Meet Shawn Oursland

We were lucky to catch up with Shawn Oursland recently and have shared our conversation below.

Shawn , looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

To me, work ethic is what drives me to continue to pursue my dreams despite the obstacles and challenges put in my way. I got my work ethic from my father. He taught me that you only get whatever you are willing to put into the work you do. As long as I continue to do my best and work hard, I will reap the fruits of my labor. With my business, I am willing come in after hours to get the job done. I understand that the sacrifices that I am making to make it successful are not in vain and will not only make my business and reputation stand out, but help it to thrive. As a result my clients recognize the value of my work and dedication, which in turn leads them to recommend my business to others.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Being the owner and operator of San Antonio Alignment Specialists, I find most of my time being dedicated to daily operations. Where aside from doing clerical jobs I get to work with a wide variety of people. Weather it be repairing damaged parts from hitting pot holes to setting up dedicated race cars for there next event. San Antonio is one of the largest growing city in the United States and there are thousands of mechanically inclined individuals who are able to work on there own vehicles. The only problem is the majority of them don’t have the precision equipment to put the final adjustments on there vehicles. Armed with the pinnacle of alignment technology that measures the orientation of your tires down to the hundredth of an inch. I found a void in the market. My business has evolved from general automotive repair into being a premier steering and suspension specialty shop in the greater San Antonio area.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Reflecting on my life experiences I would have to say the three quality would be. First, being okay with failure. If it were not for the failed endeavors of the past, I would have never found my strengths and weaknesses. Figuring out what works and doesn’t. Secondly the willingness to learn. If I didn’t learn from mine or others failures I would continue down that path. By being willing to learn I am able to see problems before they may arise and know how to tackle them. I’m not just talking about the field your working in. If I was not wiling to learn the boring stuff like tax codes and other laws I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in today. Lastly is flexibility. This is a test of the other two traits I mentioned. If your unwilling to tell your self you were wrong and there is a better way to do it then you will never succeed. Progress is not stagnant but constantly changing and evolving. A business model should be the same. Listen to the market you service and adjust to better fit its needs.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I am always looking for people in the community to partner with. I have been fortunate to build lasting relationships with performance oriented shops, car clubs, and race teams. I truly enjoy working with people who love to drive and are out there doing it. Weather it be at the drag strip, on the track, or in a simulator. Strapped into a bucket seat is where we realize the fruits of our labor. If you are someone who feels the same please feel free to reach out at (210)778-1016. I’d be more than happy to help build your reputation on the road!

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Elizabeth Oursland

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