Creating a Path to Success

 

As the automotive repair industry evolves, so does the demand for skilled shop owners who are equipped with the knowledge to run not only a successful shop but a scalable business. DRIVE is thrilled to announce a lineup of three NEW Master Workshops coming in 2025. These workshops, designed specifically for owners of general repair, collision, truck maintenance, and towing shops, will focus on some of the most vital aspects of modern shop management: crafting a business plan, providing employee benefits, and expanding into a multi-shop organization (MSO).

 

“I believe that knowledge solves all problems. If you can understand something you can do something about it.”–Tony Wisler, DRIVE

 

Each workshop delves into crucial areas that can transform the way you do business, offering practical tools and strategies for growth, retention, and scalability. Not only do they provide step-by-step guidance, but they also help you understand how to align these elements with your long-term vision—empowering you to make strategic decisions that enhance your business.

Workshop 1: “Crafting Business Plans That Win Investors and Secure Loans”

Having a solid business plan is essential for automotive shop owners looking to expand, secure investments, or take out a business loan. This three-session workshop, “Crafting Business Plans That Win Investors and Secure Loans,” is specifically designed to demystify the process of creating a persuasive and structured business plan. Whether you’re thinking about expanding your current shop, adding a new location, or simply increasing your service offerings, this workshop provides the foundational knowledge to get started.

Key Takeaways:

• The Purpose of a Business Plan: A well-thought-out business plan isn’t just a document for potential investors or lenders; it’s a roadmap that outlines where your business is headed and how you plan to get there. The workshop covers how an effective business plan can serve as a guiding framework that aligns with your goals, financial needs, and growth ambitions.
• Understanding and Utilizing SWOT Analysis: One of the cornerstones of any business strategy is understanding the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) that impact your shop. This session will provide you with the tools to conduct a meaningful SWOT analysis, allowing you to better understand your position in the market and develop strategies that leverage your strengths and mitigate potential weaknesses.
• Tailoring Your Business Plan: Every shop is unique, and so should be every business plan. This workshop teaches you how to adapt your business plan to reflect your shop’s specific mission, vision, and market positioning. Learn how to make a plan that speaks to investors and lenders with clarity and precision.

By the end of this workshop, you’ll leave with a better understanding of what investors and lenders are looking for and the skills to build a robust business plan that reflects your goals and vision.

Workshop 2: “Employee Benefit Solutions for Shops”

Employee retention and satisfaction are crucial for running a successful automotive shop, especially in today’s competitive job market. The “Employee Benefit Solutions for Shops” workshop will include three online sessions that focus on equipping shop owners with the knowledge and tools to offer benefits packages that attract and retain skilled technicians and other key staff members.

Key Takeaways:

• Why Benefits Matter: In this part of the workshop, we’ll discuss the direct impact of benefits on employee satisfaction, productivity, and long-term retention. With employee turnover being a major issue in the automotive industry, it’s essential to understand how offering benefits can give your shop a competitive edge.
• Tangible and Intangible Benefits: We’ll go beyond traditional benefits like health insurance and retirement plans. This session covers a wide range of both tangible and intangible perks. We’ll also explore perks that support a positive work-life balance, such as mental health support and training opportunities, which are becoming increasingly valuable to employees.
• Creating Attractive Packages: Discover how to structure a benefits package that aligns with your shop’s values and culture while appealing to prospective employees. Learn what benefits resonate most in the automotive repair industry and how to implement cost-effective options that still make a big impact.

By attending this workshop, you’ll gain insights into the benefits landscape, helping you create a workplace that not only attracts skilled workers but keeps them motivated and committed for the long term.

Workshop 3: “Expanding Your Auto Repair Shop”

For shop owners with ambitions to grow, the two-session “Expanding Your Auto Repair Shop” workshop offers a roadmap to help make that vision a reality. Scaling your business from a single location to multiple shops requires a different approach and understanding of operational logistics, staffing, and financial planning.

Key Takeaways:

• Pros and Cons of Running an MSO (Multiple Shop Organization): Owning multiple locations comes with its unique set of challenges and rewards. This session will dive into the advantages and potential drawbacks of running an MSO, helping you determine if this business model aligns with your long-term goals.
• Budgeting and Securing Funding: Expansion requires significant investment, so we’ll cover strategies for budgeting, securing funding, and managing finances effectively. Whether you’re planning to use business loans, investors, or retained earnings to finance your growth, you’ll learn how to make informed decisions that minimize risk and maximize returns.
• Managing Operations Across Multiple Locations: Running multiple locations means that effective systems need to be in place to ensure consistent service quality and efficiency. This section will focus on operational management, including staffing strategies, cross-location communication, and standardizing processes to ensure all shops run smoothly.

With insights from this workshop, shop owners will walk away with a clear understanding of the steps needed to successfully open and operate additional locations without sacrificing quality or consistency.

Who Should Attend?

These workshops are designed for shop owners at all stages, from those who are just beginning to consider expansion or employee benefits to seasoned owners looking to refine and optimize their practices. By covering these key areas, DRIVE’s Master Workshops provide the guidance, practical tools, and inspiration needed to build a strong foundation for growth and long-term success.

 

“Our workshops empower our clients to really have judgment over conditions in their shop. When a shop owner can see a path forward it is very empowering.” Tony Wisler – DRIVE

 

Why DRIVE’s Master Workshops?

DRIVE has a long-standing reputation for supporting automotive shop owners through specialized coaching and workshops that tackle the unique challenges faced in the industry. Our instructors bring years of industry knowledge, and each session is crafted to offer actionable insights and strategies that can be applied immediately. Attending these workshops isn’t just about learning; it’s about setting your shop on a path toward enhanced efficiency, employee satisfaction, and expansion.

Join Us in 2025 to Drive Your Success

Workshop Dates and Registration details are available at DRIVESHOPS.COM and will be featured on upcoming Friday episodes of DRIVE FACEBOOK LIVE. We encourage you to reserve your spot early as these workshops are expected to fill quickly. Invest in your shop’s future and unlock the potential to grow, attract top talent, and create an operational framework that supports your business goals.

Don’t miss out on DRIVE’s 2025 Master Workshops—a comprehensive learning experience tailored to meet the needs of today’s automotive shop owners. We look forward to helping you drive your success forward!

 

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Written by Brittany Crow