Why appreciation matters in the auto aftermarket

Matt Wrankmore, head of garage network at FixMyCar, on the importance of giving credit where it’s due and why recognition matters in the auto aftermarket…

I think a lot about great teams – what makes great teams, are great teams those where people are happy or those that get results, and what keeps people from walking out the door.

In building “great teams”, we often talk about tools, training, and technology, but not enough about something just as critical: recognition.

When employees feel genuinely appreciated, they stay longer, perform better, and contribute more. The data on this speaks for itself.

Highly engaged teams reportedly drive 21% higher profitability and 17% greater productivity.

Yet, in an industry undergoing rapid transformation, from electrification to advanced driver-assistance systems, retaining skilled talent has never been harder.

Shrinking talent pool

We’re facing a growing demand for highly skilled technicians, while the pool of qualified workers is not growing as fast. I’ve seen garage owners pour time and resources into training, only to lose their best people to competitors or adjacent industries offering clearer career paths. It’s no surprise, then, that some studies indicate nearly 80% of technicians are considering leaving the trade due to limited growth opportunities.

But here’s the real eye-opener: 71% of employees say they’d leave a job if they didn’t feel recognised. That’s a flashing warning sign for every leader in our industry.

Retention power of recognitition

Recognition is more than a feel-good gesture. It’s a proven, cost-effective strategy to retain your best people. Employees being recognised makes them more likely to stay with their current employer. I see this every day with the teams we support at FixMyCar. The garages that invest in appreciation, and not just in grand gestures, but in everyday acknowledgements, are the ones that are able to keep their talent.

Sometimes, it’s as simple as a sincere “thank you” after a long day. Other times, it’s about structured recognition. Things like awards, milestones, or peer-nominated accolades. 

Culture of appreciation

Creating a culture of appreciation starts at the top, but it only works when it’s embraced by everyone. As leaders, we must model recognition, listen actively, and celebrate not just the wins and the big shiny numbers, but also the effort it takes to get there.

One of the most impactful approaches I’ve seen is peer-to-peer recognition. When colleagues lift each other up, it builds a deeper sense of respect and connection, and that can’t be replicated with top-down praise alone.

At FixMyCar, recognition is one of our core values. This year marks our 7th annual FixMyCar Garage Awards, where we celebrate the dedication of garages, mobile mechanics, and dealerships across our network. 

Road ahead

In a tightening labour market, retaining talent isn’t optional. It’s survival.

Recognition is a tool every leader has at their disposal. It doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated. What matters is that it’s sincere, consistent, and embedded into the everyday culture of your business.

If we want to future-proof the automotive aftermarket, we need to start with the people who keep it running. That begins with something simple but powerful: appreciation.