From Hobby to Business: How Andreas Mayer Started His Classic Car Repair Shop

Dorsten |Craftsmanship & Business Succession, Mobility & Logistics

Classic cars are more than just a hobby: The team at HECC—High End Classic Cars in Dorsten—is dedicated to preserving cars as cultural heritage. Founder Andreas Mayer and his team passionately restore these vintage treasures. Their collection ranges from classic cars from the 1950s to modern classics.

© MWIKE NRW/Holger Lückerath | Man with a car

It has been more than 25 years since Andreas Mayer bought his first classic car. Old cars have long since become a passion for him. From upholstery to engine building, this specialist workshop offers a comprehensive service.

The people behind the idea

This is how the story of the company’s founding began

Andreas Mayer, founded in 2017 in Dorsten
Gründung der HECC - High-End Classic Cars GmbH: Spezialwerkstatt für die detailgetreue Restauration von Oldtimern
Focus: Mobility, Crafts

How did you come to set up your business?

Andreas Mayer: My great passions are classic cars, the craftsmanship involved, and nature. These interests are often seen as contradictory, but I wanted to bring them together. Restoration meets an eco-friendly workshop; classic cars meet new techniques.

In 2009, Germany’s largest independent vehicle restorer advertised a vacancy for a master mechanic to set up a classic car department. I began – initially on my own at a lifting bay – to build up this department. It grew rapidly and steadily to a considerable size. After eight years, it was time for the next step: setting up my own company so that I could forge my own new paths and put my ideas into practice.

How did the people around you react?

A. Mayer: The reactions ranged from concern and surprise to, above all, appreciation and support. There were also a few who asked, “Why only now?” But the most important person, my wife, was immediately ready to go down this path with me. Today, everyone is proud, the sceptics have fallen silent, and everyone is waiting to see what I come up with next.

„I learnt, particularly during the start-up phase, that it’s a good idea to talk to lots of different people, as most of them have useful advice and are happy to share it.“

- Andreas Mayer

© MWIKE NRW/Holger Lückerath | A gleaming classic car part in the founder’s hands

What support did you receive during the start-up process?

A. Mayer: The town of Dorsten was a great help when it came to buying the plot of land and with questions regarding the planning application. I received lots of valuable advice on the grant application and the location from windor (Wirtschaftsförderung Dorsten). Our bank and our tax adviser helped me with the financial plan; it’s essential to get them on board right from the start.

I learnt, particularly during the start-up phase, that you should definitely reach out to lots of different people, as most of them have good advice and are happy to share it.

What role did STARTERCENTER NRW play in this?

A. Mayer: During an initial consultation at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce IHK North Westphalia, Gelsenkirchen, I received important advice on choosing a business name and details of where to go next. I then presented my business plan to the Chamber of Crafts HWK in Münster and answered their critical questions. I received a great deal of help with legal issues relating to trademark protection, as well as some information on potential funding opportunities.

What advice would you give to someone who would like to start a business but hasn’t dared to do so yet?

A. Mayer: If someone wants to become self-employed, they should first be absolutely certain about which skills they already possess and which ones they may still need to acquire. Passion should be the main driving force, because without it you will never be brilliant or successful. Actually, it’s not so much what you do that matters, but rather the determination with which you pursue your goals. You shouldn’t take any statement, tip or piece of advice as gospel, but always seek out several opinions and question everything critically. Self-employment is important, difficult, but still worth striving for.