Today we’d like to introduce you to Fasil Getachew.
Hi Fasil, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In the spring of 2015, I was working part-time as a valet parking attendant for MarcParc, a company that specialized in valet parking for special events. After a few months, a Canadian parking company acquired MarcParc and shut down its special events valet division, explaining that they were only interested in operating parking garages.
Not long after I was laid off, a former coworker called to tell me about another company that specialized exclusively in special events valet parking: MJ Valet, owned by Mike Jasper. I wasted no time joining the team.
As time went on, I learned that Mike had previously been the Vice President of Sales at my former employer. I also discovered that when he started his own company, he had brought several key clients with him. I remember thinking, This guy is the real deal. One day, when I grow up, I want to be like him.
One day, while working an event, Mike was standing next to me talking on the phone with the owner of another valet company. He was asking them to take over several weekend events because his company couldn’t keep up with the demand. After our former employer exited the market, the demand for special events valet parking had exploded throughout the city.
At that moment, a light bulb went off in my head.
“Ring… ring… ring… I need to start a special events parking business.”
Later that year, in November 2015, I founded Capital Event Services LLC. The name was intentional. I didn’t want to limit the company to valet parking alone. My vision was to build a one-stop shop for event organizers by offering a wide range of event support services.
Everything was going according to plan until March 2020, when COVID-19 brought the world to a standstill.
The impact was devastating. I laid off my entire staff, sold every piece of equipment I owned, and terminated the lease on my storage facility. At the time, I honestly didn’t know if the world—or my business—would recover.
Three years later, as life slowly returned to normal, I decided it was time to rebuild. Unfortunately, rebuilding proved far more difficult than I expected. Many of my corporate clients had disappeared. My reopening announcement emails bounced back, phone calls went unanswered, and the cost of nearly everything had increased dramatically. On top of that, finding reliable employees had become incredibly difficult.
I had no choice but to raise my prices to keep up with rising costs, but convincing customers to accept those increases was a challenge. From the very beginning, the business struggled.
Thankfully, government COVID relief funding gave me an opportunity to reinvent the company. I invested in new equipment, expanded into new services, and rebranded the business as Fasil for Hire LLC.
While some of my original services, such as valet parking, are still recovering, my chauffeur service has become a thriving part of the business. That experience taught me that success isn’t always about returning to where you were—sometimes it’s about adapting, evolving, and finding an entirely new path forward.
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?
It’s far from a smooth road. Skyrocketing insurance premiums, driver retention and fierce competition from ride share apps and other operators are a challenge. The lack of technology like real time ordering and tracking app is a bit of a problem. I am working towards upgrading to real time dispatching system.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Besides running a business I am a natural born technician, AVIXA certified technology specialist. Hint, the reason why I am offering Audio Visual services. I strive to deliver the highest level of customer service in every interaction. I firmly believe that 100% customer satisfaction is the foundation of a successful business, and I never take my clients’ trust for granted. Every service I provide is backed by my commitment to delivering exactly what I promise—with professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I’m always looking for ways to build a community. You can work, collaborate or support me by partnering on cross promotions, engaging with my content on social media, or utilizing my services. I welcome these connections to help us grow together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://fasilforhire.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/fasilforhire/
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/fasilforhire
- Twitter: https://x.com/fasilforhire
- Youtube: https://YouTube.com/@fasilforhire
- Yelp: https://yelp.com/biz/fasil-for-hire-jefferson-manor
