We’re looking forward to introducing you to Nicole Fordyce. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Nicole, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
In my opinion what is most misunderstood about our business is that auto repair is only about fixing cars. For us, it’s about more than that… it’s about trust and communication. When customers come in, they are already stressed about their vehicle and worried about how much it may cost. Our job is to help them understand what is wrong without pressuring them. We take pride in explaining things clearly and treating every customer with respect. The repairs we do matter but the relationships and peace of mind matter just as much.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Nicole, and I am the co-owner and office manager of Nicole’s Auto Care Center in Harrisonville, Missouri. The shop is named after me, which can catch people’s attention, but it was never about putting my name on the door, it was my husband’s idea to name it after me as a way to make the business feel more personal and welcoming …plus, I know everyone! My husband is the master technician and after many years in the industry, we decided it was time to open our own shop together with the goal of creating a place that is honest, approachable and built on trust.
I handle all of the day to day operations, while my husband leads the technical side of the shop and ensures the quality of every repair. What makes our shop special is how well we work together and the relationships we build with our customers along with the care that we put into helping them feel informed and comfortable. We’re focused on growing, making improvements to our shop and continuing to provide dependable and reliable auto repair.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
I have two people to mention here.
Growing up, I was raised by my Dad. He raised four kids, worked long hours, and commuted over an hour each way to provide for our family. We didn’t have everything, but we always had what we needed, and that was enough. Watching his dedication showed me the value of hard work and earning what you have.
I’ve also learned a lot about work from my husband, James. When we first got together at 18, he was already working two jobs, which was and still is unheard for an 18 year old. He continues to amaze me with how hard he works every day, physically pushing himself to get the job done no matter how demanding it is.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Like many people, my biggest fear is failure. Putting my passion or my plan into the world for others to see and it not being received well. As I have gotten older, I have realized that fear is just a part of growth and the biggest regret will come from not trying at all.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, the public version of me is very much the real me. I’m a transparent person and I don’t feel the need to be anything other than who I am. I try to lead with kindness whenever I can and show compassion when it’s needed. I believe the world could use a lot more of that… especially right now.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When have you had to bet the company?
We had the opportunity to buy an existing auto shop where we had worked for years, but the price was much higher than we wanted to pay. Instead, we decided it made more sense to open our own shop from the ground up on our own terms, with our own vision. It was a big risk, but it allowed us to build a business that truly reflects our values, how we treat customers, and the kind of shop we wanted to run. It’s been worth it every step of the way.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolesautocare
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nicolesautocarecenter/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Nicoles-Auto-Care-Center-61564365515254/
