It’s amazing how an old, worn address book has become a cornerstone of our 27-year journey in the auto repair business. We call it “The Book,” but it represents so much more than just names and numbers. It’s about a legacy business.
Reflection
When we bought our shop in 1999 from Tony’s boss Jack. We had no idea what was ahead. Tony had worked for Jack for years while quietly dreaming of owning his own shop. After countless searches that didn’t feel right, Jack surprised Tony one day. He wanted to sell. Jack valued the business too much to sell to just anyone and trusted us to carry on what he built. Making this the beginning of our auto business journey.
Jack shared countless lessons before we signed the closing papers. Most were about people; the givers, the takers, and those who lived true to their values. As a parting gift, he handed Tony his address book. “Everything you need is in here,” he said. It was filled with notes about every connection Jack had in the auto repair world including suppliers, competitors, mentors, and friends.
We saw Jack as a mentor who’d guide us as we navigated ownership. But just two weeks after we took over, Jack passed away. His loss felt like the rug had been pulled from under us. We closed the shop for his funeral, and we mourned not just for ourselves but for everyone who had loved and learned from Jack.
Resource
Over the years, The Book became our lifeline. Whenever challenges arose, especially during different stages of business, we’d pull the book out. The faded pages offered reminders of Jack’s wisdom. Always putting people first and staying true to core values.
Value
Today, the Book is fragile. Its cover is worn, its pages are loose, and many of the names listed have passed or moved on. I once suggested replacing it with something sturdier. Tony wouldn’t hear of it. “This book is Jack,” he said.
In a digital world, an address book might seem irrelevant. But The Book isn’t just a tool; it’s legacy. It represents the trust Jack placed in us, the relationships he valued, and the lessons that have guided us throughout our journey in the auto repair business. It reminds us that success is built not just on business decisions but on the people who help us along the way.
The Book continues to give us hope and confidence, and it reminds us to lead with an attitude of gratitude by always putting people first. This has been essential to our 25-year journey in the auto repair business. Who or what is your ‘Book’?
Click Here, to book a complementary Owner’s Biggest Challenge Call today!