$380,000, Ethan, in one weekend.
It was a party, Dad.
Everybody does it.
Not everybody crashes a Porsche and then screams at the tow truck driver for being late.
He was slow.
And I pay people to be fast.
You don’t pay anyone.
I do.
Same thing.
It’s our money.
It’s my money and I’ve watched you burn it for 6 years.
So what?
You have more than you could ever spend.
Your driver quit this morning.
He said you called him a servant in front of your friends.
He was being dramatic.
He has two kids, Ethan.
He cried in my kitchen.
Then give him a raise and let me live my life.
[music] [sighs] I’ve begged you.
I’ve warned you.
And I’ve waited for you to grow up.
Dad, stop.
[music] You’re acting like I killed somebody.
You don’t need my money.
Fine.
From this moment on, you don’t have it.
[snorts] You’re bluffing.
Helen, cancel every credit card in my son’s name.
Every card, sir.
Every card, every account, and the house car service.
Do it now.
Dad, this isn’t funny.
Ethan, I need the keys to the Aston Martin.
Marcus, you’re not serious.
[music] Your father’s orders.
I’m sorry, son.
Unbelievable.
Take it.
I’ll buy 10 more.
You’ll buy nothing.
Your access to the accounts was closed 4 minutes ago.
I can survive without you, Dad.
I don’t need you for anything.
I don’t need you for anything.
Then prove it.
Name it.
[music] 30 days.
No money from me, no use of the Carter name, no connections, and no employees.
Nothing from the family business.
And if I make it, then I will respect your independence [music] and I’ll never question your choices again.
[music] You’ll regret this.
30 days will be easy.
He took only one bag, sir.
He took his pride, Helen.
That’s what’s going to get hurt.
Are you sure this is the right thing?
No, but I’m out of other ways to save him.
Tyler, it’s me.
My dad cut me off and I need a place to crash for a few nights.
Whoa, dude.
I can’t.
My girlfriend You said I could stay anytime.
Yeah, when you had a yacht.
Call me when it’s sorted out.
Okay.
Cards declined again, buddy.
That’s impossible.
We’ll try it one more time.
I tried it three times.
You want to pay cash or get out of my car?
I’ll get out.
Is this the bus to downtown?
This is the one.
It’s $2.50.
I think I have that.
Is it always this cold at night?
Honey, it’s October.
Hold on to that jacket.
A room is $189 a night.
I have $43.
Do you have anything cheaper?
Not here.
Try the shelter on Delansancy, but they fill up by 6:00.
It’s 7.
Where’d a kid like you get a watch like this?
It was a gift.
How much?
200.
And that’s me being generous.
200.
Don’t sleep by the fountain, kid.
Cops sweep it at midnight.
Where do you sleep?
Behind the library where the vents blow warm air.
You can follow me.
Thanks.
I’m Ethan.
Dad, I’m cold.
My bag.
It was right under my head.
Gone, huh?
They get you when you sleep.
$200 was in there.
And my phone.
Welcome to the real world, kid.
I thought this would be easy.
It’s never easy.
Sit down and breathe.
I’ve [music] never been this hungry.
Most folks out here stop feeling it.
It’s 3:00 in the morning, Helen.
Where [music] is he sleeping tonight?
I don’t know, sir.
Neither do I.
That’s [music] the part I can’t stand.
Jerry, where do people go to find work?
Fifth and Mercer.
At dawn, day laborers line up for pickup trucks.
Then that’s where I’m going.
Where’s something you don’t mind ruining?
Do you have any experience in [music] car sales?
I’ve bought a lot of cars.
That’s not experience.
That’s a hobby.
Next.
Nice suit.
Where’s your resume?
I don’t have one with me, but I learn fast.
Kid, this is a sales job, not a fashion show.
Come back with references.
Have you ever worked in a kitchen?
No, sir.
But I’ll wash dishes if you need someone.
Dishwashers get fired for showing up in loafers.
Go home.
I don’t have a home.
[music] I need four guys for a roofing job.
You, you, you, and him.
What about me, pretty boy?
You’d be on the ground by noon.
Step aside.
Give me one hour to prove I can do it.
That’s $11 for the jeans and the boots.
I don’t have $11.
I have nine.
Then take the jeans and one boot and I’ll give you the other for free.
Just kidding.
Take them both.
Thank you.
I’ll never forget this.
12 hours of loading, $5 an hour cash.
That’s below minimum wage.
Take it or leave it, kid.
I’ve got 50 guys who’d say yes.
I’ll take it.
You missed a spot on the bumper.
I’m sorry.
I’ll fix it right away.
Do it right the first time or I’ll tell the owner.
$30 for the day.
Don’t be late tomorrow.
You need your own car for deliveries.
I can use a bike.
Then you’ll make $4 a delivery and wreck your knees.
Next.
Carry these cement bags to the second floor.
All of them?
All of them.
Slow down and you’re done.
I’m moving.
[music] Here’s $40 for 12 hours.
40?
We agreed on 80.
We agreed on whatever I say.
Take it or go.
Let it go, brother.
You’ll lose more by arguing.
Carlos, how do you live on this?
We don’t live, brother.
We get by.
I spent more than that on cologne.
Then I hope you learn something before you spend it again.
You eat today?
I’m fine.
Your stomach’s growling like a bear.
[music] I’m saving the money for tomorrow.
[music] Sir, you can’t stand here.
You’re making our guests uncomfortable.
I’m just looking.
Then look from across the street, please.
Sorry.
I’ll go.
[music] Ethan, that’s a $400 steak, and you didn’t touch it.
Dad, just throw it out.
The chef can make another.
[music] Do you know how many people would be grateful for that plate?
It’s just food, Dad.
Excuse me, ma’am.
Could you spare something to eat?
Sorry, I’m late for a meeting.
Even a small piece of bread.
I said I’m late.
Get a job, buddy.
Nobody owes you anything.
I have a job.
It paid $30.
Then work harder.
I work 12 hours.
It’s a turkey sandwich and an apple.
Nothing fancy.
Thank you.
I Eat first, [music] talk later.
What’s your name, son?
Ethan.
Walter.
You take care of yourself, Ethan.
I will, Walter.
I promise.
[music] Jerry, I used to throw away food like this.
Now you know what it’s worth.
It’s the best meal I’ve ever had.
It always is when you earn the hunger.
What do you want, kid?
Your sign says help wanted.
I’m looking for work.
You ever worked a day in your life?
Not really, but I want to learn.
12 bucks an hour cash.
Clean carry and shut up unless you’re spoken to.
Yes, sir.
One mistake.
Rich boy hands, huh?
I’m not rich.
You carry tires like you’re carrying a baby.
Put your back into it.
Show me how.
Who dropped the wrench into the engine bay?
I did, sir.
I’m sorry.
That wrench cost 40 bucks and you cost me an hour.
You want to keep this job?
Yes, sir.
It won’t happen again.
You scratched my bumper, you clumsy idiot.
I’m very sorry, sir.
You’d better.
I’m not paying for your mistakes.
Quit if you want, kid.
Everybody does by week two.
I’m not quitting.
Your hands are bleeding.
Then I’ll wrap them and come back tomorrow.
[music] Why do you keep coming back?
I yell at you every day.
Because I need to know I can do this.
That’s a stupid reason.
It’s the only one I’ve [music] got.
Hold still.
You cut yourself cleaning that engine.
I’m fine.
It’s just a scratch.
Rule one, wear gloves.
Yes, sir.
Thanks.
I want a full refund, and I want it now.
I understand you’re upset, ma’am.
Let me check what went wrong.
Don’t give me the runaround.
No runaround.
If it’s our mistake, we’ll fix it for free.
Dad opened this place in 1978.
He worked 16 hours a day, and [music] he died in this garage.
I’m sorry, Mr.
Miller, don’t be.
It taught me nothing’s handed to you.
I’m starting to understand.
Here’s your pay for the week.
$360.
Welcome to the club, kid.
I’ve never been so proud of money.
Any word on him, Helen?
A man matching his description works at a small garage.
[music] Don’t follow him.
I know he’s safe.
Thin, but safe.
And he’s working.
Danny, that Camaro’s noise isn’t the transmission.
It’s the CV joint.
You sure about that?
I grew up around cars and I’ve been reading the manual.
Check the boot.
It’s torn.
How did you Ethan caught the CV joint?
He called it before I even lifted the car.
Huh?
Kids got ears.
I just listened.
It’s midnight.
Turn that light off and sleep.
One more chapter, Mr.
Miller.
I’m almost done with the manual.
You’ll be [music] useless tomorrow.
Then I’ll be useless and educated.
See this?
That’s your timing mark.
So the engine is like a team.
Exactly.
Everything has to move together.
[music] Show me again.
Three shops couldn’t fix my hybrid.
Can I scan the sensor readings?
Think it’s a faulty battery sensor.
That’s what you think.
It’s cheaper than replacing the battery.
Let me prove it.
Your raise.
$2 more an hour.
Mr.
Miller, are you serious?
Don’t let it go to your head.
You still sweep the floor on Fridays.
Wouldn’t have it any other way.
Frank, why do you charge so little for a transmission flush?
It’s because the folks around here can’t pay more.
But you could make more money.
Mrs.
Alvarez got charged $900 at the dealership for a $200 fix.
That’s how big dealers work.
It shouldn’t be.
Maybe not.
But who’s going to change it?
[music] Dad, it’s me, Ethan.
It’s day 30.
You can come home.
I’m not coming home.
You said prove it.
[music] And I’m not done proving it.
Then I’ll keep my word.
You’re on your own.
You’re not just a worker anymore, kid.
What am I then?
You’ve got hands that think.
That’s rare.
Thank you, Frank.
That means more than you know.
It’s making this terrible noise every time I turn left.
Let me take a look.
Can you pop the hood?
Sure.
I’m Mia, by the way.
Ethan, nice to meet you.
It’s a loose belt and a worn bearing.
$60 in parts.
And the labor.
I’ll cover it.
You look like you’ve had a rough week.
I pay my own way.
Put it on the bill.
Why do you work so hard?
You look half asleep.
I’m learning.
I didn’t know anything when I started.
Well, you know something now.
My car sounds happy.
That’s the best compliment I’ve gotten all month.
Brought you a sandwich.
You never seem to take a lunch break.
You didn’t have to do that.
Consider it a thank you.
Eat it or I’ll be offended.
Okay.
Okay.
Thank you.
I wait tables during the day and take business classes at night.
That’s a lot.
I’m saving every cent.
Someday I’ll run my own place.
I believe you will.
What about your family?
My mom’s a nurse’s aid and my dad drove trucks until his back gave out.
They sound like good people.
The best.
What about yours?
[music] It’s complicated.
We don’t talk.
Don’t be.
It’s my fault.
Mostly, everybody gets a second chance.
Ethan, [music] of course, my car dies in the rain.
Stay in the garage.
I’ll get it running.
You’re soaked.
I’ve been wetter.
Hand me that flashlight.
[music] Who’s the girl who keeps bringing food?
Her name’s Mia.
She’s a customer.
Customers don’t bring burritos.
Leave him alone, Danny.
If Mia knew who my father is, she’d look at me differently.
Who’s your father?
A man I’ll have to talk to someday.
Sounds heavy.
$5 burgers.
Don’t say I never take you anywhere fancy.
Best restaurant in the city.
Be careful.
You’re getting ketchup on your shirt.
Worth it.
Your hands are a mess.
Occupational hazard.
I’m serious.
Let me put some cream on them.
Mia.
Mia, you don’t have to.
What do you want out of life, Ethan?
Really?
I want to build something that’s mine.
Something honest.
That’s a good dream.
[music] What’s yours?
I want a place where people don’t get ripped off.
A repair shop.
Anything.
A business with a conscience.
Funny.
That’s exactly what I want to build.
And then he said the engine was smoking because of me.
Did you tell me?
Did you tell him it was his fault?
[laughter] I told him the car was older than he was.
That’s the best thing I’ve heard all week.
I got fired today.
What happened?
The manager said I was too slow.
I carried six plates, not eight.
Their loss.
We’ll figure something out.
Ethan, you sleep in a garage?
It’s not so bad.
There’s a cot.
Mrs.
Pearl next door rents a room for 300 a month.
I’ll take you.
Mia, you don’t have to take care of me.
Happy birthday to me, I guess.
Close your eyes.
Open your hand.
It’s a little wrench, a keychain.
I made it from scrap metal for the girl who fixed my life.
It’s been 6 months since we met.
Feels like 6 years.
Is that good?
Is that good?
[music] It’s the best.
Ethan.
Yeah.
Nothing.
Never mind.
Tell me.
I think I love you.
I love you too, Mia.
More than I know how to say.
Is there something you’re not telling me?
My dad is wealthy and we fought.
I’ll tell you everything one day.
Mrs.
Alvarez, why are you crying?
The dealership says my car needs a new engine.
$4,000.
Let me look at it first.
Frank, can we check this one together?
Bring it in.
It’s probably a spark plug.
It was a spark plug.
$40.
[gasps] They wanted 4,000.
That’s wrong, Mrs.
Alvarez.
It’s more common than you think.
Mia, what if we open a repair shop with fair prices and honest work?
Honest work.
Most people are afraid of getting cheated.
We’d give them a reason to trust again.
Show me the numbers and I’m in.
Rent, tools, insurance, parts.
We need about $40,000.
We have $2,300.
Then we start smaller and we build.
Small is fine.
Small is honest.
[music] Frank, I’m leaving the garage.
You leaving me for a girl?
[music] For a dream.
I’ll never forget what you taught me.
Don’t forget how to sweep a floor.
These were my father’s wrenches.
Take them.
They’ve been [music] waiting for someone who’d earned them.
I’ll take care of them.
I promise.
No credit history, [music] no collateral.
Application denied.
We have a business plan and 6 months of savings.
I’m sorry.
It’s [music] policy.
Thank you for your time.
Mom, I can’t take your savings.
It’s not a gift, honey.
It’s an investment.
[music] If we fail, you lose everything.
Then don’t fail.
I believe in you, Mia.
The roof leaks, the floors cracked, and the wiring’s older than me.
1,200 a month.
We’ll take it.
Ethan, look at the ceiling.
Then we’ll fix the ceiling.
What should we call it?
Fair wheels Auto Service.
Fair wheels.
I love it.
Then let’s hang the [music] sign.
It’s 3:00 in the afternoon and nobody’s come in.
Word takes time.
How much time?
I don’t know, but we’re not leaving.
The lift just broke.
How much to [music] repair it?
$2,800.
We don’t have that.
Your invoice is $6,400.
I’ll pay when I feel like it.
We did the work in good faith.
Then you shouldn’t have trusted Mr.
Dalton.
We need that money to survive.
We have $312 in the account.
Rent is due [music] Friday.
I know.
I’ll skip dinner this week.
You posted those fake reviews, Gary.
I run Brandt Auto Group.
I don’t need to do anything to a garage like yours.
You’re spreading lies about us.
Stay in your lane, grease monkey.
Maybe I should call my father.
Your father?
He has money, Mia.
He could fix all of this in a day.
You wanted to prove you could build something without [music] his money.
Don’t stop now.
Frank, did you ever want to quit?
Every Monday.
What stopped you?
Tuesday.
[music] I’m scared, Ethan.
Me, too.
What if we lose everything?
[music] Then we lose it together.
Frank sent me.
He said you can’t afford me.
Danny, we can’t pay you.
Pay me when you can.
I’d rather work for a dream than a paycheck.
Welcome to Fairs.
I brought my neighbors.
We all need our cars fixed.
Mrs.
Alvarez, you didn’t have to do that.
You treated me fair.
Now we’re treating you right.
Come in, everyone.
We’ll take good care [music] of you.
Mr.
Dalton, you have until Monday or I’ll see you in small claims court.
You’re threatening me.
I’m informing you we have every receipt and every photo.
Fine.
[music] Here’s your check.
Mia, you got the 6,000 back.
I told you I’d handle it.
I don’t know what I’d do without you.
Pizza night, my [music] treat.
Listen to this review.
Fare wheels saved me $600 and they treated me like a human being.
Read me another.
There are 40 of them.
40 fivestar reviews.
Words getting out.
You remember me, Mr.
Carter?
$40 for 12 hours of work.
How could I forget?
I heard you were hiring.
You start Monday.
And it’s Ethan, please.
Jerry, I’ve [music] got a job for you.
I haven’t worked in 9 years, kid.
You help me survive my first night.
Let me return the favor.
I don’t know what to say.
Used cars means inventory risk.
We buy them at a fair price, inspect them, and sell them at a fair price, and we guarantee everyone.
Exactly.
[music] Trust is our product.
Mr.
Carter, Miss Reynolds, your application is approved.
Isn’t this the same office that turned us down?
It is.
I owe you an apology.
No apology needed.
Just fun the showroom.
Not bad, kid.
Not bad at all.
Frank, you’re the reason this showroom exists.
I just yelled a lot.
Best teacher I ever had.
Sell to me and I’ll give you a fair price.
You mean the price you think we deserve?
You can’t survive against my dealerships.
Watch us.
The second location is almost ready.
And the third location is already in negotiation.
We’ve gone from one leaking garage to three showrooms with the best partner I could have asked for.
Remember the $5 burgers.
Best dinner of my life.
I [music] want to eat those with you for the rest of my life.
Ethan, what are you doing on one knee?
Mia Reynolds, will you marry me?
Yes, of course.
Yes.
I bought this ring with money I earned.
It’s the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen.
Everyone gets a raise starting today.
Everyone.
Every mechanic, every cleaner, every receptionist.
You built this company.
Boss, I don’t know what to say.
We’re launching [music] fair start financing for low-income customers.
Low interest, no hidden fees, and a flexible payment plan.
Nobody should lose a car over one bad month.
[music] Let’s make it official.
Nobody talks to a cleaner like that in my showroom.
I’m sorry, Mr.
Carter.
I was having a bad day.
We all do.
But dignity isn’t optional here.
Understood.
Walter, it’s me, Ethan.
You gave me a sandwich a few years ago.
I don’t remember, son.
That sandwich changed my life.
I’d like to start a fund in your name for families who need food.
That’s too [music] much, son.
Frank, I’m renovating your garage.
I don’t take charity.
It’s not charity.
It’s a partnership.
You stubborn kid.
You ever going to tell the world where you come from?
When it matters.
You’ve got a showroom and a team that loves you.
I just want people to see who I am now.
Look at what you built, honey.
We [snorts] built.
Mom, I’m proud of both of you.
Prouder than I can say.
Thank you, Linda, for believing in us first.
[music] Nobody leaves hungry on Thanksgiving.
Look at you serving food at the shelter.
I know what an [music] empty stomach feels like.
You turned out okay, kid.
Mr.
Carter, I’m Claire Dawson.
I’m with Metro News.
Where did you get that name?
[music] A source says you disappeared three years ago.
I didn’t disappear.
I left.
Richard Carter.
The Richard Carter.
I should have told you.
You let me worry about rent for a year.
I know.
I’m [music] sorry.
I fell in love with the man who fixed my Civic.
Mia, that’s still me.
Not with your last name.
Not with your money.
I know.
That’s why I stayed quiet.
[music] Sir, are you watching the news?
Turn it up, Helen.
They say he built it all himself.
Without a dime of mine.
He built all of that without my help.
[music] He started as a garage cleaner, sir.
A cleaner and he’s never once used the Carter name.
My boy is fine.
Sir, Helen, he’s fine.
Shall I call the car?
[music] What if he doesn’t want to see me, Marcus?
Then you wait, sir.
What if I’ve lost him?
A son doesn’t forget his father.
Today’s the grand opening of the flagship showroom.
Biggest day of our lives.
Are you nervous?
A little.
I keep thinking about Frank and Walter and everyone who helped us.
[music] Dad.
Hello, Ethan.
You came.
I saw the news.
[music] I wasn’t sure you’d ever want to see me.
Not a day has gone by that I haven’t.
Dad, I’m sorry I made you suffer.
[snorts] No, Dad.
You don’t have to apologize.
You did what you had to do.
If you hadn’t cut me off, I might have spent my whole life thinking money [music] was everything.
You didn’t take my life away.
You gave me one.
My boy, I’m here.
Dad, I’m [music] so proud of you.
I missed you so much.
Look at him, Mia.
I can’t stop crying.
Kid’s got something in his eye.
So do I.
I think we all do.
[snorts] You must be Mia.
Mr.
Carter, it’s an honor.
[music] Thank you for standing by my son.
Everything was falling apart.
He did that himself.
Mr.
Carter, I’m Frank Miller.
Your boy worked for me.
Thank you for teaching my son how to work.
He taught himself mostly.
Kid never [music] quit.
That’s the best thing I’ve heard about him.
Thank you for watching our story all the way to the end.
If it touched your heart, please like this video and subscribe to the channel.
See you in the next story.
[music]
