From Mechanic to Entrepreneur: How I Built a National Company Despite Severe Anxiety

Starting with no clear career goals and battling severe anxiety, I embarked on a journey that would change my life. At 15, I learned how to work on cars from my mom’s husband, which led me to my first mechanic job at 19 at a shop called The Old Volks Home. After it closed, I advanced my career at Schmelz Countryside Volkswagen, where I honed my skills. Over the next 10 years, I worked at various dealerships, all while coping with an anxiety disorder that made life increasingly challenging.

Eventually, I decided to pivot my career. I combined my love for computers and cars to transition into automotive warranty inspection, a role that inspired me to start my own company—Lemon Squad. Over 15 years, I grew Lemon Squad into a national automotive inspection company before selling it to Wrench Inc. I spent four years as a consultant and am now gearing up to launch my next venture.

In this video, I share my journey from mechanic to entrepreneur, how I overcame anxiety to build a thriving business, and what’s next for me. Subscribe to follow my entrepreneurial adventures and learn how to turn obstacles into opportunities.

#Entrepreneurship #OvercomingAnxiety #BusinessJourney #StartupStory #FromMechanicToCEO

I’m Antone Hempstock, founder of Lemon Squad Automotive Inspections and a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and resilience. My YouTube channel is dedicated to sharing personal insights on mental health, navigating life with autism, and the adventures of van life.

What You’ll Find on This Channel:

• Van Life Adventures: Join me as I travel across the United States and Canada in my 1987 Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia Syncro, named Rohmer, with my wife and our dogs. We’ll explore unique places, share travel tips, and embrace the van life experience.
• Mental Health & Autism Support: Personal stories and effective strategies for managing anxiety, navigating life with autism, and building overall mental wellness.
• Motivation & Personal Development: Inspiring content focused on resilience, overcoming challenges, and achieving personal growth.

My Mission:

As an author and advocate, I aim to inspire others by sharing my journey and the lessons learned along the way. This channel combines mental health support, personal empowerment, and the thrill of van life, all grounded in authenticity and practical advice.

📲 Let’s Connect!