Listen "Episode 238 - Building on a Legacy Optimizing Shop Culture and Empowering Teams With Tonnika Haynes"
Episode Synopsis
Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABEDon't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitabilityTransform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros!Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingProsShop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing.Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform.Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Tonnika Haynes, second-generation shop owner of Brown's Automotive in Chapel Hill. Tonnika shares the inspiring story of her family’s legacy in the automotive industry, detailing her journey from growing up in her father’s body shop to taking over the business and navigating the challenges of shop ownership. The conversation covers the importance of maintaining strong core values and community involvement, the lessons learned from previous generations, and Tonnika’s commitment to supporting the next wave of automotive professionals.00:00 Untold Story of Inspiration06:28 Reflecting on Parental Work-Life Balance15:27 Realization: "I'm Owed Nothing"17:13 Gift of Parenthood Reflections25:29 "Shop Evolution and Inspiring Leadership"29:29 Buying a Corvette Dilemma37:09 "Concerns Over Industry Representation"42:26 "Dedicated and Punctual Workforce"47:58 Choosing Family Over Long Hours48:44 No "Kill Switch" for Illness58:30 Shop Closure Decision Explained59:37 "Car Service Delay Options"01:05:55 "Memories of Downtown Snack Shop"
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