Power Couple in Auto Repair with Nick and Nicole Jones
It’s Not Every Day You See a Husband-and-Wife Duo Take Center Stage in the Automotive Repair Industry. When you think of power couples in the automotive repair industry, an inspiring couple is Nick and Nicole Jones. As the dynamic duo behind Anderson Automotive and two locations of Thrive Automotive, their journey is a testament to resilience, teamwork, and passion. But their story goes beyond business—they’re also the hosts of the “Thrive With Us” podcast and the founders of All Dogs Thrive rescue.
Their journey began when they were just 15 years old. Nicole had dreams of working with animals, while Nick was immersed in the automotive world from an early age, thanks to his technician father. Their entrepreneurial adventure kicked off in 2013 when Nick’s boss, looking to retire, offered them the chance to buy his shop. At just 21 years old, they took the leap, despite having zero business experience and, as Nicole puts it, being “terrible with money.”
Owning a business so young was no easy feat. Financial struggles, staffing challenges, and a steep learning curve tested their determination. To make matters even tougher, when Nick’s boss sold them the shop, he let go of all employees—leaving Nick to run the business alone. His first hire? His father. While working with family had its challenges, Nick and Nicole pushed forward, learning and growing along the way.
Today, they own three thriving repair shop locations, with another on the horizon. Their ability to adapt, communicate, and support each other has been the backbone of their success.
The Jones’ Guide to Growth, Leadership, and Avoiding Toxicity for Auto Repair Shop Owners
“You can either focus on what’s wrong—or you can focus on where you’re going.”
Running an auto repair shop isn’t just about fixing cars—it’s about leading a team, building a strong business, and navigating inevitable challenges. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur, managing multiple locations, or working alongside a spouse, your mindset determines your success.
- Growth vs. Toxicity: Focus on Solutions
It’s easy to dwell on customer complaints, slow weeks, or staffing issues. But constant negativity fosters a toxic work environment. Instead, shift your conversations toward solutions.
- Negative mindset: “Customers don’t appreciate good service anymore.”
- Growth mindset: “How can we improve customer retention? Should we refine our follow-up process?”
Great leadership isn’t about avoiding problems—it’s about addressing them constructively.
- Finding the Right Balance in Leadership
Micromanaging versus delegating is a common struggle. Many shop owners fear stepping back, but growth requires trust in your team.
A key mistake is assuming that once a manager is in place, you can fully disengage. While delegation is essential, staying involved in culture, morale, and vision is equally important.
“We realized that staying completely out of daily operations led to a disconnect. Being involved doesn’t mean doing everything—it means ensuring our values stay strong.”
- Working with a Business Partner or Spouse
Defining clear roles and respecting each other’s expertise is crucial for success.
Tips for Working Together:
- Divide responsibilities: One handles marketing and finances, the other oversees shop operations.
- Set business meetings: Keep work discussions from invading personal time.
- Trust decision-making: If one person hires, the other respects their choice.
“When we worked side by side daily, tensions rose. Once we separated roles, operations improved—and so did our relationship.”
- Building a Strong Team Without Micromanaging
A shop is only as good as its team. Employees need guidance, but also trust and autonomy.
Ways to Empower Employees:
- Hire a service advisor to avoid micromanaging customer interactions.
- Set clear expectations but allow flexibility for problem-solving.
- Focus on leadership, not control—develop your employees instead of hovering over them.
- Self-Awareness and Taking Responsibility
It’s easy to blame external factors for business struggles, but strong leadership starts with introspection.
Before blaming an employee’s mistake, ask yourself:
- Did I provide proper training?
- Were expectations clearly set?
- Could I have done something differently?
Before getting frustrated with a business partner, reflect on:
- Am I focusing on their weaknesses rather than how we can collaborate better?
- Have I shown appreciation for what they do well?
“We used to focus on what was wrong. Once we took responsibility and looked inward, our business and leadership transformed.”
Thrive With Us Podcast
Nick and Nicole Jones, the dynamic husband-and-wife team behind Anderson Automotive and Thrive Automotive, are the hosts of the Thrive With Us podcast, where they share their entrepreneurial journey and insights with listeners. As the owners of three thriving repair shops, Nick and Nicole’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and teamwork. Starting from humble beginnings as high school sweethearts, their leap into business ownership at just 21 years old set the stage for a remarkable journey of growth. Their podcast not only explores the challenges of running a successful auto repair business but also reflects their commitment to creating a positive, supportive environment for both customers and employees. As business partners and life partners, Nick and Nicole inspire other entrepreneurial couples, offering advice on leadership, communication, and the balance between work and personal life.
All Dogs Thrive
Nicole’s love for animals never faded, and she found a way to integrate it into their business by founding a dog rescue nonprofit, All Dogs Thrive. Their ability to merge personal passions with business has made their journey even more fulfilling. Nick and Nicol are deeply committed to giving every dog a second chance at a happy, healthy life. What began as a small effort to help abandoned and neglected dogs has grown into a full-scale rescue dedicated to rehabilitation, adoption, and community education. Their mission is to provide compassionate care to dogs in need, ensuring they receive medical attention, training, and love before finding their forever homes. Every rescue story fuels their passion, reminding them why they started this journey—to be a voice for the voiceless and to make a lasting impact on the lives of dogs and their future families.
Beyond rescuing and rehoming, Nick and Nicole strive to educate the community about responsible pet ownership, the importance of spaying and neutering, and the joy of adopting over shopping. Through partnerships with local shelters, veterinarians, and volunteers, they have built a network of support that allows them to save more dogs each year. Seeing once-neglected dogs thrive in loving homes is their greatest reward, and they remain dedicated to expanding their reach and ensuring that every dog, no matter their past, has the opportunity to live the life they deserve.
Final Thoughts: Building a Business You Love
Owning a business is challenging, but with the right mindset, strong leadership, and commitment to growth, success is within reach.
Start By Asking Yourself These Questions:
- Are we having productive, forward-thinking conversations?
- Am I leading in a way that empowers my team?
- How can I improve my shop—not just operationally, but in mindset and culture?
Stay Connected with Nick on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nick.jones.5205622?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Stay Connected with Nicole on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicole.mitchell.92754