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On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.
On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast. episodes
- #22 The Hidden Struggles of Scaling a Garage Business - Matt Jeffreys - On The Ramp Podcast
This episode is sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group, to learn more about Castrol Service please visit https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home/partner-with-us/independent-workshops.html
In this episode of On The Ramp, we sit down with Matt Jeffreys, owner of St Johns and RPM Malvern, to discuss his journey from launching his first garage to successfully acquiring and turning around a second business.
Matt shares the challenges of securing his first unit, the realities of running multiple locations, and the lessons he has learned along the way. We also explore the pressures of business growth, the importance of building the right team, and his vision for the future.
If you’re a garage owner looking to expand or improve your business, this episode is packed with valuable insights.
00:00 - Introduction
06:01 - Getting Into the Automotive Industry
26:57 - Advertisement Break
28:05 - Securing a Unit and Launching St Johns
52:34 - The Growth and Expansion of St Johns and RPM Malvern
1:03:34 - The Challenges of Running Multiple Locations
1:28:25 - Biggest Business Pressures and Stress Factors
1:36:00 - Personal Goals and Future Ambitions
Subscribe for more industry insights and expert conversations.
https://beacons.ai/ontheramp
#peoplemanagement #leadership #businessgrowth #workplaceculture #ontheramp
1 hr 41 min - #21 Fixing More Than Cars: The Art of Managing People - Carl Williams and Lauren Brown
This episode is sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group, to learn more about Castrol Service please visit https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home/partner-with-us/independent-workshops.html
In this episode of On The Ramp, we sit down with Lauren Brown, Managing Director of T10 Automotive, and Carl Williams from Williams Talent Management to discuss the vital role of people management in building a successful business.
We explore the importance of workplace culture in driving performance, how to handle underperformance without creating conflict, and the challenges of recruitment. The discussion also covers why hiring for attitude over skill is crucial, the responsibilities of effective leadership, and how business owners can create an environment where employees feel valued and motivated.
Lauren and Carl also share their insights on fostering employee progression, coaching versus consulting, and how strong leadership can transform a business. Whether you’re managing a growing workforce or looking to improve team dynamics, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help you build a high-performing and engaged team.
If you're a business owner, manager, or aspiring leader, this conversation offers valuable lessons on people management, leadership, and workplace culture.
00:00 - Introduction
02:24 - How McDonald's Shaped Carl’s People Management Skills
23:12 - Sponsored Ad Break
27:04 - Recognising When Someone Isn’t Right for the Business
30:45 - Effective Recruitment Strategies
33:40 - Building Strong Personal Connections with Employees
51:01 - The Responsibilities of a Business Leader to Remain Consistent
1:02:00 - Why Employee Progression Matters
1:15:00 - Managing Underperformance Without Creating Conflict
1:24:53 - Finding Time for Budgeting
1:30:49 - Coaching vs. Consulting: What’s the Difference?
1:39:20 - How Can People Work with You Now?
Subscribe for more industry insights and expert conversations.
#peoplemanagement #leadership #workplaceculture #businessgrowth #TeamBuilding
https://beacons.ai/ontheramp
1 hr 47 min - #20 Car Sales, Crisis & Comebacks: A Car Dealer’s Real Story - Jamie Caple - On The Ramp PodcastThis episode is sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group, to learn more about Castrol Service please visit https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home/partner-with-us/independent-workshops.htmlIn this episode of On the Ramp, we sit down with Jamie Caple, owner of Car Quay, to discuss the highs and lows of running a used car dealership. Jamie shares his journey from the collapse of his previous business to rebuilding from the ground up, all while navigating the unpredictable world of used car sales.We explore the realities of stocking facilities, the impact of market fluctuations, and the challenges of maintaining profitability in a tough industry. Jamie also provides insights into the importance of preparation efficiency, managing risk, and staying adaptable in a rapidly changing market.If you’re an independent garage owner or thinking about moving into car sales, this episode offers valuable lessons on resilience, business strategy, and the mindset needed to succeed.00:00 - Introduction04:25 - Leaving the previous business and facing legal action20:05 - External factors influencing vehicle sales31:01 - Castrol sponsorship segment32:15 - How real-world events impact bookings and average invoice values35:00 - Government inefficiencies and their effect on small businesses37:53 - Are you working on your business or in your business?42:55 - Beyond AutoTrader: Other strategies for growth45:48 - Why people are drawn to stories of business failure47:49 - Receiving legal papers just before Christmas01:04:13 - Selling electric vehicles: Opportunities and challenges01:07:21 - Preferred fuel types and the future of the market01:11:00 - The role of workshops and MOTs in a dealership01:13:59 - The importance of charisma in modern car sales01:20:21 - How warranties impact customer confidence01:28:21 - The role of third-party finance companies in car sales01:31:41 - Sales functions and strategies for success01:45:23 - The purchasing process and making smart stock decisions01:50:18 - Identifying your strengths in business01:53:29 - Key advice for new business owners02:06:58 - Where do you see yourself and the business in five years?Subscribe for more industry insights and expert conversations.#UsedCarSales #AutomotiveBusiness #CarQuay #OnTheRamp #IndependentDealership2 hr 16 min
- #19 Garage Success Starts Here: Mastering your Front of House - On The Ramp Podcast
The Secret to Garage Success: Front-of-House Excellence
In this episode of On The Ramp, Alex and Nathan are joined by a special guest, Emma, the newly appointed Customer Experience Director. Together, they dive deep into the critical role of front-of-house teams in the success of a modern garage.
What you'll learn in this episode:
Why the front-of-house role is the backbone of a successful garageThe importance of reducing customer anxiety and building trustRecruitment tips: Finding the perfect front-of-house candidateThe art of hospitality and its connection to automotive serviceHow to implement service plans and improve customer retentionPractical advice for training and structuring front-of-house teamsWhether you're a garage owner, a front-of-house professional, or just passionate about customer service, this episode is packed with insights you can’t afford to miss!
This episode is sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group, to learn more about Castrol Service please visit https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home/partner-with-us/independent-workshops.html00:00 - introduction02:46 - Inducting new staff
13:32 - Efficiency in FOH
18:33 - Ad Break
19:47 - Specialist responsibilities
22:00 - How does Lindley’s recruit into FOH
30:31 - Diagnostic bookings
37:44 - Service Plans
49:04 - is it a sales role? How important is it?
51:40 - How important is sales training?
#OnTheRamp #GarageSuccess #CustomerExperience #AutomotiveIndustry #FrontOfHousehttps://beacons.ai/ontheramp1 hr 4 min - #18 Driven to Succeed - Edward Cockill's Inspiring Story in Automotive - On The Ramp Podcast
Ed Cockhill of Uckfield Motor Services joins us to discuss his journey from motorsport aspirations to managing and growing a thriving family business. Learn about the challenges of expanding into commercial services, balancing innovation with tradition, and navigating the ever-changing automotive landscape.
This episode is sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group, to learn more about Castrol Service please visit https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home/partner-with-us/independent-workshops.html00:00 - introduction01:40 - Previous Failures02:49 - The career path that led to joining the family business12:03 - F1 Talk…13:18 - Moving to the family business23:09 - Starting a Commercial Branch37:39 - Do you specialise in a specific brand?40:48 - What’s your view on EV?47:53 - Going through a rough patch and getting over it1:04:02 - What can we expect from you in the future?https://beacons.ai/ontheramp1 hr 13 min - #17 How I built a garage around a single brand - Should you specialise? - On The Ramp Podcast
This episode is sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group, to learn more about Castrol Service please visit https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home/partner-with-us/independent-workshops.html
In this episode, Alex and Nathan sit down with Olly, a Mercedes-Benz specialist with years of experience running a successful independent garage. From starting his business with limited resources to building a national reputation, Olly shares his journey, the benefits of specialising, and the challenges of staying ahead in the motor trade.📌 Topics Covered:Why specialising in a single brand makes sense for independent garagesBuilding efficiency and expertise in diagnostics and repairsCreating a loyal customer base through trust and community engagementAdvice for garage owners considering specialisationWhether you're an independent garage owner, a mechanic, or simply interested in the automotive industry, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of independent garages.🎧 Listen Now to learn more about Olly's approach and what it takes to run a specialist garage.💬 Share your thoughts: Are you considering specialising your services? Let us know in the comments below!00:00 - Introduction01:46 - About Prestige Car Service21:41 - Diagnostics36:33 - Would you specialise?48:12 - Setbacks52:19 - Getting a larger workshop57:32 - Being content with what you have01:00:36 - Benefits of a single brand01:12:37 - Why dealerships need to change#OnTheRampPodcast #MercedesSpecialist #IndependentGaragehttps://beacons.ai/ontheramp1 hr 20 min - #16 Tradition meets Innovation with Barry Lawson, Lawson Autotech - On The Ramp Podcast
In this episode of On The Ramp, Barry Lawson, owner of Lawson Autotech, shares his journey from a traditional family garage to a thriving, innovative modern garage business. Starting as a reluctant partner at 21, Barry reveals how he modernised his father's garage, overcame resistance to change, and embraced continuous learning and networking to set new industry standards.
Tune in to hear how Barry’s commitment to people, technology, and business strategy transformed Lawson Autotech into a leader in the independent garage industry. Perfect for automotive professionals and anyone inspired by stories of growth and innovation!
This episode is sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group, To learn more about Castrol Service please visit https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home/partner-with-us/independent-workshops.html
00:00 - Introduction / career progression
21:19 - Networking with other garage owners in the industry
41:21 - Keeping social life and work separate
49:27 - New staff hiring + Process and software implementation
1:11:43 - Being a full time tech as a business owner
1:15:05 - What’s next for Lawson?
1:23:37 - What’s next for you?
https://beacons.ai/ontheramp1 hr 31 min - #15 Alex, Leo and Nath talk shop! - On The Ramp Podcast
Episode 15 already! In this episode, we take a step back from our usual guest interviews to share our own business updates from the past six months. We discuss the challenges we’ve faced, the investments we’ve made, and the strategies that are helping us grow. Topics include Nathans push for ISO 9001 accreditation, Leo's business expansion, Alex's company restructure and much more!
We also welcome Castrol and The Race Group as long-term sponsors/partners of the On The Ramp Podcast.00:00 - Intro03:15 - Castrol | The Race Group Partnership07:46 - Walsall Wood Business Update24:00 - Dack Motor Group Business Update58:48 - Lindley’s Autocentres Business Updateshttps://beacons.ai/ontheramp1 hr 20 min - #14 From dealership to dream business with Neil Fellows - Stourbridge Automotive - On The RampIn the latest episode of the On the Ramp podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Neil Fellows, the man behind Stourbridge Automotive. Neil’s journey from a hands-on mechanic to a business owner is filled with useful lessons for anyone starting or growing a business. What stands out in his story is the real-world challenges of managing a business partnership, navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, and the critical role his wife, Kay, played in the business's success. Here are some key takeaways from our chat with Neil that offer practical advice for business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs alike.00:00 - Intro
04:30 - Getting into the industry
23:43 - Starting your own Garage
32:28 - Financing the business
37:55 - Breaking the partnership
46:14 - Women in the Industry
50:06 - Business growth and new sites
1:01:59 - Work Life balance
1:03:53 - What’s next for the business?
https://beacons.ai/ontheramp1 hr 14 min - #13 Following a passion for diagnostics whilst building a successful garage business - Mick ShaiklyIn the latest episode of the On the Ramp podcast, host Alex sat down with Mick Shaikly from Shaikly Motor Company, a family-run garage with a rich history spanning generations. Mick's story is unique in that he is not just part of a family business but the bridge between two generations—having taken over from his father and now preparing for the potential involvement of his own children.
00:00 - Intro
08:08 - Moving away from the tools
10:34 - Business size
13:38 - Reshaping the business
18:13 - Transfer of business ownership
24:35 - Meeting other garage owners
32:32 - Work life balance
36:15 - Customer profiling
45:43 - Customer service
50:38 - Have you developed a passion for business?
53:01 - Using AI to assist with diagnostics
57:34 - Opening an EV site
1:00:36 - ADAS
1:06:00 - The power of AI within the motor industry
1:10:15 - What was your desire to expand?
1:14:04 - Training centre and development
1:20:41 - Bringing children into the business
https://beacons.ai/ontheramp1 hr 30 min
About On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.
From the publisher's feed
We have a simple mission; to connect as many independent garages as possible, with the aim of sharing knowledge and helping to raise the standards of the independent automotive industry.