Why Every Successful Business Needs a Mentor with Glenn Todd
In the automotive industry, success often comes down to more than just technical skills—it’s about growth, mentorship, and the relationships we build along the way. Glenn Todd, the owner of Glenn’s European Auto Repair, shared his inspiring journey from technician to entrepreneur. Glenn’s story is a testament to the importance of continual learning and the value of cultivating a strong team culture in achieving business success.
Glenn’s Early Days
Glenn’s journey began right after high school, fueled by a lifelong passion for cars. He attended Universal Technical Institute, believing it would provide the ultimate foundation for his career. However, as he reflects, the road to success is rarely straightforward. Glenn encountered numerous challenges but also found invaluable mentorship along the way.
His early experiences, working for independent shops and dealerships, shaped his understanding of the industry. These interactions not only honed his technical skills but also instilled in him a desire to innovate and improve. Glenn’s entrepreneurial spirit emerged early on as he took on side jobs, always seeking new opportunities to learn and grow.
The transition from technician to shop owner was not merely a career move for Glenn—it was a calling. Driven by a desire to try different projects and to take control of his professional destiny, he opened Glenn’s European Auto Repair in June 2022. Remarkably, within his first year, the shop generated $1 million in revenue, and by the following year, that figure nearly doubled to $2.2 million. Glenn is now aiming for $3 million, underscoring the rapid growth of his business.
This trajectory of success highlights the importance of incremental investments in both skills and resources. Glenn emphasizes that achieving efficiency and capacity in marketing is crucial as businesses scale. Each level of growth requires a commitment to learning and adapting, a philosophy that has guided him since his early days in the industry.
The Power of Team: Building the Right Culture
As Glenn’s business expanded, he recognized that having the right team in place was essential to sustaining that growth. Finding the right technicians involves extensive conversations and getting to know potential hires on a deeper level. For Glenn, it’s not just about filling positions; it’s about finding individuals whose values align with the shop’s mission.
Glenn dedicates significant time to this process, often engaging in multiple conversations and tours before making hiring decisions. He believes that those motivated by family values and a desire to succeed contribute positively to the team dynamic. This focus on culture is not only a strategy for hiring but also a guiding principle for team management.
Cultivating a Supportive Work Environment
The culture at Glenn’s European Auto Repair is rooted in teamwork and camaraderie. Glenn describes a workplace where laughter and support are common, with team members genuinely caring about each other’s success. This supportive environment encourages collaboration, especially when someone is facing challenges.
Glenn invests time in team-building activities outside of work, from retreats to holiday parties, allowing staff to bond and grow together. By inviting spouses to these events, he fosters a sense of community that extends beyond the workplace, enriching the relationships within his team. This investment in people is a cornerstone of Glenn’s leadership style, emphasizing the idea that knowing each other on a personal level translates into better teamwork.
A Vision for the Future
Glenn Todd’s journey from a passionate technician to a successful shop owner highlights the importance of continuous learning, the power of a strong team, and the impact of a supportive work culture. As he strives for greater success in the automotive industry, his commitment to mentoring, investing in his team, and fostering a family-oriented environment will undoubtedly serve as a model for aspiring entrepreneurs.
In a world where the automotive industry is constantly evolving, Glenn’s story serves as an inspiring reminder that passion, purpose, and people are at the heart of any successful business. As he continues to lift his shop to new heights, we look forward to seeing what the future holds for Glenn and his team at Glenn’s European Auto Repair.
Find Glenn on Facebook or through his shop, Glenn’s European Auto Repair!