Hidden Gems: Meet Kim Whitehead of SAN DIEGO HEAVY TRUCK & EQUIPMENT REPAIR, INC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Whitehead.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
San Diego Heavy Truck & Equipment Repair was originally founded in 1988 under the name George’s Marine Service, with a focus on servicing large yachts and commercial sport fishing vessels. As the industry evolved and opportunities shifted, we adapted—transitioning into heavy truck and equipment repair to meet the growing need for dependable, dealership-quality service across Southern California.
Starting as a mobile operation, we steadily built a loyal customer base, expanded our capabilities, and eventually opened a full-service facility in Lakeside, CA. Today, we specialize in servicing semi-trucks, trailers, forklifts, boom trucks, and more—always with a commitment to professionalism, precision, and long-term customer relationships.
We’re proud to be a veteran-owned, family-run business that blends technical expertise with personalized service. Our offerings include everything from computer diagnostics and CARB-certified inspections to custom fabrication and scheduled maintenance. Most recently, we’ve expanded to include Low Bed service, allowing us to safely and efficiently transport oversized machinery and equipment.
Through every chapter of our story, we’ve stayed true to our core values: integrity, craftsmanship, and service you can count on.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all—it’s been a road paved with lessons, grit, and a whole lot of problem-solving.
Like many small businesses, San Diego Heavy Truck & Equipment Repair faced its share of growing pains. Transitioning to heavy truck repair meant learning a new industry, building trust with a different customer base, and investing in specialized tools and training. In the early days, operating as a mobile service came with logistical challenges—weather, scheduling, and limited resources made every job a test of creativity and endurance.
As we expanded into a full-service facility, we had to navigate regulatory hurdles like CARB compliance and FMCSA policies, all while maintaining the high standards our customers expect. Hiring skilled technicians, managing payroll, and customizing systems like QuickBooks & Mitchell to fit our workflow were ongoing challenges—but each one pushed us to become more efficient and resilient.
And like any business, we’ve had to stay vigilant against scams and miscommunication that could impact our reputation. But through it all, our commitment to professionalism, integrity, and customer relationships has kept us moving forward.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
San Diego Heavy Truck & Equipment Repair is more than just a repair shop—it’s a trusted partner for fleet owners, independent operators, and businesses across Southern California who rely on heavy-duty equipment to keep their operations moving.
We specialize in semi-truck and diesel equipment repair, offering everything from routine maintenance and computer diagnostics to custom fabrication and CARB-certified inspections. Our team is known for its technical expertise, hands-on experience, and commitment to doing the job right the first time. Whether it’s a boom truck, forklift, trailer, or oversized machinery, we’ve got the tools and know-how to keep it road-ready.
What sets us apart is our dealership-quality service with a personal touch. Customers can speak directly with our mechanics, get honest assessments, and count on fair pricing. We’re proud to be a veteran-owned, family-run business that values integrity, transparency, and long-term relationships.
Recently, we’ve expanded our offerings to include Low Bed service, allowing us to safely transport oversized equipment and machinery—further supporting our clients’ logistical needs.
Brand-wise, we’re most proud of being known as the “go-to” shop for reliability, professionalism, and genuine care. Our mission is simple: to keep your equipment running smoothly so you can focus on what you do best.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
We welcome collaboration and support in a variety of ways—whether you’re a fellow business, a fleet operator, or someone passionate about keeping trucks and equipment road-ready.
🔧 Work With Us
We partner with fleet managers, independent operators, and local businesses to provide reliable repair and maintenance services. If you need a trusted shop for semi-trucks, trailers, forklifts, or boom trucks, we’re here to help. We also offer Low Bed service for transporting oversized equipment, making us a one-stop solution for heavy-duty logistics.
🤝 Collaborate With Us
We’re open to strategic partnerships with vendors, service providers, and industry professionals who share our commitment to quality and customer care. Whether it’s cross-promoting services, coordinating logistics, or working together on compliance solutions like CARB testing, we’re always looking to build strong, mutually beneficial relationships.
📣 Support Us
You can support San Diego Heavy Truck & Equipment Repair by referring others to our shop, leaving a review, or simply stopping by to learn more about what we do. We’re proud to be a veteran-owned, family-run business—and every bit of community support helps us grow and serve better.
If you’re interested in working together, just give us a call at (619) 561-5317 or visit our website to get started. We’d love to connect.

Pricing:

• $170/hr Truck Repairs
• $155/hr Portal-Portal – Hauling, 3-hr min
• $100 for New Clean Truck Check
• $200 for HD/IM OLD Clean Truck Check

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.SDHeavyTruckRepair.com
• Instagram: sdheavytruckrepair
• Facebook: sdheavytruckrepair.com/#gsPL
• Yelp: San Diego Heavy Truck & Equipment Repair