Author: Reuben Yeatman
In our latest episode of On The Ramp, we were joined by Mark Field, Chief Executive of the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF). What started as a chat about parts tariffs quickly turned into a wider, honest look at the future of independent garages—and why now is the time to reframe our value, push standards, and demand our place at the table. YouTube – https://youtu.be/JqXHc9l53VQ?si=ltpphik98JvfbK_s Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/episode/6tZM0ZZghVWfutvTMUFXvg?si=b1b8d569ca644dc3 Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/on-the-ramp-the-independent-automotive-garage/id1742771842?i=1000703948866 “Not Just a Parts Game Anymore” Mark didn’t grow up in the trade. He didn’t come from a technical background or wrench in hand. But what he did have…
In the ever-evolving world of independent garages, running a successful business isn’t just about fixing cars—it’s about strategy, people management, and making the right decisions at the right time. In a recent conversation with Jay Wheatley, business consultant and founder of Absolutely Automotive, we explored the key lessons that garage owners need to thrive in today’s competitive market. YouTube – https://youtu.be/26RXU90LiPE?si=zjSRmuPZJE66kZeX Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/episode/6HuiTyXg9S4qLWIfzzlgbx?si=FxM2-NogQPSUrYzd-K16gQ Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/24-extracting-yourself-from-your-garage-how-to-step/id1742771842?i=1000702146060 The Shift from Technician to Business Owner Many garage owners start their journey as technicians, passionate about working on cars. But running a business requires a completely different skill set. One of the…
Running a successful family business in the automotive industry isn’t just about fixing cars—it’s about adapting to change and finding new ways to deliver value. In a recent conversation, Matt Cleevely, the owner of Cleevely Motors, shared valuable insights into how his business has grown and evolved over the years. YouTube – https://youtu.be/oqnObBMhaIg?si=d2yWNyetAl2drdSf Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/episode/43JOrIRce5tc3i4lMzlXzY?si=8dRj00KeQPGMGQINJa458g Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/on-the-ramp-the-independent-automotive-garage/id1742771842?i=1000700218350 A Legacy Built on Trust and Quality Cleevely Motors began as a traditional garage, but under Matt’s ownership, it has transformed into a modern operation, seamlessly blending the personal touch of a family business with the efficiency of a well-run company.…
In the latest episode of Your Garage, Alex and Nathan are back with another visit, this time to Birmingham, where they explore Ferdotti Auto Services, a garage that has built a strong reputation in fleet servicing. With an impressive setup and a focus on efficiency, this garage is redefining how fleet maintenance is handled. A Fleet-Focused Operation Ferdotti Motor Services has become one of the UK’s leading fleet specialists, catering to both private and corporate clients. With 25 bays and 13 technicians, it operates on a scale not often seen in independent garages. Tim, the owner, explains: “Fleet work isn’t…
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 Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/on-the-ramp-the-independent-automotive-garage/id1742771842?i=1000698214536 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…
In the latest episode of On The Ramp, the team sat down with Lauren Brown, Managing Director of T10 Automotive, and Carl Williams from Williams Talent Management to discuss a topic at the heart of every successful garage business: people. More specifically, how mastering team management can drive performance and, ultimately, profit. YouTube – https://youtu.be/TZCIAINSp7w?si=CyATdMy2777od1kK Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/episode/4w3i0t3cAiMKVHyI1NXtGq?si=8b51a7d6687148e4 Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/21-fixing-more-than-cars-the-art-of-managing-people/id1742771842?i=1000694598718 The Importance of People in Business It’s easy to focus on the technical side of running a garage—training, equipment, and processes—but at the core of every thriving business are the people who make it work. As Carl Williams shared,…