Struggle to Strength with Carlos Ramirez
Starting from the Ground Up: A Family Legacy
Carlos is a second-generation business owner, born into a family dedicated to the automotive industry. His father started the business in 1996, operating out of a small two-bay gas station in New York. Carlos’s early experience involved working at the shop from the age of 10, pumping gas and sweeping floors. Though Carlos initially resisted the automotive business, his father’s expectations weighed heavily on him as the eldest son. “The oldest gets the burden,” he recalls with a smile, reflecting on how he took on responsibility at a young age. These early experiences, though challenging at the time, became the foundation for his later success.
Carlos’s family originally hails from the Dominican Republic, and the desire for warmer weather and a beachside lifestyle was always part of their dreams. In 2005, a vacation to Orlando turned into a life-changing moment when his parents found a shop for sale in the area. “My dad found a newspaper ad while we were at a restaurant, and he decided to explore the opportunity,” Carlos says.
That same shop became C&G Auto Centers, the business’s flagship location. While the family settled in Florida, Carlos initially pursued a different path, enrolling at a college in Rhode Island. However, out-of-state tuition and a sense of responsibility toward his family soon drew him back. “I couldn’t let them take on the financial burden alone,” Carlos admits. He moved to Florida, attending community college, and later transferred to the University of Central Florida (UCF) through a local program.
From 2 Bays to 12
The transition from a two-bay shop in New York to a 12-bay location in Orlando was a significant leap. “We didn’t realize how much of an undertaking it would be,” Carlos recalls. The larger facility posed new challenges, from managing more employees to increasing operational complexity.
Initially, the shop was overstaffed, with eight or nine technicians—more than they needed at the time. Carlos found himself taking on the role of a shop foreman, acting as a bridge between his father and the team. “I tried to apply some of what I was learning in college—like leadership and business management—but that’s when tensions really started,” he says, alluding to the difficulties of balancing new ideas with traditional ways of running the shop.
Navigating Family Dynamics and Growing Pains
Running a family business can be complex, especially when multiple generations are involved. Carlos acknowledges that balancing family dynamics was challenging. “I had to walk the fine line between respecting my father’s experience and introducing new ideas to modernize the business.” His business education brought fresh insights, but it wasn’t always easy to implement changes.
The family faced additional struggles during the 2008 economic recession, which tested their resilience. Carlos notes that resources for business owners weren’t as accessible back then. “There were no coaching groups like there are today, and the internet wasn’t what it is now.” These difficult years required perseverance and innovation to keep the shop running.
Despite the challenges, the hard work paid off. C&G Auto Centers now operates as a multi-million-dollar business, with the original shop alone tracking to reach $3 million in revenue this year. Carlos’s decision to help his family and stay in the business ultimately led to greater success than he could have imagined.
Leadership and the Importance of Lifelong Learning
Carlos’s journey also offers valuable lessons on leadership. “Leadership isn’t just about dictating; it’s about listening and learning,” he emphasizes. His ability to combine formal education with hands-on experience has been key to the business’s success. “The reality of running a business is a lot different from the dream,” he adds, noting that growth requires constant learning and adaptation.
Reflecting on his journey, Carlos is amazed by how far they’ve come. “If you’d told me in 2011 that I’d be here today, I would’ve said that’s so far ahead,” he says with a sense of pride. Time, he notes, has flown by—filled with both challenges and achievements.
With the family business now thriving and new opportunities on the horizon, Carlos is excited about what lies ahead. His story is a testament to the power of resilience, family support, and continuous learning in building a successful business. Carlos Ramirez’s journey from pumping gas at a two-bay shop to running a thriving, multi-location automotive business is an inspiring example of dedication and growth. His story reminds us that success doesn’t come without struggle, but with hard work, family support, and a willingness to learn, dreams can become reality.
Contact Carlos: carlos@shopfixsacademy.com