Auto repair shop owners come from an array of diverse industry backgrounds prior to rising into leadership roles. According to the 2025 Ratchet+Wrench Industry Survey Report, nearly two-thirds of shop owners (65%) worked as technicians, bringing valuable technical expertise and understanding to their management approach. Another portion (38%) served as shop managers, while 24% worked as service advisors, giving them the necessary customer service and communication skills to lead people and encourage customers. Here’s a breakdown of the last role shop owners reportedly worked in before taking over their operations.
Chris Jones is Group Editorial Director for the Vehicle Repair Group at Endeavor Business Media. He’s a multiple-award-winning editor and journalist and a certified project manager now providing editorial leadership and brand strategy for the auto care industry's most trusted automotive repair publications—Ratchet+Wrench, Modern Tire Dealer, National Oil & Lube News, FenderBender, ABRN, Professional Distributor, PTEN, Motor Age, and Aftermarket Business World.
