How to Develop a General Manager for Your Auto Repair Shop [THA 503]

How does a shop owner find, develop, and trust the right person to become their number two?

Shawn Gilfillan, owner and CEO of Automotive Magic, and Will Barkiewicz, General Manager and Integrator, share the evolution of a leadership partnership that started when Will applied for a technician position.

Shawn quickly recognized something beyond Will’s technical abilities. Their values around family, trust, service, and taking care of people aligned. Will eventually moved from running the maintenance center to becoming General Manager over both locations and the Integrator Shawn had been looking for.

Their story demonstrates that developing a number two isn’t about finding another version of the owner. It’s about finding someone with complementary strengths, then building the trust that allows both leaders to grow into their roles.

What You’ll Learn

• Why core values can matter more than someone’s original job title.
• How the Visionary-Integrator relationship works within EOS.
• Why owners shouldn’t look for “another me.”
• How responsibility and trust are earned over time.
• Why a strong General Manager needs the freedom to push back on the owner.
• How DISC profiles can improve communication and self-awareness.
• Why standardized protocols create consistency as leadership responsibilities expand.
• How a “Reboot” mindset turns mistakes into opportunities to improve the business.

Finding your number two isn’t about finding another you. It’s about finding the person who complements you.

For Shawn, that meant learning to hand over responsibility and allowing Will to “dance his own dance.” For Will, it meant earning trust through communication, accountability, and a willingness to take ownership when things didn’t go perfectly.

The transformation happens on both sides. The General Manager learns to lead, execute, and protect the vision. The owner learns to let go, become the guide, and gradually move responsibilities off their plate. You don’t hand someone the keys to the business overnight. You give them responsibility, build trust, and develop the leadership partnership one step at a time.

Shawn Gilfillan, and Will Barkiewicz, Automotive Magic, Kenvil and Lake Hopatcong, NJ. Shawn’s previous episodes HERE

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