On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.

By Alex Lindley, Leo Dack, Nathan TaylorLeisureAutomotive
Download on the App Store

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast. episodes

  • #12 Building from disaster, the next generation. The story of Oldfields with Tim Benson - On The Ramp Podcast

    In this episode of the On the Ramp podcast, we sit down with Tim Benson, the owner of Oldfield's Garage, to explore his unconventional path into the automotive industry. Tim shares his journey from a young man unsure about his future to becoming the owner of his family’s garage business.

    Starting with a work experience stint at a Volkswagen dealership, Tim’s passion for the trade quickly led him to an apprenticeship. Despite his early success, the pressures of the job prompted him to pursue a business degree, which broadened his horizons through roles in IT and cosmetic surgery.
    Returning to Oldfield’s Garage, Tim faced a dramatic turning point when a major fire nearly ended the business. Discover how this pivotal moment reshaped Oldfield’s and how Tim’s varied experiences have guided the evolution of the garage, blending traditional values with modern business practices.
    Whether you’re in the automotive industry or simply enjoy entrepreneurial stories, Tim Benson’s journey is a powerful reminder of resilience, adaptability, and staying connected to your roots.
    Don’t miss this inspiring episode that shows how every step of the journey contributes to building a thriving business.
    00:00 - Intro
    01:46 - Parts Apprenticeship
    06:00 - Business Degree
    07:20 - Out of industry
    16:30 - Back to the family business
    22:20 - Fire.... alarm
    29:00 - Next generation
    34:50 - Making Improvements
    38:00 - Taking over
    46:00 - Automotive Community
    57:00 - What's next

    ⁠https://beacons.ai/ontheramp

    1 hr 2 min
  • #11 Buying out the boss... and going multi-location! - Chris Wileman - On The Ramp Podcast

    In this episode of On the Ramp, Chris Wileman shares his journey from an apprentice to the owner of Castle Garage, now expanded to two branches. Chris discusses the challenges of taking over the business, the importance of mentorship, and the strategic steps he took to grow the company. Whether you're in the automotive trade or interested in business ownership, Chris’s story provides valuable insights and practical advice. Tune in to learn more!

    00:00 - Intro
    05:38 - Entering the world skills competition at 17
    07:50 - Diagnostic Training
    09:29 - Making the move from technician to business owner/ office
    13:22 - Entrepreneurship where did it come from?
    14:33 - Buying the business
    24:25 - First six months as the business owner
    26:19 - Business training
    30:39 - Turning point
    37:48 - Post Covid
    41:16 - Joining Garage Hive and meeting other business owners
    48:39 - EV Jobs & Health Checks
    52:40 - Work life balance
    54:14 - Leadership and Team Motivation
    55:59 - Why expand the business?
    01:12:30 - what does a typical day look like
    ⁠https://beacons.ai/ontheramp

    1 hr 24 min
  • #10 The importance of great leadership - Tina Drayson - On The Ramp Podcast

    In the latest episode of "On the Ramp," we had the pleasure of speaking with Tina Drayson, a key figure at CCM Garages. Tina’s path in the automotive industry showcases dedication, adaptability, and a drive for continuous improvement.

    00:00 - Intro
    07:55 - Taking on more
    12:00 - Building a vision
    16:45 - Job role routines
    19:30 - VHCs, Servicing and Authorisation rates
    38:30 - Trade MOTs
    45:40 - Leadership
    1:06:45 - Lean Six Sigma
    1:10:05 - Work life balance
    1:17:15 - Women in automotive
    ⁠https://beacons.ai/ontheramp

    1 hr 28 min
  • #9 How do YOU define success? - David Massey - On The Ramp Podcast

    Welcome back to the On The Ramp podcast. Our guest in this episode is David Massey, owner of ADS Automotive and Auto Inform.


    In this episode we discuss Dave's journey through the years in the automotive trade and we also speak in great detail about the struggles and challenges faced by so many in this trade.


    One of the main topics discussed is what does success look like to you? Dave also turned the questions back to the hosts Alex and Leo.


    We really hope you enjoy this conversation, it's different to all of the other episodes so far.

    00:00 - Intro
    11:25 - Early stages of ADS
    21:00 - The family breakup
    31:30 - Reaching rock bottom
    39:00 - What are your priorities?
    52:00 - Stop wasting time
    01:02:00 - Expanding the business
    01:10:00 - Management restructure
    01:22:55 - Dealing with business problems
    01:27:00 - Routine is important
    01:34:00 - How expansion happened
    01:44:00 - What's next?
    01:48:00 - What's The Blend?


    https://beacons.ai/ontheramp

    1 hr 51 min
  • #8 A conversation with LKQ Euro Car Parts Director Anthony McAteer - On The Ramp Podcast

    Welcome back to another episode of "On the Ramp!" In this special episode, we dive deep into the automotive industry with Anthony McAteer, Group Procurement Category Director at LKQ. Join us as we explore the intricacies of procurement, supplier relationships, and the evolving landscape of the aftermarket parts industry.

    Anthony shares his journey at LKQ, the company's strategies for the next decade, and insights into the challenges and opportunities presented by the rise of electric vehicles. Get ready for an informative session packed with industry insights and practical advice for independent garages.
    00:00 - Intro
    09:00 - Is EV a problem?
    20:00 - The reduction of diesel registrations
    23:20 - Should you join a network/concept?
    39:40 - Market consolidation
    44:20 - Block Exemption & SERMI
    49:35 - Why can car owners by parts cheaper than garages?
    57:30 - How can you maximise supplier relationships?
    1:06:20 - Why is warranty labour rate so low?
    1:11:50 - How to garages upset suppliers?
    1:16:25 - How can suppliers help garages better?

    ⁠⁠https://beacons.ai/ontheramp

    1 hr 29 min
  • #7 Apprentice to Entrepreneur, succeeding against all odds - Scott Boyd - On The Ramp Podcast

    In this episode of the On The Ramp podcast, we sit down with Scott Boyd from Boyd's Motor Engineering. Scott discusses his journey from a small-town car enthusiast in Biggar to becoming a successful business owner. He shares his early experiences working in local garages, completing an apprenticeship, and eventually transitioning to self-employment.

    Scott delves into the pivotal moments that shaped his career, navigating the challenges of his first jobs, and the critical decision to start his own business. He candidly discusses the financial struggles, long hours, and the steep learning curve involved in establishing Boyd's Motor Engineering.
    Scott's story provides valuable insights for anyone looking to start their own business or overcome obstacles in their career. Tune in for a detailed and insightful conversation on the On The Ramp podcast.

    00:00 Intro
    05:00 Starting an apprenticeship
    09:30 Trying something different
    12:20 Starting on my own
    20:00 Business mistakes
    24:00 Losing my unit and getting a job
    28:00 Starting again
    35:30 Moving to a bigger unit
    47:00 Disaster strikes
    58:00 Getting away from work
    1:00:40 Leaving the trade
    1:03:40 Finding a passion for diagnostics
    1:13:45 Business improvements
    1:21:25 GMS and business training
    1:25:00 Utilising data to make decisions
    1:27:30 Achieving success
    1:29:50 The Blend
    1:32:00 Whats next?

    https://www.ontheramp.co.uk/2024/06/26/apprentice-to-entrepreneur-scott-boyds-journey-in-the-automotive-industry/


    ⁠https://beacons.ai/ontheramp

    1 hr 43 min
  • #6 Marketing your garage business - Chew The Fat - On The Ramp Podcast

    Join hosts Alex Lindley, Ryan O'Donnell, and Nathan Taylor as they dive into essential marketing strategies to build a strong brand. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting out, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical tips.

    Walsall Wood Links - https://linktr.ee/walsallwoodtyre

    Lindleys Autocentres Links - https://linktr.ee/lindleysautocentres⁠https://beacons.ai/ontheramp


    https://www.ontheramp.co.uk/2024/06/15/marketing-fundamentals-the-basics-of-building-a-strong-brand/

    ⁠https://beacons.ai/ontheramp

    59 min
  • #5 Increasing customer perceived value in your garage business, Chew the Fat - On The Ramp Podcast

    In today's fast-paced business environment, understanding and exceeding customer expectations can set a company apart from its competitors. The latest Chew The Fat episode of the podcast hosted by Alex, Leo, and Tim, delved into this topic, exploring strategies to enhance customer value without incurring significant costs.

    00:00 - Introduction
    00:37 - Psychological Moonshots
    03:18 - Reducing Customer Anxiety
    04:30 - Quick Wins
    06:50 - Adding Automation
    08:30 - Online Authorisation
    10:10 - Meet & Greet
    12:00 - Customer Preferences
    13:00 - Gifts
    14:40 - The Fundamentals
    16:00 - The Peak and The End
    18:05 - The Power of Surveys
    19:25 - Online Booking
    21:00 - Pre-Authorisation
    24:00 - Status Updates
    26:00 - Service Advisor Traits
    28:00 - Tech to Advisor Ratio
    29:00 - Over-communicate
    30:30 - Summary

    Enhancing customer value does not always require significant financial investment. By focusing on communication, transparency, and personalised service, businesses can reduce customer anxiety and improve satisfaction. Implementing low-cost, high-value changes, such as those discussed in this episode, can create a competitive edge and foster lasting customer loyalty. As demonstrated in the conversation between Alex, Leo, and Tim, sometimes the smallest changes can have the most significant impact.

    https://www.ontheramp.co.uk/2024/06/03/chewing-the-fat-on-customer-expectations-adding-value-without-breaking-the-bank/


    https://beacons.ai/ontheramp

    32 min
  • #4 Considering the future of the independent automative aftermarket with Quentin Le Hetet

    In this episode we discussed the risks and opportunities of the aging car parc, the future of the MOT cycle, the reduction in diesel registrations, what's happening with electric vehicles and whether or not independent garages should consider fleet work and much more.
    Register for your free ticket to the UK Garage and Bodyshop event here - https://uk-garage-bodyshop-2024.reg.buzz/
    Quentin will be doing a presentation on how a workshop can make the most out of EV on June 6th at 11am.
    Nathan will be on the LKQ ECP stand on June 5th discussing all things marketing, especially around social media.
    Alex will be presenting "Leveraging your data from your GMS to improve decision making" on June the 6th at 10:30 at the Workshop Hub. He will also be on the LKQ ECP stand on June the 6th at 1pm to share how he uses data in his own garage. He will also be at the Castrol stand on June 5th at 11am to share data and strategies on increasing service work in your garage.
    ⁠https://beacons.ai/ontheramp



    1 hr
  • #3 - Leaving the family business to build my own - Shaun Miller - Fergies - On The Ramp Podcast

    In this episode Alex and Leo had the pleasure of interviewing Shaun Miller from Fergies - German Vehicle Specialists.
    Shaun has a brilliant story to tell. We discuss the positives and negatives of working in a family business and what it took for Shaun to leave the family business and setup on his own. Shaun also discusses his experience winning Top Technician and Top Garage and so much more.

    ⁠https://beacons.ai/ontheramp

    1 hr 38 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.