I might add that finding good employees is extremely hard in any business. When you do find them they need to be taken care of because they are in short supply. They talk about high unemployment but I had 10 times the applicants 4 years ago than now. ( for any position, including cleanup kid) a friend of mine in a completely unrelated field, the same thing. The only thing I can think of is that the our govt. Has made it so easy for people to sit around and get paid for doing nothing that people have become accustomed to that lifestyle. Back in my day ( and im only 44!) unemployment ins was a last ditch thing and only very temporary. The only thing keeping alot of small businesses (automotive or not) from expanding is these crazy govt regs, taxes and finding qualified, motivated employees. I feel very fortunate to have the talented crew I have and am busier than ever but cannot expand and still produce the kind of product i want due to these reasons. Small businesses are not part of the current govts. agenda.
PS, sorry for the rant but I'm sure any small business owner can relate!