Running an independent garage can be a very tough task. It involves the constant juggling of cars, customers, parts, staff, finance and much more. As the owner, it is up to you to keep all the balls in the air. It can all add up to long hours, high stress, a poor work life balance and the very real possibility of burnout. But is there a better alternative?

Cork garage owner JP Darcy knows that there is, and he is so keen to show other Irish garage owners this alternative path, he has organised “The Garage Owners Business Growth Event”. This is a one day conference that allows garage operators to hear advice from true industry experts, on how to run a successful and profitable business by working smarter, with reduced hours and increased job satisfaction, for both the owner and the team.

JP has very real experience of how garage ownership can become all-consuming. Working in garages and dealerships for 15 years, he achieved his ambition of setting up his own business, JP D'Arcy Car Care & Performance, in 2017. However, he soon found that reaching his goal came at a very high cost.

JP comments, “Operating a busy garage can be relentless, there are never enough hours in the day and you have constant stresses and worries. I found myself working longer and longer hours, to cover ever increasing costs and even had to set up a sideline hire business to supplement profit. It all becomes a vicious circle and has a major impact on your general quality of life.”

JP eventually realised he was suffering from burnout, a very real condition that affects many in the motor trade. He says, “Once I realised my condition, the first step was to go to a personal coach. He helped me to bring much needed focus to my situation and set some priorities.”

JP decided he needed to focus on his garage business, but take a very different approach. He then took a major leap of faith and signed up for four days of garage management training with The Garage Inspector, Andy Savva. He recalls, “This was a real step into the unknown. I wasn’t sure what I was going to get out of the training, or how I could justify the investment, however, not only did Andy showed me how there are better ways to run a garage business, he also gave me belief that with the right approach, I could make a real success of it.” 

Things have certainly changed since JP took his first step into the unknown. He comments, “The business has undergone a complete change in its approach and its attitudes. We have become more specialised and most importantly, we really value the work that we do and the services we provide and are prepared to charge appropriately for our professionalism. We have found that openness and honesty are qualities that customers really appreciate and as a result, the business is thriving.”  

Ongoing training has been key to success, with the workshop team attending Diagnostics Training run by James Dillon, at his Tech Topics training centre in the UK and front of house staff doing further courses with Andy Savva.  However, JP has also implemented some radical changes that might seem alien to other garages. This has included switching employees to a four day week. He says, “I consulted the team and ran a test programme before its introduction. It has worked very well with productivity actually increased and staff much happier.” He adds, “At the same time, we have sought to build team spirit and offer staff more responsibility and flexibility. It is a win-win for everyone, with productivity up and staff much happier. It also means that we have not had to advertise for new recruits, instead they approach us.”

JP is now keen to show other garage owners, how making a leap of faith can also help their business. To this end he has organised “The Garage Owners Business Growth Event” which takes place on Saturday 2nd of August 2025 in the Radison Blu Hotel, Little Island, Cork. It will feature a highly impressive line-up of speakers, including: the respected trainer, James Dillon, The Garage Inspector himself, Andy Savva, Tina Drayson, Operations Director at CCM Garages and high performance coach Martin Brady. 

The idea is for each to provide practical advice and suggested courses of action that make a garage work smarter, to boost efficiency and profitability, improve the customer experience and at the same time, look after the health and wellbeing of the owner and the employees. JP concludes, “It is amazing what can be achieved with a new perspective and fresh ideas. I hope this event will go some way to help garage owners see the possibilities and potential in their own business.”

For information and bookings call 087-786-8466/021-452-4893.
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