Don’t Let Your Hard Work Go to Waste
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 chord: many people didn’t plan for retirement.
And sadly, that’s true in our industry too.
Auto shop owners are some of the hardest-working people I know. They’ve poured decades into keeping their businesses alive with late nights, missed holidays, and personal sacrifices. But too many owners find themselves nearing the end of their working years with no clear plan, no savings cushion, and a shop that can’t be sold.
It’s heartbreaking. And frankly, it’s preventable.
It’s Time to Stop Leaving Retirement to Chance
Retirement shouldn’t be a last-minute decision or a forced exit due to burnout or health. Yet that’s how it plays out for many. Why?
- Because they didn’t treat retirement as a business objective.
- They didn’t prepare their finances, their team, or their operations.
- And they assumed the value of their business would be enough.
But here’s the truth:
- A business without a plan is a gamble.
- A business without systems is a burden.
- A business without value is a liability, not a legacy.
What Owners Can Do Now, At Any Age
Whether you’re 35 or 65, the right time to start preparing for retirement is now. Here’s how:
- Make Your Business Operate Without You
Start small. Document processes. Delegate decision-making. Create reporting systems. If everything runs through you, your shop doesn’t have value. It has you.
- Build Wealth Outside the Business
Don’t rely solely on the shop as your nest egg. Create financial habits that allow you to invest and save independently of the business’s future.
- Plan for Inflation and Flexibility
Retirement isn’t a fixed number. It’s a moving target. Plan for rising costs and longer lives. Build in flexibility so you’re not restricted by a “fixed income” mindset.
- Decide What You Want Retirement to Look Like
Retirement doesn’t have to mean checking out. Maybe you want to consult, mentor, or volunteer. But those things require time, health, and options. which come from planning, not hoping. GET MY RETIREMENT READY CHECKLIST HERE.
This Isn’t About Fear, It’s About Freedom
If you’re reading this and feeling behind, you’re not alone. And you’re not out of time. You’ve built something real. You’ve already done the hard part. Now it’s time to make it work for you.
You can create a business that supports your life. Not just drains it.
You can retire with dignity, flexibility, and options.
But only if you take the wheel now.
Maryann Croce is a shop owner and business coach who helps single-location auto shop owners create profitable, sustainable, and enjoyable businesses. Her 3-Day Weekends System helps shop owners reclaim 10+ hours a week by learning to manage smarter, delegate with confidence, and lead with clarity. Learn more at smallbizvantage.com.
