Expanding a successful independent garage is a challenge that many aspire to but few manage to achieve. In the latest episode of On The Ramp, we spoke with Matt Jeffreys, owner of St Johns and RPM Malvern, about his journey from opening his first garage to acquiring and turning around an existing business. His experiences provide valuable insights into growth, leadership, and overcoming industry challenges.
YouTube – https://youtu.be/e_0bJu5kO-Y?si=HyXOqu9erwg3ZMPz
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/episode/02tPrW1uRz71JXtxYgwgtg?si=6RxPndX4RtS4Kj-TGxOZDw
From a Single Garage to Multi-Site Success
Matt’s journey began with St Johns, a business he built from the ground up. With a strong technical background and a determination to succeed, he worked tirelessly to establish a reputation for quality service and reliability. As the business grew, he saw an opportunity to take things further, leading him to acquire RPM Malvern—a struggling garage that he successfully transformed into a thriving operation.
The transition from one garage to managing multiple sites required a shift in mindset. Running a single workshop meant being hands-on with every aspect of the business, but expansion called for better delegation, process management, and leadership development.
Managing Multi-Site Operations
Operating multiple locations brings both opportunities and obstacles. Each garage comes with its own set of challenges, from staffing and training to customer expectations and logistical hurdles. For Matt, ensuring consistency across both St Johns and RPM Malvern has meant focusing on strong management structures, clear communication, and maintaining the high standards that made his first garage a success.
A key lesson he shares is that business growth isn’t just about opening more locations—it’s about building a model that is sustainable. Without efficient processes and a strong team, expansion can quickly become overwhelming.
The Importance of People in Business Growth
No garage can succeed without the right team. From apprentices to experienced technicians, Matt emphasises that hiring for attitude and problem-solving ability is just as important as technical skills. He has seen firsthand how investing in staff development and fostering a positive workplace culture contributes to long-term success.
In an industry where technology is constantly evolving, continuous training is essential. By staying ahead of the latest developments in diagnostics and vehicle software, St Johns and RPM Malvern have been able to provide cutting-edge service while ensuring their teams remain at the top of their game.
Overcoming Common Business Challenges
With expansion comes challenges, and one of the biggest for Matt was managing space and parking—something many garage owners will relate to. Securing additional parking and optimising workflow became essential as the business grew.
Another key challenge was knowing when to step back from the tools and focus on running the business. As a skilled technician, Matt was used to solving problems himself, but scaling up required him to trust his team and delegate responsibilities. Finding that balance between being involved and allowing the business to operate independently was a turning point in his growth journey.
The Road Ahead
For Matt, the focus now is on refining operations, improving customer experience, and ensuring both St Johns and RPM Malvern continue to thrive. He believes that the key to sustainable success lies in innovation, adaptability, and a willingness to evolve.
His journey highlights the realities of growing a business in the automotive industry, offering practical lessons in resilience, leadership, and strategic thinking. For any garage owner considering expansion, Matt’s story serves as both inspiration and a roadmap for navigating the challenges of scaling up.
