Walking on the Path of Realization
“This is the industry I dreamed of working in since I was a teenager!” says shop owner Chou Chia-Hao.
Chia-Hao developed a strong fascination with mechanics during junior high school, which quickly cemented his career aspirations. In high school, he chose to study automotive repair, focusing on the various types of vehicles and repair techniques. Through a school-industry collaboration program, he gained hands-on experience at a car workshop in Banqiao. After graduating, he continued working there for several years to hone his skills before returning to Hualien seven years ago.
While his early training and work centered on automotive repair, it wasn’t until he moved back to Hualien that he shifted his focus to motorcycle mechanics.
“When I came back to Hualien, my goal was to open a shop in my tribe,” Chia-Hao recalls.
Given the higher costs associated with car repair and inventory, he decided to start with a motorcycle repair shop. After gaining valuable experience and relearning the craft at a motorcycle shop in Hualien, he finally opened his own business this year.
Ciyakang Motorcycle Shop operates Monday to Saturday, from 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM, and is closed on Sundays. Appointments are highly recommended!
Time Proves Growth
Driven and determined, Chou Chia-Hao was once a reckless young man. He admits, “My image in the past, to some extent, influenced how the tribe saw me.” Knowing that change wouldn’t happen overnight, Chia-Hao decided to focus on studying and working hard after entering high school, aiming to achieve results that would earn him respect when he returned to the tribe.
Transitioning from a student to a professional, Chia-Hao understood the challenges he would face—not only in learning technical skills but also in navigating workplace relationships. However, he embraced the opportunity to learn new things and share experiences. Even when conflicts arose at work, he approached them with a willingness to communicate and resolve them quickly.
A Collaborative Start
In the early stages of opening his shop, Chia-Hao frequently sought advice and input from peers in the industry, his family, and members of the tribe. After months of preparation, he launched a trial run in June and officially opened on July 28th of 2024.
“This space is something my dad and I invested in together. My dad handled all the setup and design!” Chia-Hao shared proudly. “For me, my dad’s and my girlfriend’s support means everything, and they are the people I’m most grateful for.”
Now, with his transformed image and proven dedication, Chia-Hao has gained the recognition of the tribe. During his free time, tribal members often stop by his shop to chat, making it not just a business but also a welcoming community hub.
Take It Slow, No Need to Rush
Chia-Hao shared, “Right now, I just want to focus on providing great service, stabilizing my current life, and giving my family peace of mind. Although I don’t know much about marketing yet, it’s something I definitely plan to learn in the future.”
To avoid potential issues, Ciyakang Motorcycle Shop will soon complete its business registration. For now, Chia-Hao’s customer base consists mainly of tribal members, relatives, friends, and fellow motorcycle professionals in Hualien. He believes that word-of-mouth is currently the best marketing strategy. For Chia-Hao, as long as he delivers excellent service, recognition will naturally follow.
Interviewers: Huang Hsin-Tzu, Chen En
Writer: Huang Hsin-Tzu
Interview Date: July 30, 2024
