ABOUT
the garage inspector...
this is how I can help you and your garage
Whether you’re interested in filling up your service bays with your ideal customers, implementing proven systems that will make your business far more productive, building a team of superstar advisors and technicians, or understanding exactly where your numbers need to be, I will help you reach your goals. Better yet, I’ll do so in a way that has a positive impact on your employees, your customers, your community, and our industry.
I provide a comprehensive range of automotive industry-orientated training programmes focused on the improvement of people and processes within your business. I cover a number of well-established management tools and skills for the independent aftermarket and retail sector to enhance service and business performance.
As an automotive expert, I have years of both practical and academic knowledge, and experience, coupled with an unrivalled passion for the automotive aftermarket sector. This allows me to truly understand the client’s needs to deliver successful assignment completion and developing new business out of that success.
ABOUT ME
I have been involved in the automotive industry for 35 years. I have owned and managed successful garages since 1994. In 2001, I won the prestigious award for ‘The National Independent Garage of the Year’ held at the London Hilton Hotel, having been a finalist two years earlier.
In 2005, I sold my businesses and went on to complete a Diploma in Automotive Retail Management at Loughborough University (2007). During that period, I consulted for a variety of vehicle & parts manufacturers, and to retail and independent garage businesses. I have a strong understanding of Lean and Kaizen practices, which enables me to implement continuous improvement strategy.
I was elected Fellow of The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) in April 2008, and also served five years on the The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation Board (IAAF) as a council member and Vice President.
In 2010, I started a new venture – Brunswick Garage: a state of the art, 14000 sq.ft. purposely built vehicle repair workshop, offering a dealer level service for BMW, Mini, Volkswagen, Audi, & Land Rover. In July 2012, Brunswick Garage reached the final five in ‘The National Independent Garage of the Year’ award, organised by the Motor Trader magazine held at the Grosvenor Hotel, Park Lane.
Having sold this business in 2015, I am now running an Aftersales Consultancy practice working with both retail and aftermarket organisations, specifically in the garage sector. In 2018, I launched a series of one-day business training courses specifically for the independent garage sector, this is a unique initiative within this market.
I am a frequent, passionate keynote industry speaker, quoted to be: "… engaging, motivational and sometimes thought provoking." My automotive business articles are regularly published in a variety of automotive trade publications. I am very proud and privileged to hold the office of UK Ambassador for Schaeffler, Philips Automotive Lighting, Varta Batteries, and Millers Oils.
All I can say is a big thank you. I feel like it’s a new beginning and I also feel like I had lost my way but you have given me a map to making work again. I can’t tell you how grateful I am for your work.
We are still turning that corner. But I can honestly say the best thing I done to turn that corner was having your help and direction.
Sean Smith
Smith’s Garage