Aaron Stokes, Founder of Shop Fix Academy, Dies in Colorado Plane Crash
Key Highlights
- Aaron Stokes founded Shop Fix Academy in 2016 to help auto repair shop owners grow their businesses and improve their leadership skills.
- He was widely recognized for promoting personal responsibility, leadership, and work-life balance within the automotive industry.
- The tragic plane crash also claimed the lives of his son, nephew, and a colleague, with authorities investigating the incident.
- Shop Fix Academy has a comprehensive continuity plan, ensuring ongoing support for its members and community despite the loss.
- The company and family request privacy and clarify that no donations or fundraising efforts are authorized or affiliated with them at this time.
Aaron Stokes, founder of Shop Fix Academy, EuroFix, and AmeriFix, died early Friday morning following a plane crash near Steamboat Springs, Colorado. He was 47 years old.
According to Routt County Sheriff Doug Scherar, four individuals were on board the flight, and there were no survivors. Authorities identified those killed as 47-year-old Aaron Stokes; his 21-year-old son, Jakson Stokes; his 21-year-old nephew and cousin, Colin Stokes; and 38-year-old Austin Huskey of Huskey Building Supply.
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the aircraft went down near Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The incident remains under investigation.
The loss has deeply impacted his Family, Shop Fix Academy team, and the broader automotive community.
Stokes founded Shop Fix Academy in 2016 in Brentwood, Tennessee, with a mission to help auto repair shop owners strengthen both their businesses and their families. He was widely known in the automotive aftermarket industry for his conviction that when you “fix the owner, you fix the shop,” you strengthen not only the business but the home behind it.
What began as a bold vision grew into a national community of more than 1,500 independent auto repair shop owners. Through one-on-one coaching, leadership development, group accountability, and operational systems, Shop Fix Academy helps owners grow revenue, reduce stress, and reclaim their time without burning out. Stokes was a frequent speaker and respected industry leader whose emphasis on personal responsibility and leadership shaped his mentorship.
“Aaron built this company to outlast him,” said Michael Rosenberger, CEO of Shop Fix Academy. “He had a comprehensive continuity plan in place, which allows our team to remain fully operational. Our commitment to serving shop owners and helping them grow remains unwavering.”
Company leadership confirmed that Shop Fix Academy will continue operations without interruption and remains fully committed to supporting its members, partners, and team.
Stokes helped thousands of auto repair shop owners and countless other business leaders achieve meaningful growth in their businesses and leadership. He encouraged business owners to pursue excellence while prioritizing their families and communities alongside their companies. His legacy extends far beyond financial performance, influencing leaders across North America.
Memorial details have not yet been announced. The company has asked for privacy and prayers for the Stokes family during this time and stated that additional information will be shared as it becomes available.
The family and companies associated with Aaron Stokes are not soliciting donations of any kind. Any GoFundMe pages or fundraising efforts that may appear are not authorized or affiliated with the family or our organizations. We kindly ask that you do not contribute to any such campaigns. If any official initiatives are established in the future, they will be communicated directly through our verified channels.