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.
- Porter: 6%
- Vendor: 2%
- Service advisor: 24%
- Admin: 12%
- Technician: 65%
- Manager: 38%
- None: 17%
About the Author
Chris Jones
Group Editorial Director
Chris Jones is group editorial director for the Vehicle Service & Repair Group at EndeavorB2B.
A multiple-award-winning editor and journalist, and a certified project manager, he provides editorial leadership 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.
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