We had the good fortune of connecting with Alex Noll and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alex, can you tell us about a book that has had a meaningful impact on you?
I recently read “The road less stupid” by Keith Cunningham. Now, I average about 15-20 books of various business/economic a year, and while that isn’t a ton compared to most- This book has had a lasting impression on me. First off, it gives you a road map on how to think. Secondly, it compartmentalizes on *what* to think about. Then, Keith gives you key points to think about on each chapter. It was phenomenal to read this book with a logical and pragmatic approach of how to run a business, how to manage employees, and most importantly- how to hold people accountable. I highly recommend it, and it’s one of my top 5 business books I’ve read over the last 10 years.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I enjoy being the Capitan of the ship here. I enjoy coming up with off the wall ideas, cutting different angles, and creating solutions to issues when they come around. Gathering information, finding efficiency and looking for “what I don’t see” is always exciting to me. Being a 22 year BMW master technician and transitioning into an entrepreneur has shown me that instead of looking at a misfire issue or check engine light on a vehicle; now I look at a KPI value to diagnose an issue in my business.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This could go sideways real quick lol-There’s so many places to eat in Houston! Eat at 105 Café for breakfast and get an Irishman’s skillet. Tom is a great guy, and his little diner has always produced quality eats. Sometimes you have to split a table with others to get seated in a reasonable amount of time. Maybe hit Corkscrew BBQ in old town Spring for some brisket for lunch. Look for the Ape Eater sticker (a friend of mine’s race team from Oklahoma). Or perhaps Lankford’s downtown for a Fireman burger and a piece of cobbler (remember, cash only!), A seared ahi tuna burger at District 7…… Pho Saigon for some Pho and coffee. Dinner? Riel is a fantastic place for quality eats. Perry’s for a great steak or pork chop- what a great tag line they have! “Rare, well done”. Want to hit a taco truck? How about El Norteño taco truck at Aldine Westfield and Cypresswood for a Quesabarria. The list goes on and on for things to stop and experience.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Finding a group of business owners in the same industry you can lean on, listen to, bounce ideas off of, and vent is pivotal to keeping my sanity. A peer group that understands the struggles and issues that you are experiencing and can give you real world advice. Motivation. Encouragement. Occasionally swat you with a newspaper for doing something dumb, and generally hold each other accountable. Steve Roberts at North East Auto and Truck service in Ocala Florida has really pushed me to be accountable. Justin Trump at Mercedes Specialists in Westminster, Maryland has been there when I have been in dark times and think the world is imploding. These guys are true friends and have helped me personally and professionally.

Website: abrhouston.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abrhouston

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abr-houston-tx

Twitter: https://twitter.com/abrhouston

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BMWdoctor/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/abr-houston-spring

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Abrhouston

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.