Grit to Growth

"The shop floor is the ultimate proving ground. If you can lead there, you can lead anywhere."

TL;DR Key Highlights

• The Dealership as an Equalizer: Hard work and character are what count.
• Positive Energy Cycle: Positive environments fuel team success.
• Learning from Feedback: Embrace advice from all levels in the shop.
• Self-Development: Invest in personal growth through free resources.
• Mind Over Matter: Overcoming self-doubt is essential to growth.

Discover more by tuning into the episode on YouTube and Spotify.

Working Your Way Up

Jeremy Stephens’ career journey is a testament to the dealership as the "great equalizer," where hard work and character drive success. Jeremy described his path from technician to fixed operations director, noting,

"The dealership is the great equalizer because you take somebody like me that barely passed high school, and if you have good character and hard work, you can win."

For anyone who’s felt like they’re starting from scratch or without an advantage, this episode is a reminder that drive and determination can open doors in the automotive industry.

Building a Positive Energy Cycle

We discussed the importance of creating a positive workplace culture. A workplace filled with positivity builds a cycle of enthusiasm and energy that resonates with both team members and customers. Jeremy emphasized the ripple effect:

"If you’re not happy at work, you bring that home, and it affects your whole life."

For those managing a team, the lesson here is to foster an environment where employees feel appreciated and valued, as this ultimately benefits both professional and personal lives.

Feedback from the Field

Jeremy underscored the value of insights from those on the shop floor, reminding leaders to look for input from all levels. He said,

"I need feedback from the guys on the field, not just from my seat."

Encouraging technicians and shop floor staff to share their insights helps build a collaborative culture. For service managers, this episode highlights why it’s essential to keep communication lines open with the entire team.

Investing in Yourself

Jeremy’s leadership path was powered by personal development. He advocates for making the most of free resources and starting your self-growth journey early. His advice:

"Start with personal growth. And what’s cool about it is you don’t have to spend a dime to do it."

With free tools like YouTube, online courses, and library books, there’s no shortage of learning materials for technicians aiming to grow in their careers. Start each day with 30 minutes dedicated to personal improvement.

Interactive Quiz: Test Your Knowledge!

Question: According to Jeremy, what is one free way to invest in self-growth?

• A) Attending industry conferences only
• B) Watching leadership content on YouTube
• C) Reading only high-level technical manuals

Mind Over Matter

As Jeremy shared, overcoming self-doubt is crucial for career progression. Reflecting on his move to Florida for a new role, he admitted,

"All this little self-doubt stuff would pop in my head... you just have to work very hard to control your mind."

Whether it’s imposter syndrome or fear of failure, overcoming mental hurdles is essential to grow in your career. His story serves as motivation to focus on strengths and approach each challenge as a growth opportunity.

Case Study: Navigating Self-Doubt

Situation: A technician is feeling overwhelmed by a new position.

Action: They take time to assess their strengths and rely on team support for guidance.

Result: With growing confidence, they overcome their initial insecurities and succeed.

The Next Step

Jeremy’s journey offers valuable insights for anyone in the automotive field. From technician to fixed ops director, he built his career on self-development and teamwork. For technicians looking to grow, it’s not just about the skills on the bench; it’s about the mindset to lead and connect with others.

Tune into the Wrench Turners Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Apple, or Google Podcasts to hear our full conversation with Jeremy Stephens. This episode offers practical insights and inspiration for technicians aiming to take their careers to the next level.

And remember

Negative Pushes,

Positive Pulls,

And always clean your toys before you put them away.

j.

If you're interested in being on the show, and you're currently in any shop and turning wrenches as a Mechanic, or are leading Mechanics, please send me a DM or email me at joshua@justworkhard.com, I would love to have you on the podcast.