Published September 7th 2025
Last week, I attended and spoke at an auto industry event. ATRA Powertrain Expo. Every time I walk into a room like that, I’m reminded of something powerful: auto shop growth. Because the best shop owners and the best technicians are lifelong learners.
They don’t just “show up to get hours” or “run the shop like they always have.” They invest in themselves, their team, and their business. That’s what separates achievers from the rest.
Why It Matters for Shop Owners
- Top shops are always hiring – not just for bodies, but for talent. And talent knows the difference between a shop that values growth and one that’s stuck in yesterday.
- Training is retention – your best people want to grow. If they don’t see opportunity in your shop, they’ll find it somewhere else.
- Learning is leadership – when your team sees you investing in your own growth, it sets the tone. You lead by example.
What Owners Need to Know
If you want a team of achievers, you need to create an environment where auto shop growth is expected, supported, and celebrated. That means:
- Budgeting for training as a non-negotiable, not a “when there’s extra cash” line item.
- Making space for learning – encourage your techs, advisors, and even yourself to step out of the shop sometimes to learn, network, and level up.
- Applying what you learn – training only creates results if it turns into new actions, new processes, or new ways of leading.
The Big Picture
Most top auto shops I meet aren’t “lucky.” They’re intentional. They invest in training, they invest in culture, and they invest in leadership. That’s what attracts and keeps top talent.
If you want to separate yourself from the average shop, start by committing to lifelong learning, for you and for your team. Because the truth is: top talent is looking for top auto shops.
Action This Week: Schedule a conversation with your team about upcoming training opportunities. Ask them where they’d like to grow this year.
Pro Thinking Tip: Don’t look at training as time away from the shop. Look at it as time invested in making your shop more profitable, sustainable, and enjoyable in the long run.