Where are you from and how did you get into this business?
Jonathan Brooklyn is the owner and founder of Lead Foot Diesel Performance, he started out in Florida doing basic bolt on upgrades to help customers with increased fuel economy and performance. After moving to Georgia he started Lead Foot Diesel Performance LLC which is a full service diesel shop, services range from basic maintenance to full engine rebuilds.
Lead Foot Diesel Performance LLC also specializes in building competitive sled pulling trucks in the 2.5 class, 2.6 class and even the Outlaw class.
The shop has even been featured in Country Music videos and the Moon Shiner's TV series on Discovery channel after they built a custom truck for Moon Shiner Josh Owens.
Vinny Himes has a background in the diesel industry which started at a diesel shop in Idaho that specialized in Cummins repairs and performance, later moving to another shop specializing in Duramax repair and performance.
He moved to Georgia to take over the phones so Jonathan could focus more on the day to day functions in the shop.
Working as a team, Jonathan and his crew of technicians and customer support agents, focus on what's best for their customer's trucks, as well as their wallets. Through many years of experience they can tell you what parts will increase engine longevity, fuel economy, and overall performance.
Describe a typical work day for you?
Our day starts with customer's bringing in trucks with problems, or the need to go faster. We start by performing a full diagnostics of the engine and transmission. Once the problems have been determined we will call the customer to recommend a repair and give them a price up front, our price will never go up, once we agree on the price of the repair, that is the final price.
When the customer gives the go ahead, parts are ordered, when the parts arrive our skilled technicians handle the installation.
When the installation is complete, another full diagnostics is performed to insure those parts fixed the issue. The engine bay is then detailed to remove any grease or oil left behind from the repair.
The vehicle is test driven, and then gone over by Jonathan the owner, to check for any lose nuts, bolts or hose clamps. Once it has passed his inspection, the customer is called to pick up the truck.
From where do you draw your enthusiasm and inspiration for the job?
Diesel Performance is our passion, everyone that works at Lead Foot Diesel Performance, owns and drives one or two diesel trucks. On the weekends we attend diesel drag races, and diesel truck pulls all over the country.
How can a customer ensure that they receive the best possible service from you?
We start out providing the best possible service, that is our main goal in life. Happy customers are the reason we all come to work every day. To ensure our service remains top notch, the best thing a customer can do is communicate with us. If you are unhappy with a transaction, simply call us and calmly express your concerns. Calling and yelling, cussing, accusing, is not the way to deal with or treat other people. We are very professional in our service to you the customer, all we ask is you treat us with the same level of respect and professionalism.
We are human, we all make mistakes, how we handle those mistakes is what makes us a successful business. We will always do what's right for our customers.
What has been your most memorable experience on the job?
The best part of our job is definitely the performance builds we get to do. Customer's are rarely excited to have to repair their vehicle, but when we get to bolt on bigger turbos, bigger injectors, programmers and upgraded exhaust systems, and you hand the keys to that customer, and maybe go for a test drive with them. the look on that customer's face is absolutely priceless and the most rewarding feeling in the world!
My most memorable day at work, was watching Moonshiner Josh Owens drive his truck for the first time after we built it up for him! He was on cloud nine! I was so happy to bring another person that kind of joy and happiness. These kinds of experiences is why I get out of bed every morning and strap on my boots, my customer's are my friends, and I absolutely love changing and being a part of their lives.