Inuvik (Sep 15/06) - Jody Greenough is a mechanic and business owner in Inuvik.

While his shop does warranties and engine repairs, it also helps make cars stand out. "We do lift kits, 20-inch tires...we even ordered some Lamborghini-style doors for one truck so they open upwards," he said.

Jody Greenough - here holding his Automotive Service Technician certificate - owns the Highspeed Auto garage in Inuvik. He said there's a big market for car customization and specialized parts in town. - Philippe Morin/NNSL photo

As the owner of Highspeed Auto on Industrial Road, Greenough said there's a market in Inuvik for car customization, in addition to regular maintenance.

However, he said auto repair is an expensive field to get started in.

Some tools, like an automobile computer scanner, can cost more than $10,000.

In the two months since he started his business, Greenough said he's welcomed a steady stream of customers.

However, he said he's still trying to keep costs down.

He plans to hire two students through an apprenticeship program and lives upstairs from the garage area.

He also said his wife Lori-Ann helps by looking after the books.

"It's challenging," he said, when asked about starting a business in Inuvik.

But while there is a lot of hard work to be done, Greenough said he enjoys his job.

He said his father was a heavy-duty mechanic working in the Yukon and he appreciates being able to work on nice, clean machines.

"That must have been the worst job sometimes," he said of his father's work.

"I think I have it easier here, working in the warm shop," he said.