Leo Dack - Podcast Details

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On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.From Mobile Van to Multi-Site Empire, the Story of Cedar GarageThis episode is sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group.To learn more about Castrol Service, please visit: https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home.htmlFrom two Ford apprentices in a tiny workshop to running a multi-site operation with its own EV battery repair lab — this is the story of Kevin Pierce and Cedar Garage.We talk about growing through mistakes, how to buy a business the smart way, building a high-performing team, and why Kevin is now investing in some of the most technical EV...2025-07-211h 31

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.£500 and a Dream: Building a Garage Brand from Nothing...This episode is sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group.To learn more about Castrol Service, please visit: https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home.htmlFrom burnout in retail to building a garage brand from scratch, this episode tells the powerful story of Louise Baker, founder of Womanic.With no formal qualifications and just £400 to her name, Louise started fixing cars in her apartment car park while raising her daughter solo. Now fully booked, she runs her own workshop, speaks in schools, and is inspiring t...2025-07-0455 min

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.£0 to £1m in 3 years: The Story of Fife Autotech’s Rapid RiseThis episode is sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group. To learn more about Castrol Service, please visit: https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home.htmlFife Autotech’s Chay joins us to share how he went from a dealership technician to building one of the most successful specialist garages in Scotland – hitting £1M turnover in just 3 years.In this episode, Chay breaks down the reality of starting from scratch, the mindset behind his decisions, and what it really takes to scale a garage quickly — from risk and sacrifi...2025-06-201h 35

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.#28 Finance for Garages: What You Need to KnowThis episode is sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group. To learn more about Castrol Service, please visit: https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home.htmlFinance can be one of the hardest things for independent garages to get right — and one of the least talked about.In this episode, we sit down with Lee Schofield, founder of One Funding, for an honest look at the real challenges and opportunities around funding a garage business.From asset finance to working capital, buying another bu...2025-06-061h 01

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.#27 Starting From Zero With The Car NerdThis episode is sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group. To learn more about Castrol Service, please visit: https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home.htmlFrom five-star hotels to fault-finding on the road, this episode dives into the journey of Cathal, better known as The Car Nerd. He didn’t take a traditional path into the trade. After starting in hospitality, Cathal moved into car sales, then built a van business from the ground up. But it was diagnostics — not sales — that truly sparked his interest.We talk a...2025-05-231h 18

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.#26 One year in, we reflect and refocus. Business failures, acquisitions, and key hiresThis episode is sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group. To learn more about Castrol Service, please visit: https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home.htmlA full year of On The Ramp and the journey is just getting started. In this episode, Alex, Leo and Nathan reflect on the past 12 months, sharing honest insights about their businesses — the wins, the setbacks, and the bold decisions shaping what’s next.Expect real talk about closing divisions, launching new sites, stepping back from operations, and building tools the industry need...2025-05-0954 min

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.#25 Conversation with Mark Field, IAAF - Fixing the trade from the inside.This episode is sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group. To learn more about Castrol Service, please visit: https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home.htmlIn this episode, we’re joined by Mark Field, Chief Executive of the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF), for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of the independent garage sector.We explore the real-world impacts of international trade tariffs, the challenge of attracting and retaining young talent, and why it’s time to shift the perception of the trade from within. Mark talk...2025-04-181h 14

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.#24 Extracting Yourself from Your Garage: How to Step Back Without Losing ControlThis episode is sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group. To learn more about Castrol Service, please visit: https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home/partner-with-us/independent-workshops.htmlIn this episode, we sit down with Jay Wheatley, founder of Absolutely Automotive, to discuss how garage owners can extract themselves from the daily grind and take their business to the next level. Jay shares his expertise as a business consultant, offering practical advice on stepping back from hands-on work, improving efficiency, and building a sustainable, profitable garage.We explore...2025-04-041h 29

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.#23 Staying Ahead in an EV World – Lessons from Cleevely Motors - On The Ramp PodcastThis episode is sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group, to learn more about Castrol Service please visit ⁠https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home/partner-with-us/independent-workshops.htmlIn this episode, we sit down with Matt Cleevely, owner of Cleevely Motors, to explore how the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) is reshaping the automotive industry. Matt shares how Cleevely Motors has successfully adapted to meet the growing demand for EV servicing, from investing in staff training to upgrading equipment. He discusses the challenges facing independent garages in the EV...2025-03-211h 33

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.#22 The Hidden Struggles of Scaling a Garage Business - Matt Jeffreys - On The Ramp PodcastThis episode is sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group, to learn more about Castrol Service please visit https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home/partner-with-us/independent-workshops.htmlIn this episode of On The Ramp, we sit down with Matt Jeffreys, owner of St Johns and RPM Malvern, to discuss his journey from launching his first garage to successfully acquiring and turning around a second business. Matt shares the challenges of securing his first unit, the realities of running multiple locations, and the lessons he has learned along...2025-03-071h 40

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.#21 Fixing More Than Cars: The Art of Managing People - Carl Williams and Lauren BrownThis episode is sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group, to learn more about Castrol Service please visit https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home/partner-with-us/independent-workshops.htmlIn this episode of On The Ramp, we sit down with Lauren Brown, Managing Director of T10 Automotive, and Carl Williams from Williams Talent Management to discuss the vital role of people management in building a successful business.We explore the importance of workplace culture in driving performance, how to handle underperformance without creating conflict, and the challenges of recruitment. The discussion also covers why hiring...2025-02-211h 46

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.#20 Car Sales, Crisis & Comebacks: A Car Dealer’s Real Story - Jamie Caple - On The Ramp Podcast This episode is sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group, to learn more about Castrol Service please visit https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home/partner-with-us/independent-workshops.html In this episode of On the Ramp, we sit down with Jamie Caple, owner of Car Quay, to discuss the highs and lows of running a used car dealership. Jamie shares his journey from the collapse of his previous business to rebuilding from the ground up, all while navigating the unpredictable world of used car sales. We explore the realities of stocking facilities, the impact of market fluctuations, and the...2025-02-072h 15

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.#19 Garage Success Starts Here: Mastering your Front of House - On The Ramp PodcastThe Secret to Garage Success: Front-of-House Excellence In this episode of On The Ramp, Alex and Nathan are joined by a special guest, Emma, the newly appointed Customer Experience Director. Together, they dive deep into the critical role of front-of-house teams in the success of a modern garage. What you'll learn in this episode: Why the front-of-house role is the backbone of a successful garage The importance of reducing customer anxiety and building trust Recruitment tips: Finding the perfect front-of-house candidate The art of hospitality and its connection to automotive service ...2025-01-171h 03

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.#18 Driven to Succeed - Edward Cockill's Inspiring Story in Automotive - On The Ramp PodcastEd Cockhill of Uckfield Motor Services joins us to discuss his journey from motorsport aspirations to managing and growing a thriving family business. Learn about the challenges of expanding into commercial services, balancing innovation with tradition, and navigating the ever-changing automotive landscape. This episode is sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group, to learn more about Castrol Service please visit https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home/partner-with-us/independent-workshops.html 00:00 - introduction 01:40 - Previous Failures 02:49 - The career path that led to joining the family business 12:03 - F1 Talk… 13:18 - Moving to the fa...2024-12-201h 12

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.#17 How I built a garage around a single brand - Should you specialise? - On The Ramp PodcastThis episode is sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group, to learn more about Castrol Service please visit https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home/partner-with-us/independent-workshops.html In this episode, Alex and Nathan sit down with Olly, a Mercedes-Benz specialist with years of experience running a successful independent garage. From starting his business with limited resources to building a national reputation, Olly shares his journey, the benefits of specialising, and the challenges of staying ahead in the motor trade. 📌 Topics Covered: Why specialising in a single brand makes sense for independent garages Building efficiency and expertise in dia...2024-12-061h 19

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.#16 Tradition meets Innovation with Barry Lawson, Lawson Autotech - On The Ramp PodcastIn this episode of On The Ramp, Barry Lawson, owner of Lawson Autotech, shares his journey from a traditional family garage to a thriving, innovative modern garage business. Starting as a reluctant partner at 21, Barry reveals how he modernised his father's garage, overcame resistance to change, and embraced continuous learning and networking to set new industry standards. Tune in to hear how Barry’s commitment to people, technology, and business strategy transformed Lawson Autotech into a leader in the independent garage industry. Perfect for automotive professionals and anyone inspired by stories of growth and in...2024-11-151h 30

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.#15 Alex, Leo and Nath talk shop! - On The Ramp PodcastEpisode 15 already! In this episode, we take a step back from our usual guest interviews to share our own business updates from the past six months. We discuss the challenges we’ve faced, the investments we’ve made, and the strategies that are helping us grow. Topics include Nathans push for ISO 9001 accreditation, Leo's business expansion, Alex's company restructure and much more! We also welcome Castrol and The Race Group as long-term sponsors/partners of the On The Ramp Podcast. 00:00 - Intro 03:15 - Castrol | The Race Group Partnership 07:46 - Walsall Wood Business Update 24:00 - Dack Motor Group Business Update 58:48 - Li...2024-11-011h 19

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.#14 From dealership to dream business with Neil Fellows - Stourbridge Automotive - On The Ramp In the latest episode of the On the Ramp podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Neil Fellows, the man behind Stourbridge Automotive. Neil’s journey from a hands-on mechanic to a business owner is filled with useful lessons for anyone starting or growing a business. What stands out in his story is the real-world challenges of managing a business partnership, navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, and the critical role his wife, Kay, played in the business's success. Here are some key takeaways from our chat with Neil that offer practical advice for business owners and as...2024-10-181h 13

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.#13 Following a passion for diagnostics whilst building a successful garage business - Mick Shaikly In the latest episode of the On the Ramp podcast, host Alex sat down with Mick Shaikly from Shaikly Motor Company, a family-run garage with a rich history spanning generations. Mick's story is unique in that he is not just part of a family business but the bridge between two generations—having taken over from his father and now preparing for the potential involvement of his own children. 00:00 - Intro 08:08 - Moving away from the tools 10:34 - Business size 13:38 - Reshaping the business 18:13 - Transfer of bu...2024-09-271h 29

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.#12 Building from disaster, the next generation. The story of Oldfields with Tim Benson - On The Ramp PodcastIn this episode of the On the Ramp podcast, we sit down with Tim Benson, the owner of Oldfield's Garage, to explore his unconventional path into the automotive industry. Tim shares his journey from a young man unsure about his future to becoming the owner of his family’s garage business. Starting with a work experience stint at a Volkswagen dealership, Tim’s passion for the trade quickly led him to an apprenticeship. Despite his early success, the pressures of the job prompted him to pursue a business degree, which broadened his horizons through roles in IT and cosmetic surg...2024-09-131h 01

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.#11 Buying out the boss... and going multi-location! - Chris Wileman - On The Ramp PodcastIn this episode of On the Ramp, Chris Wileman shares his journey from an apprentice to the owner of Castle Garage, now expanded to two branches. Chris discusses the challenges of taking over the business, the importance of mentorship, and the strategic steps he took to grow the company. Whether you're in the automotive trade or interested in business ownership, Chris’s story provides valuable insights and practical advice. Tune in to learn more! 00:00 - Intro 05:38 - Entering the world skills competition at 17 07:50 - Diagnostic Training 09:29 - Making the move from technician to business owner/ office 13:22 - Entrepreneurship where di...2024-08-231h 23

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.#10 The importance of great leadership - Tina Drayson - On The Ramp PodcastIn the latest episode of "On the Ramp," we had the pleasure of speaking with Tina Drayson, a key figure at CCM Garages. Tina’s path in the automotive industry showcases dedication, adaptability, and a drive for continuous improvement. 00:00 - Intro 07:55 - Taking on more 12:00 - Building a vision 16:45 - Job role routines 19:30 - VHCs, Servicing and Authorisation rates 38:30 - Trade MOTs 45:40 - Leadership 1:06:45 - Lean Six Sigma 1:10:05 - Work life balance 1:17:15 - Women in automotive ⁠https://beacons.ai/ontheramp 2024-08-091h 27

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.#9 How do YOU define success? - David Massey - On The Ramp PodcastWelcome back to the On The Ramp podcast. Our guest in this episode is David Massey, owner of ADS Automotive and Auto Inform. In this episode we discuss Dave's journey through the years in the automotive trade and we also speak in great detail about the struggles and challenges faced by so many in this trade. One of the main topics discussed is what does success look like to you? Dave also turned the questions back to the hosts Alex and Leo. We really...2024-07-261h 50

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.#8 A conversation with LKQ Euro Car Parts Director Anthony McAteer - On The Ramp PodcastWelcome back to another episode of "On the Ramp!" In this special episode, we dive deep into the automotive industry with Anthony McAteer, Group Procurement Category Director at LKQ. Join us as we explore the intricacies of procurement, supplier relationships, and the evolving landscape of the aftermarket parts industry. Anthony shares his journey at LKQ, the company's strategies for the next decade, and insights into the challenges and opportunities presented by the rise of electric vehicles. Get ready for an informative session packed with industry insights and practical advice for independent garages. 00:00 - Intro 09:00 - Is EV a problem? 20:00...2024-07-121h 28

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.#7 Apprentice to Entrepreneur, succeeding against all odds - Scott Boyd - On The Ramp PodcastIn this episode of the On The Ramp podcast, we sit down with Scott Boyd from Boyd's Motor Engineering. Scott discusses his journey from a small-town car enthusiast in Biggar to becoming a successful business owner. He shares his early experiences working in local garages, completing an apprenticeship, and eventually transitioning to self-employment. Scott delves into the pivotal moments that shaped his career, navigating the challenges of his first jobs, and the critical decision to start his own business. He candidly discusses the financial struggles, long hours, and the steep learning curve involved in establishing Boyd's Motor Engineering. Scott's...2024-06-281h 42

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.#6 Marketing your garage business - Chew The Fat - On The Ramp PodcastJoin hosts Alex Lindley, Ryan O'Donnell, and Nathan Taylor as they dive into essential marketing strategies to build a strong brand. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting out, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical tips. Walsall Wood Links - https://linktr.ee/walsallwoodtyre Lindleys Autocentres Links - https://linktr.ee/lindleysautocentres⁠https://beacons.ai/ontheramp https://www.ontheramp.co.uk/2024/06/15/marketing-fundamentals-the-basics-of-building-a-strong-brand/ ⁠https://beacons.ai/ontheramp 2024-06-1758 min

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.#5 Increasing customer perceived value in your garage business, Chew the Fat - On The Ramp PodcastIn today's fast-paced business environment, understanding and exceeding customer expectations can set a company apart from its competitors. The latest Chew The Fat episode of the podcast hosted by Alex, Leo, and Tim, delved into this topic, exploring strategies to enhance customer value without incurring significant costs. 00:00 - Introduction 00:37 - Psychological Moonshots 03:18 - Reducing Customer Anxiety 04:30 - Quick Wins 06:50 - Adding Automation 08:30 - Online Authorisation 10:10 - Meet & Greet 12:00 - Customer Preferences 13:00 - Gifts 14:40 - The Fundamentals 16:00 - The Peak and The End 18:05 - The Power of Surveys 19:25 - Online Booking 21:00 - Pre-Authorisation 24:00 - Status Updates 26:00 - Service...2024-06-0331 min

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.#4 Considering the future of the independent automative aftermarket with Quentin Le Hetet In this episode we discussed the risks and opportunities of the aging car parc, the future of the MOT cycle, the reduction in diesel registrations, what's happening with electric vehicles and whether or not independent garages should consider fleet work and much more. Register for your free ticket to the UK Garage and Bodyshop event here - https://uk-garage-bodyshop-2024.reg.buzz/ Quentin will be doing a presentation on how a workshop can make the most out of EV on June 6th at 11am. Nathan will be on the LKQ ECP stand on June 5th discussing all things marketing, especially...2024-05-2459 min

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.#3 - Leaving the family business to build my own - Shaun Miller - Fergies - On The Ramp Podcast In this episode Alex and Leo had the pleasure of interviewing Shaun Miller from Fergies - German Vehicle Specialists. Shaun has a brilliant story to tell. We discuss the positives and negatives of working in a family business and what it took for Shaun to leave the family business and setup on his own. Shaun also discusses his experience winning Top Technician and Top Garage and so much more. ⁠https://beacons.ai/ontheramp 2024-05-201h 37

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.#2 - To EV or not to EV, should you be worried? - Chew the Fat - On The Ramp PodcastIn this Chew The Fat episode, we discuss whether or not you should be worrying about electric vehicles as a garage owner in the future of the Independant Automotive sector. https://beacons.ai/ontheramp 2024-04-2623 min

On The Ramp - The Independent Automotive Garage Owners Podcast.#1 - Who, what and why? - On The Ramp PodcastWelcome to the On The Ramp podcast, in this intro episode we discuss why we've decided to start a podcast and exactly what we're trying to achieve. If you're in the UK automotive industry, we hope to bring you inspiring stories, interesting debates and learnings from other garage owners. https://beacons.ai/ontheramp 2024-04-2627 min