If you’ve ever had a conversation with Jim Saeli, you know this much: he’s passionate about helping shop owners succeed – not just in business, but in life. With nearly three decades at DRIVE and a deep history in the automotive industry, Jim has become a trusted guide for thousands of shop owners looking to get more control, more growth and more fulfillment from their businesses.

With DRIVE EXPO 2025 just around the corner, we sat down with Jim to hear what he’s most excited about this year – and why this event, held in Las Vegas, is so much more than just another industry conference.

The Heart of the EXPO: People and Purpose

“What I’m most looking forward to,” Jim says, “is seeing all the people. Interacting with them. And hopefully inspiring them to improve the quality of their lives by what they get out of the EXPO.”

For Jim, this isn’t just about education – it’s about transformation. At every DRIVE EXPO, something bigger happens: owners connect with their goals again. They reconnect with their teams, their families and their future.

“DRIVE EXPO is where the light goes on for so many owners,” he adds. “You see it on their faces when something clicks, when they realize they don’t have to stay stuck anymore.”

What’s Different About DRIVE EXPO 2025?

“This year feels special,” Jim says without hesitation. “We’re always looking to improve the industry – and I’m especially excited about the new tools we’ve developed. We’re setting the bar higher than it’s ever been.”

That’s a bold claim. But if you know DRIVE, you know it’s not just talk.

This year’s EXPO will feature a wave of new content, sharpened strategies and powerful technology-driven resources to help shops build better systems, stronger leadership and sustainable growth. From financial management to recruiting and culture, the event is designed to give shop owners everything they need to lead with confidence – no matter what challenges the industry throws at them next.

The Only Place of Its Kind

In an industry that’s often isolating, Jim believes the power of community is what makes DRIVE EXPO truly unique.

“It’s the only place you can go to meet like-minded individuals who are all trying to do the same thing – improve their ability, improve their shops and help others along the way.”

That environment – equal parts ambitious and generous – is what makes DRIVE EXPO such a standout experience. It’s not just a room full of owners; it’s a room full of people who get it. Who’ve been in the trenches. Who know what it’s like to struggle, to succeed – and excel in both their business and life.

And more importantly, it’s a room full of people willing to help.

“People genuinely want to see each other succeed,” Jim says. “And that changes everything.”

A Message to Every Shop Owner

After working with shops across the country for decades, Jim knows what most owners are up against: long hours, constant pressure and the feeling that there’s never quite enough time to step back and work on the business.

His hope for every attendee this year?

“That they walk away knowing DRIVE is here to help them. That we’re here to help them improve, achieve their goals and keep pushing this industry forward. That’s what we’re all about.”

It’s a simple message, but a powerful one. DRIVE has never been about quick fixes or empty promises – it’s about building real, long-term solutions for shop owners who want more out of their businesses and lives.

And that message is more relevant than ever in 2025.

Adapting to a Changing Industry

Looking back at where the industry started and where it is now, Jim is quick to point out the massive shifts that have taken place.

“I used to work on cars with carburetors,” he says with a laugh. “Now they’re rolling computers.”

That kind of evolution can be overwhelming – but it doesn’t have to be. That’s exactly where events like DRIVE EXPO come in.

“Technology has changed everything. And staying on top of those changes is a real challenge. But the EXPO keeps owners focused. It helps them stay ahead of those changes, take control, and be on the forefront of the industry.”

Whether it’s navigating new diagnostic systems, adopting better shop management software, or rethinking how leadership and culture work in a modern shop – this is where those conversations happen. Not in theory, but in practice. From real people who’ve walked the same path.

Never Been to DRIVE EXPO? Here’s Why You Should Go

For anyone who’s never attended a DRIVE EXPO before, Jim has a message – and it comes straight from the heart:

“This is the only place you can go to acquire the management tools you need to be one of the best in this industry. Where you’ll meet the largest group of caring individuals who want to see you succeed and are willing to help you every step of the way.”

And then he adds something personal:

“You owe it to yourself to come and be part of something very special. I was lucky enough to find this group 27 years ago. And I’m still proud, every single day, of what we do together to help this industry and improve people’s lives for the better.”

That’s not hype. That’s real conviction from someone who’s seen DRIVE – and DRIVE EXPO – transform lives, year after year.

Be Part of It

If you’ve ever felt like your shop could be doing better… If you’ve ever wished you had more time, more control, more support… If you’ve ever wanted to connect with people who truly understand the challenges of running a shop…

Then this is your moment.

DRIVE EXPO 2025 is happening in Las Vegas – and it’s going to be one for the books.

Come to sharpen your skills. Stay for the community. Leave with the confidence and clarity to lead your business into the future.

 

As Jim Saeli puts it: “You owe it to yourself.”

 

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Carolyn Gray, DRIVE