Today we’d like to introduce you to Isaac Zepeda.
Hi Isaac, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am an ASE and GM Master Technician. I’m self-taught and have been working on cars personally since I was 16, and professionally at a dealership since I was 19. I’m now 26. I took full advantage of all the manufacturer training available through the dealership and eventually worked my way up the ladder.
I was born and raised in Northern California, and I’ve always had a dream of opening a specialty shop. I came extremely close to doing so—I had the equipment and had already begun scouting warehouses. At the same time, I’d been wanting to move to Miami for a while, attracted by the tax advantages and the larger population, which is beneficial in my line of work. I was also unhappy with the direction my local area was heading.
So, I made the decision to sell everything—my car, my belongings—and move to Miami with just two boxes, a toolbox, and a 10-day Airbnb stay. I had already lined up a job and bought a vehicle here. Fortunately, I quickly moved up to the top of the dealership.
After a few months, I had saved some money and decided to launch Pulse Powersport. I’m still in the early stages of opening the business and building my brand. It has definitely proven to be one of the most difficult and expensive things I’ve ever done. I’m currently dealing with permits and resolving issues with vendors related to my products. At times, it feels like I’m at a standstill—stuck in a waiting game while covering significant overhead—but I have faith. I know I’m going to crush it in Miami once my name gets out.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been anything but smooth. I signed my lease about three months ago, and by now, I had planned to be selling products and have my doors fully open. I drastically underestimated how much money it takes to build a brand and open a shop. Maintaining a large overhead while investing in R&D for products I plan to sell has been a huge expense.
I’ve spent thousands on products that ended up in the trash because they didn’t meet my standards—I want my brand to be seen as premium, and I refuse to put out anything less. On top of that, I’ve never opened a brick-and-mortar location before, and being alone here in Miami means I don’t have many people to turn to for advice.
Right now, I’m at a halt because I need to permit my car lift—but I did the process wrong due to my lack of experience. Still, little by little, things are getting resolved, and I’m working through every issue as it comes.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Pulse Powersport is a Corvette-specialized shop focused on the modification and installation of our own high-quality products. As I mentioned earlier, I’m a GM Master Technician, so in addition to performance upgrades, I also handle major repairs and engine modifications.
What sets me apart in this area is that very few shops specialize in what I do. While there are people selling aftermarket parts, I’m bringing a new level of quality to the table—even at the cost of my margins—because I’m committed to offering only the best products.
Another key differentiator is certification and skill. Although others may sell similar products, I’m the only one in the area who is 100% certified to work on these vehicles. I’m a true master of my craft, and I bring a high level of finesse and craftsmanship to every job
What were you like growing up?
I’ve always been into cars. As a kid, I collected Hot Wheels and spent hours playing car video games like Need for Speed and Gran Turismo. I was also very active—playing outside, mountain biking with my dad in the Santa Cruz Mountains, and always on the move.
I’ve always been pretty reserved, but I was inspired by my dad, who was a business owner. That world always interested me. I’ve learned that being an entrepreneur means becoming comfortable with discomfort—approaching people, being outgoing, and putting yourself out there.
My passion for cars and love of physical activity eventually turned into my greatest gift: I get to work with my hands and body, stay active, and still challenge myself mentally by solving complex problems every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Pulsepowersport.com
- Instagram: Pulsepowersport and Isaac_Gmspecialist
Image Credits
Andrew Tucker
