Man finds success with mobile business

Stan's Sharp "N" Shop, might be the only mobile blade sharpening service in Lake County.

The converted fishing shack has been a "home-away-from home" for Stan Umbdenstock. The Diamond Lake man has been in business for about a dozen years.

He worked as a machinist for most of his life, but hit on an unique idea.

Park the shack near some of the big hardware stores and wait for customers. You go shopping while Stan hones your blades.

"That's the beauty of the thing," Stan says. "While you shop, I sharpen."

Inside the trailer, you'll find a 5-inch bench grinder, three sanders, a chain saw grinder, Stan's wooden crutches, a Casio adding machine and a porta-potty. "It's got heat too," Stan says.

He can handle anything from pruning shears to tin snips, machetes to meat cleavers.

In peak times, Stan was grossing about $800 a month. Enough to cover costs and make a little profit. Business has slowed in recent years. "There's so many regulations, it's hard to get permission to park anymore," he said.

When Stan isn't shaving metal, the lifelong bachelor is busy with his first love.

"I'm married to the BSA," he says. A 55-year relationship with the Boy Scouts of America started when he was a teenager. His cerebral palsy slowed him down, but he says he kept up with the rest of the boys just fine.

The former Scout Master still attends at least four Scout meetings a month. "I wear my uniform to all of them," he said.

He's spent countless hours in that little hut, grinding thousands of blades and it's taken a toll on the 72-year-old. This might be his last year in business.

"If this old shoulder stiffens up again, that'll be it," he says. "I've had 26 hours of therapy on this thing, I'm not sure it's helping."