Family in the Auto Shop: Yes, Hell No, or It Depends?

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 world, it’s common to see families working together. Yes, parents, kids, spouses and siblings. Some say it’s the best thing they ever did. Others say, “Never again.”

So, which is it?

The honest answer: It depends.

Bringing family into your business can either build a rock-solid legacy or cause tension, turnover, and resentment across your team. The difference often comes down to clarity, expectations, and leadership.

Let’s look at what makes it work and what to avoid.

It Starts with the Owner

As a shop owner, it’s your responsibility to treat your family members like a team member first, not a relative. That means:

• Hire for the role, not the relationship. Would this person be hired at another shop for this position? If not, don’t hire them just because they’re family.
• Don’t assume your dream is theirs. Maybe you’ve spent years building the business and want to pass it on. But if your son, daughter, or cousin doesn’t share that vision, forcing them into it won’t work long-term.
• Stay open to fresh ideas. Avoid the “We’ve always done it this way” mindset. Family members might offer a new perspective that improves how you operate.
• Keep family roles out of the shop. At work, use first names, even if everyone knows you’re related. It may seem small but calling your team members “Mom” or “Junior” at work makes it harder for the team to see roles clearly and professionally.

But here’s where most shop owners fall short: they don’t set clear expectations, which causes confusion. Not just for the family members, but for the whole team.

The Family Member’s Responsibility

This relationship goes both ways. The family member stepping into the business has their own job to do, beyond the actual work.

They need to:

• Earn it, don’t expect it. Showing up late, dodging tough conversations, or assuming special treatment because of your last name? That’s how you lose team respect fast.
• Respect the business, not just the owner. You’re not just helping Dad out. You’re contributing to a real company that supports real people.
• Be coachable. Just because you are family doesn’t mean you have all the answers. Listen. Learn. Bring ideas but stay open-minded.
• Separate work and personal life. Whatever happens at home stays at home. When you’re in the shop, be present, professional, and part of the team.

How This Impacts the Rest of the Team

Let’s not forget the most important piece of this dynamic: the non-family team members.

They’re always watching. And if they see a family member getting special treatment, skipping standards, or dodging accountability, they won’t speak up. They’ll just disengage. Or worse, they’ll leave.

On the flip side, if they see that your family member is showing up, earning respect, and being held to the same standards (or even higher), it builds trust and loyalty.

This is about more than family. It’s about your culture.

Unaddressed family drama doesn’t just affect performance. It undermines your leadership, your reputation, and your retention.

Watching for Red Flags

Here are some early warning signs that family dynamics may be causing issues in your shop:

• The team walks on eggshells around the family member
• Other team members start showing up late, because they’ve seen that it’s tolerated
• Team meetings go quiet or unproductive
• The family member acts like they’re “above” certain roles or responsibilities
• Personal drama spills over into shop conversations

When you see any of these, don’t ignore them. Have a conversation. Reset expectations. Bring in a third party if needed.

So, Can Family Work Together in Business?

Yes. No. Or it depends.

It depends on how both the owner and the family member show up.

If you’re clear about roles, lead with professionalism, and commit to earning respect, not assuming it, you can absolutely build a thriving shop with family by your side.

But if you let emotions, assumptions, or “we’re family, so…” thinking take over, it can hurt more than it helps.

At the end of the day, family or not, everyone in your shop deserves clarity, consistency, and respect.

That’s how you build a business that’s not just profitable, but sustainable and enjoyable too.

Maryann Croce is a shop owner, speaker, and business coach helping auto shop owners build profitable, sustainable, and enjoyable businesses through her 3-Day Weekends system. Learn more at smallbizvantage.com.