In this episode of the LIFT Your Shop Podcast, we are joined by Ryan Miles, owner of Peak Euro in Bend, Oregon. We dive into his nontraditional journey into the automotive industry. Ryan explains how he transitioned from farm life to automotive sales, starting with a boutique Euro car dealership and expanding into repairs when reliable reconditioning services were scarce. Initially focused on Audi and Volkswagen due to his first technician’s expertise and personal preference for these brands, the shop gradually grew to serve a wider range of European cars by 2020.

In this episode of the LIFT Your Shop Podcast, we are joined by Glenn Todd of Glenn's European Auto Repair. Glenn shares his transition from technician to shop owner and how his passion for learning, entrepreneurship, and side projects drove him to open his own shop in 2017. Since launching the business, his shop has grown rapidly, generating $2.2 million in revenue last year and targeting $3 million this year. 

Key factors in his success include following a consistent growth-and-scale strategy, seeking mentorship, and carefully managing technician recruitment. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships and continuously investing in the business to meet evolving goals. This is an episode you do not want to miss!

In this episode of the LIFT Your Shop Podcast we are joined by Brandon Stapley, owner of Stapley’s Garage in Mesa, Arizona. Brandon shares his journey from working in his garage to owning multiple auto repair businesses.

Discover how exploring every opportunity, from starting with a love for cars to navigating business acquisitions, has helped Brandon grow his automotive empire. 

If you're a shop owner—seasoned or new—you won't want to miss the valuable insights on how owning multiple businesses and thinking outside the box can lead to long-term success. Thank you, Brandon, for your expert advice on the importance of acquisitions, cash flow, and how to take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way!

Contact Brandon at Stapley’s Garage: (480) 633-5505

https://www.stapleysgarage.com

In this episode of the LIFT Your Shop Podcast, we welcome Carlos Ramirez, owner of C&G Auto Centers and the new Car Pro location in Orlando, Florida.

Carlos discusses his experience as a second-generation auto repair shop owner, starting out in his family’s two-bay gas station in New York. He shares insights into growing an auto repair business, overcoming the unique challenges faced by shop owners, and emphasizes the critical role of continuous learning and leadership in running a successful auto repair shop.

Contact Carlos: [email protected]

In this episode of the LIFT Your Shop Podcast, we sit down with Josh Bird from Bird Automotive to discuss the vital lessons he's learned on time management, delegation, and leadership as an auto repair shop owner. With two successful locations in Blue Springs and Oak Grove, Missouri, Josh shares his journey from being a GM Master Technician to managing and growing a thriving business.

He dives into the challenges of transitioning from a hands-on technician to a full-time leader, the process of letting go and allowing his team to take on more responsibility, and how failure became a stepping stone for continuous improvement. Josh's insights into leadership, employee growth, and the importance of developing systems and processes are invaluable for any shop owner looking to scale their business.

Tune in to hear how Josh learned to navigate the ups and downs of running multiple shops, the importance of trusting your team, and why stepping away can often lead to better results than being hands-on. If you're an auto repair shop owner looking to grow your business or improve your leadership skills, this is the episode for you!

Contact Josh Bird: [email protected]

In this episode of the LIFT Your Shop Podcast, Jennifer Hulbert, from Service Plus Automotive in Calcium, New York, shares her passion for the automotive industry and her commitment to growth and success through the application of SMART goals. 

She joined her family business in 2001, helping it expand from a small three-bay gas station to a 12-bay facility, with a focus on using key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive profitability and sustainability. Jennifer emphasized the importance of understanding financials, especially labor gross profit, to ensure business growth and sustainability for your auto repair shop!

Contact Jennifer Hulbert: [email protected] 

Building a successful business doesn't happen by chance—it's a journey that starts with a vision and is guided by clear goals. In this episode of the LIFT Your Shop Podcast, we are joined by Travis Leavitt owner of Leavitt Automotive. We explore how goal setting transformed his entrepreneurial path, how he turned challenges into stepping stones and found the roadmap needed to navigate his journey. Discover the power of having a plan, the importance of execution, and the motivation that fuels the drive to succeed. If you're ready to turn your aspirations into reality, this is the blueprint you've been looking for. Your success story starts here—let's dive in.

Contact Travis: [email protected]

Your success as a leader is directly dependent upon the success of the people around you. As a leader, your primary job is to bring out the best in your team by leveraging their collective resources and talents. Understanding and aligning the goals of individuals with those of the company is crucial for a thriving workplace, boosted morale, and increased retention. 

In this episode of the LIFT Your Shop Podcast, we are joined with Joe Marconi, Business Coach and Consultant with Elite Worldwide. Joe’s dedication to understanding the business and mastering leadership transformed his career. Today, he is a business coach, consultant, and trainer at Elite Worldwide, passionately giving back to the industry he loves.

Stay Connected with Joe Marconi: [email protected]

Learn more about Elite Worldwide: https://eliteworldwide.com

Join us for the latest episode of the LIFT Your Shop Podcast, featuring Amanda Clements-Drake, President and Co-Owner of C&C Automotive, as she lays out the blueprint for growth. This begins with building meaningful connections that foster mutual support and collaboration. Establishing accountability is essential, as it ensures that everyone remains committed to their personal and collective goals.

Growing alongside others not only accelerates individual progress but also enriches the collective experience with diverse perspectives and shared knowledge. And trusting others is the foundation that underpins all these efforts, creating a safe environment where people can confidently share, learn, and evolve together.

In the latest episode of the LIFT Your Shop Podcast, "Secrets of Financial Success," we’re joined by Greg Sands from SRSANDCO. His insights shed light on the wealth of knowledge present within the automotive industry. Sands emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities for growth and connecting with fellow shop owners. Above all, this episode resonates with the profound impact of understanding people—a cornerstone in unlocking financial success and cultivating genuine connections in the automotive industry.