Today we’d like to introduce you to Lawrence Smathers.
Hi Lawrence, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Joined the US Navy as a Aviation Structural Mechanic April 1998. Worked on H-60 helicopters for the Navy till 2012. Stationed on the West Coast, Japan, Guam, & the East Coast.
Switched to the US Air Force and worked on C-5 Galaxy cargo plane and KC-135 in flight refuelers until retirement in April 2018 with 20 years of service.
Attended Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology and graduated with a degree in Orthotics and Prosthetics. Built prosthetic limbs in Middle Tennessee for five years.
When my personal grandfather clock was being serviced I began to investigate the option of working in clock repair. Acquainting myself with local clock repairmen to determine if it was a viable career then began taking classes with National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors (NAWCC). Attended formal horology training at Gem City Clock Repair School one of the oldest clock repair schools in the USA. Officially opened The Clock Doctor of Tennessee in 2023 as a mobile clock repair shop servicing Middle Tennessee.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Learning how to run a small business has been a challenge. So many aspects of a small business are unknown until they are encountered. I handle all aspects from fielding inquiries, advertising, scheduling, ordering, maintenance & delivery, etc. My wife handles the social media & website sides of the business.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
What should we know?
The Clock Doctor of Tennessee is a mobile clock repair shop specializing in grandfather, grandmother, wall & mantle clock repair onsite as well battery operated clocks.
What do you do, what do you specialize in / what are you known for?
Mobile repair & maintenance of grandfather, grandmother, wall & mantle clock repair onsite as well battery operated clocks.
What sets you apart from others?
The Clock Doctor comes to the client’s home & repairs the clock onsite, if possible, which cuts down on the wait time. My experience in aviation maintenance & building prosthetics has allowed me to have a broad understanding of mechanical operations.
What are you most proud brand wise?
Mobile business model which minimizes turn around time.
What do you want our readers to know about your brand, offerings, services, etc?
The Clock Doctor of Tennessee is licensed, insured, experienced, formally educated & veteran owned.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Clocks hold sentimental value for many people the way few other objects can. Many people associate clocks with family members, memories or events. Being able to maintain or restore something that holds sentimental value for someone provides a sense of accomplishment and meaning that my service provides my customers.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.clockdoctortn.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550939924655
