In 2021, Krum purchased a small repair shop in Fairfax that had sat vacant since the pandemic. What started as an empty building with just one employee has grown into one of the Washington, D.C. area’s most modern collision repair operations. Today, Capital Auto Shop is known for its precise repairs, outstanding customer service, and a commitment to treating both customers and employees with fairness and respect.

Krum’s goal from the beginning was to take everything he had learned in the dealership world—attention to detail, quality control, and professionalism—and pair it with a people-first approach. “I wanted a place where the work is done right and everyone involved feels valued,” he said.

Turning that vision into reality required more than skill under the hood. Early on, Krum connected with the Mason Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and advisor Timm Johnson, who guided him through business planning, financing, and operational setup. With Timm’s support, Krum secured $230,000 in loans and a line of credit from M&T Bank, allowing him to modernize equipment, renovate the shop, and invest in staff training.

“There are many aspects of starting a business that are difficult to do on your own,” Krum said. “The SBDC was invaluable. They were an ally I could count on every step of the way.”

Today, Capital Auto Shop holds an I-CAR Gold Class certification and is pursuing manufacturer certifications with Honda, Porsche, and Tesla. Even amid industry-wide slowdowns in 2025, Krum continues to innovate—adding trailer hitch installations and vehicle restoration to offset the drop in insurance claims. He also mentors his team through fair pay, professional development, and hands-on training.

Krum’s long-term vision is to grow Capital Auto Shop into a multi-location operation across the region. For him, every repaired car reflects pride, perseverance, and possibility. “I started this shop to prove the grass can be greener,” he said. “You just have to plant it yourself.”