Amanda Clements-Drake’s Journey

Amanda Clements-Drake, President & Co-Owner of C&C Automotive, has successfully expanded her business to six shops, and is aiming for seven, in Augusta, Georgia. Her journey combines a common story with unique elements. With a background in business and a minor in biology, Amanda joined her family’s business, gaining experience in the industry while pursuing a pre-med degree. She eventually decided against a decade-long medical career to focus on the business side, contributing significantly to the company’s growth.

Growth and Development

Growth is a crucial aspect of any business, but it’s especially important for auto repair shops. Slow and steady expansion allows for building a strong team from within, emphasizing the importance of using time wisely with these individuals. Accountability systems are crucial; without them, the structure is meaningless. Effective growth hinges on the willingness to delegate tasks, ensuring that managers pass problem-solving abilities down the chain. Building trust early on and following through on commitments is essential for successful delegation and management.

Running multiple shops requires robust accountability and management systems. C&C Automotive has developed a tiered management system, promoting from within and utilizing district managers who assist less experienced managers. Clear expectations, consistent tracking, and regular communication are vital. They emphasize following the entire accountability process, from setting expectations to auditing and providing feedback.

C&C Automotive’s shops vary in size, mostly acquisitions, making it challenging to maintain a uniform size. Their main shop is 30,000 square feet with 35 bays, while their smallest has five bays. They typically prefer six to ten bays for new acquisitions, finding this range most efficient. The shop sizes are diverse, driven by availability and location preferences. This varied approach allows C&C Automotive to adapt to different markets and customer needs, ensuring they can provide services that meet the unique demands of each community. By embracing this flexibility, they have been able to successfully integrate new shops into their existing operations and continue to grow their business.

Effective delegation is critical for growth, especially for owners with multiple responsibilities. Amanda learned to delegate tasks as a necessity, balancing business growth with personal commitments. Proper delegation involves more than handing over tasks; it requires follow-up, coaching, and ensuring the process is integrated into the team’s roles. Higher-level management responsibilities are documented, but the execution is flexible, allowing managers to use their strengths and methods.

Building the Right Team

One of the critical factors in Amanda’s success is her focus on building a strong, capable team. She emphasizes hiring from within and developing talent through comprehensive training programs. This approach not only ensures that employees are well-versed in company operations but also fosters a sense of loyalty and motivation among the staff. 

“Building up the right people and trusting them to manage has been crucial,” Amanda says.

Amanda’s journey with C&C Automotive serves as a valuable model for auto repair shop owners looking to expand and grow their business. By focusing on building a strong team, effective delegation, robust management systems, and continuous improvement, Amanda has been able to successfully navigate the complexities of managing multiple locations. Her emphasis on accountability, communication, and trust has allowed her to maintain high operational standards across all locations. As the auto repair industry continues to evolve, her insights offer a roadmap for success, highlighting the importance of strategic planning, personalized leadership, and a commitment to excellence. By adopting these principles, auto repair shop owners can build a strong foundation for growth and set their businesses up for long-term success.