How to Grow Your Shop Without Losing Control [RR 1046]

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS

This episode dives into the real challenges of scaling an automotive business. Shiju Thomas unpacks what it takes to grow successfully, especially beyond two locations, including stepping out of daily operations and focusing on leadership development, building a strong management team, and sustaining a consistent, positive culture. He emphasizes that growth should be driven by a desire to develop people, not just profits. It’s a must-listen for shop owners reflecting on why they want to grow and how to do it with purpose, clarity, and long term success in mind.

Show Notes

  • Watch Full Video Episode
  • Introduction (00:00:00)
  • Shop Branding Philosophy (00:01:09)
  • Challenges of Scaling and Maintaining High Standards (00:03:23)
  • Leadership Development and Delegation (00:04:39)
  • Letting Managers Take Ownership (00:06:45)
  • The Critical Role of People and Culture (00:07:53)
  • Defining and Evolving Company Culture (00:09:48)
  • Merging Cultures in Acquisitions (00:11:23)
  • Choosing Not to Scale: Lifestyle Choices (00:15:45)
  • Motivations for Growth and Professional Development (00:16:33)
  • The “Why” Behind Shop Ownership (00:18:50)
  • Altruistic Motivations Among Multi-Shop Owners (00:20:26)
  • Branding and Reputation Management (00:22:05)
  • Always Be Recruiting (ABR) (00:24:26)
  • Balancing Owner Presence Across Multiple Shops (00:27:03)
  • Lessons from Opening Additional Stores (00:29:09)
  • Scaling Requires a Team, Not Lone Wolves (00:30:54)
  • Are You Ready to Scale? Key Questions (00:31:52)
  • Financial Readiness and Managerial KPIs (00:32:41)
  • Developing Hungry, Humble, and Capable Managers (00:35:37)

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS

Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care

NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/

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About the author, Carm Capriotto, AAP

Carm is the founder and host of the Remarkable Results Radio Podcast and the pioneer of automotive aftermarket podcasts. Carm calls on his years of experience in the aftermarket to bring engaging stories from his guests.

Listen to raw, unfiltered, honest, and sincere stories that include insights, trends, best practices, and expertise. Each interview brings an opportunity to learn one new thing through the stories of personal achievement. Many podcast guests tell their story of transformation from working in their business to working on it.

As host of over 1,000 episodes, Carm uses his enthusiasm and passion for the aftermarket especially the service sector to take his listeners on a journey showcasing successful service professionals’ paths to Remarkable Results. He also enjoys interviews with aftermarket industry thought leaders who bring their industry perspectives to his listener.

Follow the podcast on your favorite podcast listening app and always listen to learn just one thing!