“I would be out of business if it wasn’t for California Academy Of Sewing Machine Repair.” After four years in the vacuum business it looked like I would have to close the doors. Then I met Jim Jacobson of California Academy and bought his complete instructional DVD program on sewing machine repair. Within one year I was doing two to four repairs per day. Twelve months later there were eight customers per hour walking through my doors. Much of my success is due to the expertise and teaching skills of Jim Jacobson, President and chief instructor at California Academy Of Sewing Machine Repair.”
Thanks Jim,
Bob Schwartz, owner
Able Vac & Sew
Ohio, USA
“I took my training with California Academy of Sewing Machine Repair using their DVD program. It was great!! I was able to use the DVDs at my leisure and have them available for continued reference. Jim’s DVDs are easy to understand and much superior to learning from a book! The best part is being able to speak with Jim by phone whenever I have a question. That is unique and adds so much value to the experience. I plan on supplementing my pension with machine repair when I retire, and I know I have been taught by the best!
“This is a terrific program with excellent results!”
Ralph Hodge
British Columbia, Canada
1. What problem/situation were you facing that California Academy/Jim Jacobson solved?
(Jeanette): We were searching for a training course in sewing machine repair, and were willing to travel, but were pleasantly surprised to find Jim Jacobson’s Academy so close to us.
(Alan): With the economic down turn being what it is, my company has placed me on Work Share, reducing my salary by 40% in order to keep my job. In addition, the company owner has recently hired his son in law, while being unable to pay me my full salary. So this seemed to be the writing on the wall & that my time there will be short, so I decided to look into self-employment.
My wife has told me for years look into sewing machines, as she has worked in the sewing industry since the late 1980s, for several different stores, so I added it to my search list. When I found Doc Jacobson, I realized there was potential in doing sewing machine repair as a business. He showed me a vehicle and explained very clearly how to obtain both a skill and income that was my own, and not tied to some company. He provided me freedom and an opportunity to realize that I can be successful if I apply the skills he teaches.
2. How much has California Academy increased your profits or income?
(Jeanette): Although we are still setting up our repair area (as we will be working from our home until we are ready to open a shop), we have potential customers ready to have their machines serviced. We are looking to replace our current income & surpass it eventually.
(Alan): We will become operational during the month of March & tracking our income closely. Doc, has already treaded through the mine field of the vacuum/sewing business from being in business for over 39 years. Because of his guidance and mentorship, I will benefit from lessons learned, not only in starting our business, but in how to properly run & maintain it in years to come, as well as build a loyal customer base, from his 30+ yrs of experience.
3. How much time or money have we saved you?
(Jeanette): We thought the cost of the Academy was very reasonable, and it is very close to our home, so it was unnecessary to travel out of state.
(Alan): Thousands $$$$, Why? Because it costs that just go back to school to reeducate and switch job skills. I have 20+ yrs in the high tech field only to see it move not only out of state but out of the country. I have skills in this field, but no place to apply them, so it is necessary to change how I make my living. The price and skills from Doc are (proven, tested, with real time & instant application from classroom to business to customer. The training is intense, intrinsic and gratifying. This training is real world in giving one the ability to instantly apply to your personal business
4. Have we made your life easier? How?
(Jeanette): Yes, we will eventually be able to operate our business full-time, & work together as a couple.
(Alan): YES, California Academy has given me hope. I’m 48 years old and I’m no longer tied to a job or some else’s business- its’ like they have control or a leash on you, now I am the skill, the business, it goes where I go, I can do this anywhere.
5. What did you like about classes/training? What did you like about the experience of working with California Academy?
(Alan): They were small, intensive, hands on & Jim answered all of my questions during the training, which gives students the opportunity to work on machines for real customers and listen as Jim interfaces with his customers. I realized instantly that this is no ordinary business – the customers are in a relationship with you forever, like a Dr with a patient or best friend.
6. Were you pleasantly surprised by any part of your experience with our school?
(Alan): With how realistic the training was, with a real working atmosphere. Jim is very patient, pleasant, he listens, he mentor’s- that’s a lost art. I saw firsthand, through Jim, the income potential in this business, & the satisfaction of being ones’ own boss. Both Jim & my wife have introduced me to a whole new world, where people have a passion about & dedication to their machines & how fun & satisfying working with sewing machines are.
7. What did you find remarkable about our school?
(Alan): Everything- the school is located in an area which helps to promote a relaxed mind set so you can more easily focus. Again the real world application of the training was such that you could grasp the skills needed quickly
8. What is the most important thing people should know about us?
(Alan): How quickly you can learn & apply what you learn immediately to get moving on to independence.
9. Would you recommend us to your friends, families, and co-workers? Why?
(Alan): Yes, absolutely, for a person who wants to get into this kind of work. I am using lessons and skills learned from California Academy to build my business.
10. What part of your experience with us makes you want to do business with us again?
(Alan): While going through the training I was able to learn about the culture of sewing, that it is more than a business, its’ a relationship,
11. Other thoughts or comments?
(Alan): I appreciate that Jim is more than an instructor- he is a mentor & is available to assist students even after their classes are completed. The price of the training is more than fair, & much less than a trade school or college would be, to learn a trade or skill. This has been a life changing experience, because now the skill I have learned may be taken with me wherever I may go, rather than be tied to an employers’ location. (It’s cost effective). Anyone serious about a trade or skill- this is one anyone can afford and it’s truly credible. We’re talking 30+ years of experience being handed down that is real- no fluff, no BS, not rocket science-just facts, determination, passion, satisfaction & honest work.
Alan and Jeanette Carter
San Jose, CA
“I have learned so much at California Academy. It is a dream-come-true. I hope to make a living,-starting with sewing machine repair.
“Jim was very patient and answered my questions easily. He offered many ideas to help me get started and also encouraged me to call if I had any questions.
“Thank you so much!…..for going out of your way to make my experience great.”
Lavon Blackmore
British Columbia