Exclusive Automotive: A Trusted Fleet Service Specialist in the Heart of Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV may be known worldwide as a tourist destination, but for Micah Howell and Wayde Yeley, it’s simply home. As co-owners of Exclusive Automotive, they’ve built a business rooted in integrity, trust and a genuine commitment to their community. The shop has come a long way since its humble beginnings, evolving into a highly respected name and one of Las Vegas’s top providers of vehicle fleet maintenance.

 

A Legacy of Integrity and Hard Work

Exclusive Automotive’s journey began in 1984, when Wayde’s father opened the shop under the name Tom’s Automotive. Wayde helped out in the shop whenever he could, but he eventually left to serve in the United States Airforce. When he returned, he joined his father as a partner, bringing his experience and determination to carry the business forward.

 

In 2013, the shop rebranded as Exclusive Automotive, signifying a fresh chapter while honoring its roots. Just 5 years later, Micah, who had worked in the shop over school breaks as a teenager and trained as a service advisor at Ford, rejoined the team. He quickly proved he had the work ethic and leadership skills to not only be a shop manager, but a full partner in the business. Together, Wayde and Micah have built something truly remarkable.

 

Success Through Specialization

What sets Exclusive Automotive apart is its specialization in servicing fleet vehicles. From the Las Vegas Police Department to the Regional Transportation Commission, they’ve secured contracts that not only keep their bays full but have also established them as a go-to shop for large organizations in need of reliable service. In fact, they’re the only independent repair shop in Las Vegas with these types of contracts—a feat that didn’t happen by accident, Micah notes, “We have earned a foothold in the community as an honest shop that really cares about our customers. Most of our new business comes from word of mouth because we’ve focused on creating a great reputation based on honesty and integrity.”

 

These days, Micah holds the reins of day-to-day operations, while Wayde works behind the scenes and spends most of his time winning new fleet service contract opportunities to keep the business growing. And grow it has: from three employees to seven and from $300,000 in annual sales to over $1 million.

 

Partnerships That Make a Difference

Micah and Wayde will be the first to tell you—they didn’t get here alone. Their relationship with DRIVE has been instrumental in transforming how they manage their business.

 

Introduced to DRIVE through their trusted O’Reilly Auto Parts sales rep, the connection came at just the right time. During a visit to the shop, their O’Reilly rep shared how DRIVE’s coaching and tools had transformed other businesses and suggested it could be the key to unlocking their own shop’s potential. Intrigued and eager to grow, they were connected with a DRIVE consultant who laid out a clear vision for improvement. The recommendations resonated so strongly that they didn’t hesitate—they were ready to sign up on the spot. That moment became the turning point, launching them into a partnership that has completely changed the game for their business.

 

One standout tool for Wayde is the DRIVE App, which gives them real-time insights into their numbers—KPI tracking, profitability and more. “DRIVE has given us the ability to analyze the company from a 30,000-foot view,” Wayde says. Before DRIVE, this kind of clarity just wasn’t possible. Now, they can make decisions confidently, knowing exactly where their business stands.

 

Workshops have also played a huge role in their success. As they shared with us in a recent appearance on DRIVE Facebook Live, Wayde and Micah found tremendous value in the two-week Essentials of Shop Management Master Workshop, which they credit with giving them the foundational knowledge to run a thriving shop. Micah has also taken part in multiple Action Coaching Workshops and loves how he can take what he learns and immediately apply it to the business. One of his biggest takeaways has been how important it is to implement strong processes and procedures—a focus that’s paying dividends in their shop every day.

 

Being a part of DRIVE also introduced Micah and Wayde to a very special community of fellow shop owners. Wayde loves to hear their strategies and how they overcame obstacles that all shop owners are faced with. Their first time connecting to the DRIVE community in person at the 2024 DRIVE EXPO in Dallas was a pivotal experience; they came home fired up after days of learning, networking and hearing ideas from other shop owners who know better than anyone what it takes to run a successful business.

 

Training the Next Generation

Exclusive Automotive is not only focused on growing its business but also on developing the next generation of skilled technicians. While many shops struggle to find experienced technicians, Wayde and Micah have taken a different approach.  “We have found more success bringing in techs who are new to the industry,” they say, and have created a comprehensive apprenticeship program which includes online ASE training to mentor new technicians from day one. As a result, all their technicians are performing higher quality work and making more money than ever before.

 

Big Plans Ahead

With a long-term goal of opening multiple locations, Micah and Wayde are laser-focused on building something that lasts.

 

They truly love being shop owners, commenting that the freedom of determining their own futures, the challenge of building a successful business and ensuring that the community has a trusted, honest automotive shop are powerful motivators.

 

At its core, Exclusive Automotive is more than just a business—it’s a reflection of Micah and Wayde’s hard work, values and vision. By staying focused on their community, their team and their goals, they’re proving that with the right tools and mindset, you can build a business that’s not only successful but truly meaningful.

 

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Brittany Crow, DRIVE