By: Michael McKinney, Owner of LINE-X of Gainesville, FL

I was born and raised in the heart of north-central Florida, growing up surrounded by trucks and the unmistakable spirit of Gainesville. My passion for vehicles and customization started early, but it wasn’t until years later that I turned that enthusiasm into a business of my own.

After earning my electrical engineering degree from the University of Florida, I stepped into the corporate world. Over 26 years, I built a rewarding corporate career, taking on roles ranging from hands-on engineering to leadership in sales, where I learned how to work with clients and lead teams. I have extensive experience in senior leadership roles within fiber construction, where I successfully manage both people and projects. While I valued the stability and growth of corporate life, I found myself yearning for something more. I wanted the freedom to build something from the ground up, make a more personal impact, and take ownership of my work in a way I hadn’t before.

In 2022, I began to seriously consider entrepreneurship. For years, I had admired the LINE-X brand. I was a loyal customer, taking my trucks to dealerships to have them outfitted with LINE-X products. I was a fan of the brand’s high-quality work and the dedication to each customer stuck with me. So, when I discovered the opportunity to open a LINE-X franchise in Gainesville, it felt like the perfect fit.

Starting a business was a leap into the unknown. I had spent nearly three decades in corporate America, but this was different. Still, I embraced the challenge. LINE-X’s corporate team provided incredible support, helping me navigate the setup process and make sense of the franchise model. Their partnerships, resources, and guidance gave me the confidence to live up to the reputation for quality that I had become a fan of. By September 2024, LINE-X of Gainesville was open for business, and we are planning for our grand opening later this month in January.

The early days of the business were a whirlwind. Customers began booking appointments almost immediately, and I quickly found myself wearing multiple hats. I was the HR, the sales manager, the inventory specialist, and even a technician when needed. Each day brought new challenges, from streamlining operations to finding the right team members. Word began to spread about the quality of our work, and we have already made connections with the University of Florida Police and local collision companies.

Leading a small business has required me to draw heavily on my past experiences. I manage a team of four employees, and I plan to double that number as the business grows. My leadership style is rooted in authenticity and ownership. While this is my business, I want my team to feel the same sense of responsibility and pride in what we do. Every truck that comes through our doors represents someone’s trust in us, and I’m committed to honoring that. Even my sons, Will and Trent, have been part of this process, reminding me of the legacy I’m building not just for myself, but for my family.

Balancing the demands of growth with the realities of daily operations is a constant challenge. There have been long days and tough decisions, but each obstacle has been an opportunity to learn and improve. I’ve leaned on the lessons I learned during my career and in training on how to solve problems under pressure, lead teams, and build processes.

At its core, my approach to this business is simple: treat every customer’s vehicle as if it were my own. Whether someone comes in for a spray-on bedliner, protective coatings, or customization work, I want them to leave feeling confident in the quality of our work. That’s how trust is built, and trust is what keeps customers coming back.

As I look ahead, I’m excited about the potential to grow and expand. With the support of my team, the strength of the LINE-X brand, and the relationships I’m building in Gainesville, I know we’re just getting started.