By Staff Writer: Logan O’Brien
At only 25, Kat has shifted the trajectory of her life by taking the entrepreneurial leap to own “Best Cheap Auto Parts.” With the wisdom to favor trade school over a traditional college path, Kat tailored her education to fit her aspirations. “I decided to go to a trade school instead since that fit my needs a lot better,” she states, emphasizing the importance of focused, practical learning. This practicality shone through when a family tip turned into a business venture. “The guy who sold [my dad] car parts was looking to retire,” Kat recalls, seizing the chance with a $30,000 investment that has since fueled both growth and innovation.
Kat has maintained the old-school charm of the shop while steering it into the digital age, introducing “a bit more digital” infrastructure, updating the computer systems, and implementing a new organization system, yet keeping traditions like the original receipt style alive. Customers have largely embraced Kat’s fresh take, and she’s candid about the dynamics of change: “So far it’s been great, the customers are nice and understanding and good with business.” Looking ahead, Kat envisions a broader horizon for her enterprise: “I see it becoming a bit bigger, more advertising, and people who can ship parts as well as out of state shipping.” Kat’s story isn’t just about taking over a business; it’s about driving it forward with a blend of respect for the past and a clear vision for the future.