, Nova Scotia, for nearly four years. Initially set up to service JND Construction's fleet, the opportunity to expand to servicing vehicles for the public quickly became apparent. The garage was in the hands of Noah Tanner, a Red Seal Automotive Service Technician (aka a highly skilled mechanic), and he was keen on the idea of expanding the business and achieving his long-held dream of entrepreneurship.
 
One of the first things he mentions is the early days of growing the business. When the intention of the garage changed from a private shop to a public one, it was done so "organically." Instead of jumping into lots of advertising and start-up discounts, Rapunzel's clientele was attracted through word of mouth. When you build a business on reputation, your success is at stake with every customer. Noah doesn't see that as a challenge: he runs his business with integrity. For him, "service, communication, and honesty" are the values on which he hangs his reputation. And it's working.
 
He's the only mechanic in the shop, but he's not in this alone. Mentor and silent partner Johnathan Davidson of JND Construction, is credited as Noah's go-to for questions about running the business. He has received solid advice in the past and is happy to pass it along to others: "Be careful of burnout in the early stages," cautions Noah. "Some entrepreneurs think they need to do it all, but you should use the resources available to you." Noah's team of resources also includes his brother and memories of his late father, whose own entrepreneurial endeavours inspired his sons.
 
Being open to learning from the advice and mistakes of others is one side of the learning coin. On the other side is taking advantage of opportunities to grow through courses or getting hands-on experience. Noah keeps up to date with technical training provided by his primary parts supplier, Napa. "Whether or not you work in a trade, coming at things with a little bit of a sense of humility goes a long way because we don't all know everything."
 
Learning and growing are part of what he sees as not getting "stuck." Now a few years in and with a full book of satisfied customers, Noah has a vision of what's next for the business. This fall, he will formally purchase the business from JND, and in the near future, he's planning to add a second bay and possibly an employee. He has other interests in machining and fabrication, car sales, and small engine repair, but he plans to grow slowly and on his own terms.
 
And the name? Years ago, Johnathan blessed Noah with the nickname "Rapunzel" as a teasing nod to his flowing blonde hair. We're looking forward to seeing how Noah's [fairy]tale story of entrepreneurship develops in the coming years.