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.
If you’re in the UK automotive industry, we hope to bring you inspiring stories, interesting debates, and learnings from other garage owners.
You can follow the podcast on all major platforms with the links below.
Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/@OnTheRamp
Spotify – https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ontherampuk
Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/on-the-ramp-the-independent-automotive-garage
(Transcript generated and analysed by AI)
Welcome to “On the Ramp”
In the inaugural episode of “On the Ramp,” hosts Alex, Nathan, and Leo dive into their motivations for creating a media company focused on the automotive industry. The podcast aims to provide high-quality information and positive perspectives to an industry often portrayed negatively. This episode introduces the hosts, their backgrounds, and the mission of the podcast.
Why “On the Ramp”?
The hosts discuss their reasons for launching the podcast. They see a significant opportunity to create a media company that sheds a positive light on the automotive industry, benefiting potential new entrants, suppliers, and garage owners. Historically, media coverage has not always been favourable, and they aim to change this by sharing success stories, insights, and valuable knowledge.
The Need for Knowledge and Community
The podcast addresses the knowledge gap that many garage owners face. Traditionally, mechanics might start their own garages with little to no business training, leading to challenges in running a successful operation. However, with the advent of social media and the internet, there’s now an abundance of information available. The challenge is sifting through it to find high-quality, actionable advice.
The hosts emphasise the importance of community and shared knowledge. They believe that connecting independent garage owners can help raise industry standards. This sense of community can alleviate the isolation that many garage owners feel, fostering a more collaborative and supportive environment.
Introducing the Hosts
- Alex Lindley: Alex has been in the industry for 20 years, starting as an apprentice technician in a family business focused on engine rebuilding. Over time, the business evolved into a fast-fit model with multiple branches. Alex also became involved with Garage Hive, a garage management system, which expanded his network and knowledge. Today, he is the Managing Director of Lindleys Autocentres, overseeing ten branches and dedicating his time to both the business and Garage Hive.
- Nathan Taylor: Nathan, the CEO of Walsall Wood Tyres and Service, has been in the tyre industry since he was 16. He founded his company in 2015, focusing on creating a positive customer experience in an area where he felt it was lacking. His approach emphasises transparency and customer comfort.
- Leo Dack: Leo started his business, a Vauxhall specialist, in 2010. Now the Managing Director of Dack Motor Group, Leo oversees a company that offers car service, repairs, body shop services, van sales, conversions, and rentals. With 60 staff members across three sites, Leo has seen substantial growth and evolution in his business. He looks forward to sharing his experiences and insights through the podcast.
Future Plans and Content
The hosts outline their plans for the podcast and related media content. They aim to create a YouTube series inspired by “MTV Cribs,” where they tour different garages, showcasing their operations and highlighting unique processes and setups. This series aims to provide valuable insights and ideas for other garage owners.
Mission Statement
The mission of “On the Ramp” is to connect as many independent garages as possible, sharing knowledge and raising the standard of the independent automotive industry. The hosts hope to positively impact the industry by providing a platform for sharing success stories and valuable insights.
Conclusion
“On the Ramp” promises to be a valuable resource for anyone in the automotive industry. By sharing experiences and knowledge, the hosts aim to create a supportive community that helps elevate industry standards. They invite listeners to subscribe, engage with the content, and contribute their stories and questions.