From the Magazine: Tuning into your business

Shops need to take time to be strategic as impacts on your business show no signs of slowing down 

As we are well into the second quarter of 2025, the overarching theme across the automotive aftermarket remains one of continuous change.

From economic indicators to shifting political dynamics, the first 90 days tested the adaptability of businesses in every corner of our industry. Among the many conversations I’ve had with shop owners, suppliers and industry leaders, the consistent topics include tariffs, consumer confidence, the Canadian political climate and the broader health of the national economy.

In March, Canada’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose modestly—0.3 per cent month-over-month and 2.3 per cent year-over-year — signalling a tempered pace of inflation. Despite signs of broader economic deceleration, largely tied to ongoing global trade tensions, the Bank of Canada held its policy interest rate at 2.75% during its mid-April meeting. The decision reflected caution, particularly in light of evolving tariff dynamics and their potential long-term effects on price inflation and supply chain stability.

For many aftermarket businesses, the uncertainty around trade policy — especially regarding products governed under the USMCA agreement — has forced a deeper evaluation of supplier relationships, procurement strategies and market competitiveness. I’ve seen a growing number of companies formalize these evaluations into structured frameworks to manage risk and maintain their positioning.

Encouragingly, as we moved through April, the sentiment across the industry began to stabilize. Business leaders, much like consumers, started gaining clarity on how reciprocal tariffs might play out and what adjustments were needed operationally.

This shift in outlook coincided with a healthy rebound in shop car counts following seasonal slowdowns in January and February. That early-year uncertainty had, for some, echoed the unease of the early pandemic era. But now, confidence is gradually returning.

In many of my monthly thought pieces, I’ve emphasized the importance of focusing inward — on the controllable aspects of the business. As external forces swirl, successful shop owners have found strength in the fundamentals: Increasing customer share of wallet, enhancing the customer experience and establishing internal roadmaps to drive consistency and growth.

Incremental improvements, consistently executed, build world-class businesses — one week at a time.

One simple but powerful question I often ask owners is this: “What percentage of your week do you spend working on your business — not just in it?” Documenting a plan, following through and revisiting that plan regularly is where transformation begins.

Especially now, cutting out the noise and tuning into your business is more essential than ever.

The agility of the aftermarket has long been one of its defining strengths. We’ve historically outmaneuvered OEMs by being faster, more flexible and more attuned to customer needs. And while we face rising vehicle costs and tightening margins, we still hold a competitive advantage in our ability to act decisively and entrepreneurially.

So what does that mean for shop owners today? It means starting small — but starting. It means tidying up your shop, refining your customer touchpoints, developing a digital marketing strategy, and investing in the human and mental resources that will elevate your operation. Incremental improvements, consistently executed, build world-class businesses — one week at a time.

Those who commit to being the best become the best. But it takes focus. It takes discipline. And it takes the willingness to look inward.

I challenge every shop owner reading this to block out time — every single week — to work on a plan. Seek out a coach, a peer network or a trusted advisor. Surround yourself with the resources that will help you make meaningful progress and insulate your business from external volatility.

Now is the time to double down on what you can control — and take confident steps forward in building the best shop in your community.

Zakari Krieger is the Fix Network, Canadian vice president of Prime CarCare, responsible for the Canadian retail business, encompassing the Speedy Auto Service and Novus Auto Glass business lines

This article originally appeared in the June  issue of CARS magazine