Zeb and Suzy Beard made the move across the river from Bradley County to continue to grow their business, Stroker’s Diesel and Automotive.
Now up and running on U.S. Highway 35 E in Monticello, Stroker’s currently has six employees, but is looking to expand. Zeb stated that he is looking for highly motivated and qualified applicants who can work towards, “$100,000 a year jobs.”
“We came over here to grow and we have,” Zeb stated.
A native to southeast Arkansas, Zeb had big dreams as a young man. He opened his first mechanic shop in Warren where he became well known throughout the area.
After several years of success, Zeb decided the time had come to expand on his business. When an agreement was unable to be reached for land to expand in Bradley County, Beard said he was put in contact with Monticello Economic Development Commission Director Nita McDaniel.
“Nita showed me this place and here we are,” Zeb added.
The massive dark building is unmistakable as you drive by Stroker’s. Zeb stated that in moving to this property he was able to build his shop exactly the way he wanted. He has all of the most up to date equipment and tools in his shop, along with break rooms, and living quarters.
As far as growing the business, Zeb said that Stroker’s stays busy. He noted that the lot is usually full of vehicles to repair. In the month of July, the shop made approximately $385,000. This came from working on 80 vehicles at a total of 1,300 man hours. Zeb said that at full staff, the shop could definitely increase these numbers. Beard said that Stroker’s is on track to be highly profitable this year, and expects to see that number grow in the future.
Zeb also wanted to make it known that Stroker’s isn’t just a diesel shop.
“We put automotive in the name because we work on all vehicles, not just diesels,” Zeb said. “We want to serve everyone who has automotive issues.”
Beard also wanted to encourage the high schoolers who are interested in going into this field.
“There are good jobs out there,” Beard said. “There is also a lot of money to be made. I highly encourage everyone to go and get an education, but there are also a lot of opportunities to get on the job training and make good money.”
