Mechanics at Retrospect Resilience take ownership of customer projects and receive a defined percentage of the repair service charges.  The expectation is that mechanics improve their skills with time and experience and work with increasing efficiency and independence, thus increasing their earning potential.  Advancement is determined by the mechanic's skills and proficiency.  Mechanics work as freelancers and receive monthly payments based on the service charges for their projects.  More experienced mechanics are expected to provide mentorship, guidance, and assistance to more junior mechanics.

Mechanic Levels & Earnings Percentage:
Apprentice Mechanic (30%)
Junior Mechanic (40%)
Senior Mechanic (50%)
Independent Mechanic (60%)

The remaining percentage contributes toward shop overhead and the mentorship of other mechanics.

For 2025 we have a target a rate of $60/hour which we use for our project estimates.  The rate for some projects is less, and some more.  Our estimates for repair are based on the time it takes an experienced mechanic to complete the job.  Inherently, less experienced mechanics will take longer to complete the repair.  This extra time is valuable experience for the mechanic, but not directly valuable to the customer.  This makes for a classic apprenticeship arrangement.

In addition to working directly on customer's projects, mechanics have the opportunity to complete repair and refurbishment work on an ample supply of donated items.  Because they usually have an open-ended timeline for completion, these make great projects for apprentice and junior mechanics.  Once complete, projects become available for resale.  Proceeds from sales become the service charges for the project owner, subject to the normal earnings percentages.

Regular shop keeping is an important part of every mechanic's job.  This includes maintaining a clean and organized work environment, greeting customers, answering questions, etc.

In addition to providing skills training and experience to developing mechanics, Retrospect Resilience also serves as an incubator for new repair businesses.  Mechanics can work toward developing their own repair business, learning the necessary skills required to run a small business.  This includes record keeping, taxes and accounting, marketing, etc.  Operating within the nonprofit's organization and the sharing of critical overhead gives the new business a head start before heading out on its own.

​

Interested?  Contact Mike (see below).