On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.
Alex Lindley, Leo Dack, Nathan Taylor
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 indepe...
#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 garages
Building efficiency and expertise in diagnostics and repairs
Creating a loyal customer base through trust and community engagement
Advice for garage owners considering specialisation
Whether 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 - Introduction
01:46 - About Prestige Car Service
21:41 - Diagnostics
36:33 - Would you specialise?
48:12 - Setbacks
52:19 - Getting a larger workshop
57:32 - Being content with what you have
01:00:36 - Benefits of a single brand
01:12:37 - Why dealerships need to change
#OnTheRampPodcast #MercedesSpecialist #IndependentGarage
https://beacons.ai/ontheramp
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1:19:53
#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/ontheramp
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1:30:21
#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 - Intro
03:15 - Castrol | The Race Group Partnership
07:46 - Walsall Wood Business Update
24:00 - Dack Motor Group Business Update
58:48 - Lindley’s Autocentres Business Updates
https://beacons.ai/ontheramp
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1:19:16
#14 From dealership to dream business with Neil Fellows - Stourbridge Automotive - On The Ramp
In 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/ontheramp
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1:13:15
#13 Following a passion for diagnostics whilst building a successful garage business - Mick Shaikly
In 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/ontheramp
About On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.
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.
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