In this special anniversary episode, Alex, Leo and Nathan take a step back to reflect on the last 12 months. What started as a podcast between three garage owners has become a regular fixture for many in the trade. Episode 26 is a raw look at what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what comes next.
YouTube – https://youtu.be/GcDv9RvTCmQ?si=CRx6VbbfxGhnwGe1
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/episode/3HpATmIsGJGzWZahP7kGN4?si=tO5-YicZQA6wULcponmqBw
Alex – A turning point at Lindleys
Alex opens up about a difficult but defining decision: closing Lindleys’ vehicle sales operation. It was no longer sustainable, and shutting it down created space to focus on fleet — something that’s already showing returns through a new commercial centre.
The real shift though? Appointing Paul as Managing Director. After coming in as a consultant, Paul helped restructure the senior team, bringing in the kind of operational focus Alex admits was missing. With the right people now in the right seats, Alex is shifting his attention to broader strategic goals — including the launch of a bespoke fleet management software platform.
Leo – Growth through acquisition
Leo has been busy. Most notably, he’s just acquired a 10,000 sq ft site in Solihull, now operating under the Synergy name. It’s part of a wider test: separating Synergy from HiQ branding to explore a more premium, independent feel.
He’s also focused on building brand clarity. All locations — whether Synergy or Central Garage — are now formally part of the Dack Motor Group. That’s not just about optics; it’s about consistency across operations, marketing, and supplier relationships.
Nathan – Structure, people and daily accountability
Nathan’s update centres on team structure, focus and discipline. He’s recently brought in a Chief Commercial Officer to improve consistency across departments and help take some of the load off his plate.
A new internal KPI system now sends daily performance snapshots across all branches — giving staff visibility on targets and results in real time. The early signs are clear: March was one of their strongest months to date, and Nathan puts that down to accountability and communication.
ISO accreditation was another major milestone for Nathan this year, and he’s now developing software to help other garages improve compliance, safety, and HR management — whether they pursue ISO or not.
Looking ahead
There’s no sugar-coating here. This episode is a mix of honest reflection and solid insight — from walking away from what’s not working, to doubling down on what is. It’s a conversation that many garage owners will recognise: high pace, hard calls, and finding clarity in the chaos.
