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An engineer gave up his five-figure job at an oil and gas (O&G) company to be closer to his wife, then went on to start a successful motorcycle workshop
Speaking to Harian Metro, Luqman Mat, 40, said his previous job required him to work offshore.
After three years, he decided to quit to be spend more time with his wife, Umi Norihidayah Zulkifli, 39, and their four children.
Armed with his savings and a deep passion for the automotive world, Luqman opened a small workshop to support his family at Dengkil, Selangor.
The business initially performed well, but after four years, it was on the brink of closure.
"Actually, I almost gave up after four years. My mistake back then was letting my passion blind me.
"I didn't offer basic car servicing. Instead, I focused heavily on engine modifications," Luqman said.
Just as he was about to give up, a friend stepped in with advice and financial support.
A friend known as Ah Wa gave Luqman a crucial reality check: focus on general car servicing if he wanted steady income
He also loaned Luqman RM10,000 to help him restart the business.
"He told me, 'If you have the money, pay me back. If you don't, there's no need to pay yet.'
"I remember those exact words until today, and we are still good friends," Luqman recounted.
With the support, Luqman's business skyrocketed.
What started as a small, single workshop lot has now expanded into four lots, including a specialised section just for repairing high-powered motorcycles.
He now employs seven staff members, consisting of six mechanics and one clerk.
Despite stiff competition, Luqman credits his survival to applying strict corporate engineering standards in his workshop.
Drawing from his early experience as a mechanic for a well-known car brand, he enforces strict cleanliness rules.
"At that time, even if I wanted to hold a wrench, I had to wipe it first, and that's also what we practice here," he said, adding that his workshop uses quality engine oil to meet customers' expectations.
Looking back, Luqman has no regrets about walking away from his O&G engineering career
He finds great satisfaction in turning his passion into a sustainable income for his family, and credits his wife as his strongest supporter from the very beginning, reported Harian Metro.
While he hopes to open another outlet in the future, for now, he remains focused on working hard and navigating the current economic climate.
You can find more information about Luqman's workshop here.
