Mom and Pop Motorsport Repair Shop is a Customer Favorite

Although opened its doors just less than three years ago, the independently owned and operated motorsport retail and repair garage has already developed an outstanding reputation for its quality, service and customer satisfaction.

In March, Bradenton motorsport enthusiasts voted the business onto the list of contenders in Patch’s customer service tournament. Total Motorsports’ popularity even drowned out the roar of rumbling tummies when it edged past Bradenton’s , to reach the semifinal round – an impressive feat when taking into consideration the natural temptation to vote with one’s stomach.

Total Motorsports’ manager, Renée Sansoucy, attributes the popularity of the business to its homegrown “Mom and Pop” nature.

“I think one of the biggest draws to our shop over the big dealerships is that we don’t have any dealer agreements to contend with,” she said.

Sansoucy explained that repairs at dealerships are often more costly because their dealer agreements force customers to buy new parts when the existing ones are still repairable.

 “Our bread and butter is repair, and our shop rates are actually lower because we’re independently owned and operated," she said. "We often have the luxury to think outside the box and make repairs rather than replacing expensive parts entirely.”

Sansoucy said that Total Motorsports repairs “everything motorsports-related,” but specializes in dirt bikes, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and utility task vehicles (UTVs). In November, the store began selling 50cc moped scooters and also specializes in their repair.

In addition to scooter and motorsport vehicle repairs, the business sells parts and accessories including custom wheels and tires, helmets, boots and clothing. The garage provides free installation for items such as tires purchased in the store.

“You can buy a tire really cheap on the internet, but we have to charge for actual installation time if you bring it in,” Sansoucy said.

“Some people tell me that even if it’s a few dollars more to purchase in here, they’d rather support local business. It’s nice to have people support your efforts.”

Sansoucy added that Total Motorsports owner, Darren Schmidt, is committed to supporting fellow local businesses whenever possible.

“If we have the choice to go down the street and buy a part from a local place rather than purchasing it on the internet, we will,” she said. “We’re all about helping local businesses thrive and we’re very fortunate to have so many customers who feel the same way.”

Schmidt, a lifelong Bradenton resident, spent 12 years working at before he opened Total Motorsports in June 2009, at its first location off old 301. In April 2011 the business relocated to its current location at 1255 Commerce Blvd in Sarasota because it quickly outgrew the original space.

“Darren took his time starting the business by purchasing everything used and staying out of debt,” said Sansoucy, adding that many of the administrative items in the shop, such as the desks, were donated by friends and supporters when Schmidt started out.

“People told him he was nuts when he decided to open his own business in June 2009 since it was basically the absolute worst time in terms of the economy, but as it turns out we kind of walked into it at just the right time,” she added.

“Because of the bad economy, people were looking to make repairs rather than purchase brand new vehicles, so we had plenty of work right off the bat – and now we have repeat business for maintenance. It all worked out very well.”