65% of You Started Where Your Next Tech Is Right Now

Chris Lawson

Aug 7 • 📣General discussion📣

Just read Chris Jones' latest piece in Ratchet+Wrench, and the numbers stopped me cold.

Two-thirds of shop owners worked as technicians before taking the leap.

Another 38% were managers.

24% were service advisors.

Think about that for a second.

The majority of successful shop owners didn't start at the top.

They started under the hood, behind the counter, or managing the chaos of daily operations.

Which means that ambitious tech or advisor you're struggling to hire? They're not just looking for a job. They could be looking for what YOU found—a path to something bigger.

Here's what most shop owners miss when writing job posts:

Top talent isn't motivated by hourly rates alone. They're motivated by possibility.

When you were a tech, what made you dream of ownership?

Probably watching your boss make decisions, seeing the business side, understanding how the numbers worked.

Your next A-player wants the same glimpse behind the curtain.

Instead of posting another "Experienced Tech Wanted" ad, try this:

"Seeking Lead Technician interested in learning the business side. This role includes monthly P&L reviews, customer service training, and direct mentorship on shop operations. Clear advancement path to management and potential partnership opportunities for the right candidate."

See the difference?

You're not selling a job. You're selling a future.

P.S. Huge props to Chris Jones at Ratchet+Wrench for surfacing this data. The full breakdown is worth your time—it includes insights on porter-to-owner paths (6%) and those who started with zero industry experience (17%).

Wild stuff.

Link to the full article: Numbers: The Path to Shop Ownership

What path did YOU take to ownership?

Drop it in the comments—your story might inspire someone else's journey.👇

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