![\"Tan](\"https:\/\/glutenfreepleasure.com\/__proxy_domain\/www.singaporebrand.com.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/tan-min-tie-motors-1.jpg\" "\\"Tan")
How It Started<\/strong>\nAttending school was a luxury in the war-torn 40s when Singapore was then occupied by the Japanese. Tan Min Tie, born in 1943, was in no more than primary two when his parents decided that being equipped with a trade skill was far more practical and beneficial.<\/p>\n
And so, a nine-year old Ah Tee (nicknamed by many, even until today) was withdrawn from an academic education to be fast-tracked for an education at the University of Hard Knocks under an auto repair apprenticeship, trained by a harsh master.<\/p>\n
His Work Became His Entire Life<\/strong> Ah Tee’s industry meant being ever-present at the auto repair workshop where he got acquainted with many towkays from all trades. They were satisfied with Ah Tee’s auto repair skills enough to entrust their cars in his hands. Happy with Ah Tee’s exemplary service attitude, many towkays were also happy to share their knowledge and advice with him. He learnt much about other areas from these towkays from their regular conversations.<\/p>\n Taking Over The Workshop Business<\/strong>
\nRelying on his iron will and, he bided his time patiently to learn the ropes of auto repair, trusting that he would one day emerge from the darkness to see light. The ESSO petrol kiosk with a small section for auto repair\/servicing at Frankel Avenue was to then become Ah Tee’s second home where he endured dirt and grime and a hard taskmaster, slogging for long hours. He had little, if any, recreation and leisure time. His work became his entire life. Indeed, it was the only thing he did all day and sometimes late into the night.<\/p>\n![\"Tan](\"https:\/\/glutenfreepleasure.com\/__proxy_domain\/www.singaporebrand.com.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/tan-min-tie-motors-esso.jpg\" "\\"Tan")
Going The Extra Mile To Accommodate Clients’ Requests<\/strong>
\nAh Tee had always believed in giving of the best he possibly could in all things he did, including going the extra mile to accommodate as many of his customers’ sometimes inconvenient requests, even if they sometimes involved costs and budgets. Ah Tee’s connections in high places and knowledge in many fields soon made him the favourite Go-to person among his circle of friends.<\/p>\n
\nNine years passed and Ah Tee was asked if he would like to take over the auto repair\/ service workshop business by his master. Ah Tee turned to his mother for a loan of the required $28. Successfully negotiated, Ah Tee became his own boss of the auto repair business as a sole proprietor, Tan Min Tie Motors was born.<\/p>\n