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Believe
it or not, but car parts, video stores,
lock systems and emissions stores are similar
By Leonard Cyphers
Managing partner
Just Emissions Inc.
Special to GwinnettForum.com
AUG. 9, 2002 -- Wayne Sikes in describing my business background
stated "I was a guy that had a hard time holding down a full
time job." Wayne did not recognize at that time how accurate
his description portrayed an entrepreneur. We are a restless group
of opportunists who have colored outside the box most of our lives.My
most recent example is entry into the state emissions testing business.
This new business (Just Emissions) would appear to be far removed
from my other ventures into Downey Auto Parts, Blockbuster Video,
TESA hotel locking systems and my current venture as a Batteries
Plus franchisee.
But there is a common thread. All of the companies provide goods
and/or services with wide usage by consumers, and practical applications
in our everyday life. We entered into emission testing as a part
of the same common thread and a unique opportunity.
With few exceptions all 1978-1999 year model automobiles and most
light trucks must be tested annually for emission compliance standards.
This makes this business a "glove fit" with prior business
models.
A new vehicle does not need to be tested in the first three years,
so today's 2000, 2001 and 2002 year models are now exempt from testing.
When the 2003 model year is available then 2001, 2002, 2003 year
models will be exempt from testing, but all prior years will require
testing.
An emission testing station is licensed by the Georgia Clean Air
Force (GCAF), a private company administering the program under
regulations of the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) of the
State of Georgia. The test is a requirement when purchasing a tag
in the 13 country metro Atlanta area, meaning, "no test no
tag".
Our facilities are located in Gwinnett at Grayson Highway and Scenic
Highway in Lawrenceville. We also have a facility on Briarcliff
Road near the Centers for Disease Control near Emory. We plan to
open another location in Mariettta on highway 41 south of the Big
Chicken soon. We anticipate opening a total of 12 locations strategically
placed in Metro Atlanta in the next 24 months. It takes 1.5 to four
persons to operate a location, depending on the number of customers.
The technician performing your test is certified by GCAF under
an intense training program designed to deliver an accurate account
of your automobile emissions. The test is a pass or fail based on
the level of certain gases, verification of a catalytic converter,
and a properly functioning gas cap. Yes, a properly functioning
gas cap, as a gas cap that does not hold pressure emits gasoline
vapors into the atmosphere causing pollution.
All tags must be purchased on or before you birthday every year.
The same holds true for emission testing on your vehicle, since
you need a "passing" test to obtain your tag.
Unfortunately, many people make the mistake of thinking the tag
is due the month of your birthday. However, it is rather your actual
birth date being the last day to get your new tag. Your birthdate
triggers a late fee on the tag purchase after that date.
A final note, there are two types of test stations, test only and
test and repair. At Just Emissions we have made a conscious business
decision to refer our customers that "failed" the test
to a reputable third party repair facility to correct the emission
problem, eliminating what we view as a potential conflict of interest
between test and repair functions. After repairs the customer will
receive a free test to validate the problem has indeed been corrected.
If questions should arise about emissions, GCAF maintains a toll
free consumer line 800-449-2471 for you. Or GCAF can be accessed
on the Internet: www.cleanairforce.com.
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Number
2.35, Aug. 9, 2002
