Most independent shop owners didn’t open their business because they loved financial statements. They opened it because they loved problem-solving, fixing vehicles, and helping people. Yet sooner or later, every owner faces a hard truth: Your financials aren’t a side…
Many auto shop owners I met started their journey the same way; as technicians who loved solving problems, cared deeply about customers, and wanted more control over their future. That same technician identity is what got them here. But it’s…
For many shop owners, the idea of opening a second location is exciting. You picture more bays, more revenue, and maybe even more freedom. But the truth? Two shops might be the most dangerous number in business. You’re not small…
Walk into most auto industry shops or scan the headlines, and you’ll hear the same three challenges on repeat: “We can’t find techs.” “Parts are killing our margins.” “We can’t keep up with technology.” But here's the truth: These aren’t…
If you own a single-location auto shop and want more time back in your day, there’s one hurdle you’re almost guaranteed to hit: delegation. It’s not that you don’t have a team. It’s that handing off responsibility feels risky. This…
I often hear people say, “I’m retired” or “I’m on a fixed income”, usually when they’re trying to justify a lower price or asking for a discount. And while I understand where they’re coming from, it often strikes a deeper…
Most shop owners pride themselves on being great problem-solvers. And in many ways, they are. When things go sideways, they step in, adapt, and get it handled. But there’s a blind spot that often gets overlooked: we’re solving symptoms instead…
I often take a walk, in a nearby park. It’s quiet, simple, and ironically one of the most productive parts of my day. The trees have changed. The paths have shifted. And every time I walk it, I realize how…
If you've ever had one family member at Thanksgiving who says something wildly inappropriate or still treats you like you're twelve, you already know: family dynamics are tricky. Now imagine inviting that same person into your business. In the automotive…
In Part 1, I shared performance levels and how an owner’s leadership sets the standard. Now, discover how to build a shop where team members take full ownership of their growth and careers. Where you support them, but don’t have…
Your auto shop’s performance starts with you. The culture, expectations, and accountability you set shapes how your team shows up every day. Frustrated by underperforming team members? Here’s the hard truth: their performance reflects what you allow or enforce. If…
In today’s competitive automotive repair industry, being a successful shop owner is about much more than fixing cars. It’s about leading a team, running efficient operations, and staying profitable, all while delivering excellent customer service. The major hurdles that auto…
In today’s competitive automotive repair industry, being a successful shop owner is about much more than fixing cars. It’s about leading a team, running efficient operations, and staying profitable, all while delivering excellent customer service. The major hurdles that auto…
In today’s competitive automotive repair industry, being a successful shop owner is about much more than fixing cars. It’s about leading a team, running efficient operations, and staying profitable, all while delivering excellent customer service. The major hurdles that auto…
When it comes to profit, many auto shop owners hit a mental roadblock. They often see profit as something greedy or a “nice-to-have” if there’s anything left over. But just like a car needs fuel to run smoothly, profit is…
I speak with auto shop owners from across the country and most are facing similar challenges. Feeling overworked by being the go-to person Stuck in the day to day Constantly managing crises and emergencies And if that isn’t enough, most…
The thinking or mindset of an auto shop owner can significantly impact their success. It can hold you back or propel you to achieve your goals sooner. Here's a breakdown of how scarcity and abundance mindsets can influence their business:…
Just like professional anglers, auto shop owners believe in the value of hard work. A professional angler doesn’t just cast their line randomly; they work with knowledge, skill, and strategy to catch the best fish. Developing new skills and empowering…
Most owners and clients believe they are indispensable. As the founder or improver of your business, you know your customer base, understand how you want things done, and have built relationships with vendors and suppliers. People may come in or…
It’s the place between fulfilled and burnout. When languishing, you feel a lack of meaning. The days roll into each other. Imagine you’re driving in a fog so thick you must pull over. You’re in an area with no cell…
I’m being real when I tell you that the transformation needed to go from tech to owner is challenging for most. The main reason is the skill sets needed for each role. Both roles are important in a business. The…
When speaking at industry events, local business groups or even with clients, the one thing I’ve noticed over the years is owners under indexing LEADERSHIP for one or more of the following reasons. Technical Focus: Since most auto shop owners…
When speaking with auto shop owner clients or even local business owners, they tell me stories of how challenging it is to make business decisions at times. In many cases they say they aren’t as confident in their decisions as…
Understanding your financial reports is important for many reasons. Yet even with all the resources available today, many owners don’t understand them to use them to the fullest. Look at financial reports as a type of report card giving you…
Whether you started your business from the ground up or purchased an existing business, most owners start with grit and drive. Willing to do it all and sacrifice their personal life in the beginning for the good of their business.…
Practically all the shop owners I’ve spoken with over the last 24 years told me they planned to have a shop that focused on customers. They were going to be the opposite of the negative and outdated image many have…
I was recently contacted by the CT. Better Business Bureau. They do monthly BBB ‘Trust Talks’ to build awareness around different industries and guide consumers. Yes, there are bad apples in every industry that we need to be made aware…
It’s conference season and many owners are getting ready for it. There's lots you can do to make the most out of an industry conference or training for the best R.O.I. (return on investment) and the best R.O.E. (return on…
You either started your business from scratch or purchased an existing business. Remember the excitement and drive mixed with uncertainty and doubt? The early years are full of grit and drive. Let’s face it, that’s what it takes to learn…
When speaking to owners and managers they tell me they have lots of work. The challenge is getting the work out because they don’t have enough help. They want to grow their team and they can’t find people. Common Issues…
Years ago, when Tony and I opened our transmission shop, I wanted to learn more about the industry. I grew up respecting and admiring the good people in the skilled trades industry. My grandfather, then dad and brother had a…
When speaking or coaching business owners, a common challenge comes up. They are frustrated by the many misconceptions of the industry. Today anyone who can do a search online thinks they’re an expert. These misconceptions pop up when working with…
When I think back to when Tony and I opened our shop in 1999, There were the obvious things we knew we had to do to be successful. We had to be committed to our business and we were willing…
When I think back to when Tony and I opened our automotive shop or my dad had his construction business, we all started with a DIY (Do It Yourself) strategy model and traded time and effort for money. I find it's the…
Tom Piippo's One Eye in the Mirror I ran across a story the other day that I feel I just have to share. This story may be 100 years old or more but is still relevant today. I would give…
I enjoy goal setting. I have a lot going on in my businesses and my personal life, so it's important to make the most of my time and effort. sI'm looking forward to a new year, its opportunities, and possibilities.…
I’ve been in the auto industry since 1999 and there are many good things about it. Through associations and community involvement I quickly learned of the many good people in the industry who want to make a difference. I admire…
One eye in the mirror is only looking a little way back this time. While just returning from the AAPEX and SEMA shows in Las Vegas, I thought I would share some trends and facts while still fresh. While the…
I've been listening to owners speak of their team or employees for years. There are some common tell-tale signs of how owners/leaders view the people they hire to help them grow their business. Some views are one sided. The people…
Really! You have always been the driver, deciding where to go, taking the route that you thought was best, and driving your business in the direction that you thought it needed to go! I challenge you to put yourself…
Most shops are busy today. Keep in mind many of the reasons are beyond your control. Such as the economy, new vehicle shortages and delays. Many owners are riding the wave of increased business and defining their shops as successful,…
Spring Training. A term all baseball fans know and love. An event most baseball fans would love to watch. There’s Hockey Camp, Pre-season Football, the list goes on. It stands to reason, if you want to be good, you gotta…
Let's face it. The automotive industry has been dealing with the technician shortage for years. Covid shed light on it but let's not kid ourselves. This isn't a new problem for our industry. It's the number one challenge owners are…
Sometimes it’s just OK to say no. We all have limits, I’ve had enough so, NO I will not even attempt to fix your car. It’s not you, it’s your car. For more than 40 years I’ve been proud of…
We work with many world class shop owners throughout North America, and over the years we have discovered that the majority of them have a number of things in common.
One of the challenges as a business owner is that you make a lot of decisions each day.
What can we do to attract more women to the automotive industry, specifically service and repair shops?
You’ll need to know your customers’ buying habits as well as their service histories.
It’s no secret that the global automotive industry, as well as the overall transportation industry, continues to evolve as emissions regulations, fuel economy requirements, and new technologies take precedence.
I still go to the city to visit my buddies who remain in business to keep up with how the car repair business is doing. I also still read the trade magazines to stay current on new systems and techniques.
