In the latest episode of On The Ramp, Alex and Leo welcom Barry Lawson, owner of the recently rebranded Lawson Autotech, to discuss his journey from dealership apprenticeship to family business, and ultimately to entrepreneurial success. Barry’s story of adapting, learning, and transforming his approach offers a fresh perspective on navigating the challenges of the automotive industry.
YouTube – https://youtu.be/5sUea1wY8oM?si=d5Hoxt7xAxjPAyuv
A Reluctant Start in the Family Business
Starting as a 16-year-old with no clear path, Barry initially hesitated to join the family business, founded by his father in 1983. He first ventured into a Ford dealership, building a solid foundation in servicing and repairs. However, limited opportunities for progression in the dealership led him to reconsider the family business. With his father’s encouragement, Barry became a partner at just 21. Barry soon realised the need to implement new standards and services into the business, like vehicle health checks, which were virtually unheard of among independent garages at the time.
The Struggle to Modernise
As Barry brought forward fresh ideas, his attempts to introduce dealership-style practices, such as vehicle health checks, faced resistance. Both his father and long-time employees were entrenched in established routines, making change difficult. Reflecting on this period, Barry shared that it took nearly 15 years before he felt the business began to progress.
His journey underscores a key lesson: tradition-bound businesses often struggle to adapt, and driving real change requires not only fresh ideas but also perseverance and a willingness to confront longstanding habits.
Embracing Continuous Learning and Networking
The turning point for Lawson Autotech came in 2016 when Barry connected with a network of independent garages through online forums. He discovered other garage owners facing similar technical and business challenges. Engaging in this community, he realised how critical it was to enhance his technical knowledge and broaden his business management skills. The experience helped him see beyond the ‘bubble’ of local pricing and services and prompted him to adopt competitive industry practices.
Barry’s commitment to learning didn’t stop with technical improvements. He soon began participating in formal business training sessions, which helped him adopt long-term business planning and goal-setting. This structured approach ultimately changed his perspective on running Lawson Autotech, allowing him to think like a business owner rather than just a technician.
Investing in People and Technology
One of the most significant changes came when Barry decided to bring in Laura, an experienced service manager, to streamline front-of-house operations. Her organisational skills and proactive approach allowed Barry to focus on growth and strategy. During the pandemic, when many businesses struggled to stay afloat, Barry’s decisions on staffing and operational improvements ensured Lawson Autotech emerged stronger than before.
He also made key investments in diagnostic technology and management software, enhancing operational efficiency. The decision to join a network offering diagnostic support proved to be instrumental, allowing Barry to offer highly specialised services that have become a point of differentiation for Lawson Autotech.
From Service Provider to Business Leader
Barry’s journey highlights the evolution from hands-on service provider to strategic business leader. He stressed the importance of setting clear business goals and embracing a mindset shift to manage the demands of running a business, a lesson that resonates with many entrepreneurs in skilled trades.
The story of Lawson Autotech isn’t just about the transformation of a business; it’s about Barry’s personal growth. By embracing change, learning from his network, and continuously investing in his people and processes, Barry has built Lawson Autotech into a modern, customer-focused business ready to compete in today’s evolving automotive landscape.
For listeners and industry professionals, Barry’s journey offers valuable insights into the dedication, adaptability, and vision needed to succeed in an industry that often resists change.
