● MY CAREER TIMELINE — 2001 → TODAY
From the parts counter
to a six-business group.
My career timeline — from a village Vauxhall dealership to the multi-site Dack Group, and the lessons learned along the way.
Started at Vauxhall Dealership
Straight out of school, I joined the local Vauxhall dealership in a village called Billinghay. I'd been working here on Saturdays, cleaning cars and serving fuel. Once I left school, I worked within the Parts department, then as a service advisor before moving to the workshop.
Founded Vauxalist
Aged 23 and after 9 years at Vauxhall, I decided to go my own way. I moved to Lincoln and started a business called Vauxalist, specialising in Vauxhall's. I started out in a 2800 sqft building.
Added BMW Specialism
We added BMW as a specialist marque, initially this was under it's own brand.
Rebranded to Dack Motor Group
We moved to a 6500 sqft premises and also rebranded to Dack Motor Group. The premises was across the road from our first site.
Opened Coventry Site
We opened a site in Coventry, I thought I was ready to take on the world. This was my worst, and my best decision! Caused some pain!
Launched Van Hire
We added van hire to our business offerings, initially with just 3 vans. As of 2025 we now have a fleet of 150.
Moved to 17,000 sqft Premises
I wasn't looking, but stumbled across a 17,000 sqft premises with awesome amount of parking. Somehow, we made the move work!
Started Coachbuilding & Van Conversions
We had a 'spare' unit in the new premises. We started coach building and van conversions with the help of the technical expertise from my brother, Gavin.
Acquired Bodyshop
During the Covid era, we purchased a struggling bodyshop. Initially this was mainly used to assist with vehicle prep and van hire damage.
Launched Van Sales
We started van sales! Specialising in new vans. We now stock 100+ Vehicles including some used vans.
Acquired Ford Dealership
I purchased a Ford Dealership in Northampton. The business was founded in 1972. We completed the share purchase of the business in May 2024.
Bodyshop Expansion
2024 was a busy year! The bodyshop has seen some amazing growth, solely down to the excellent team we have. We moved to a 10,000 sqft premises.
Co-founded On The Ramp Podcast
Co-founded industry podcast: On The Ramp
Launched Synergy Autocentres
We launched a new service centre from our old bodyshop premises. Branded as Synergy Autocentres & HiQ. This is a brand new business.
Dack Motor Group
Multi-site automotive service and repair centres
Synergy Autocentres
Autocentre Garages in Lincoln & Coventry
Dack Bodyshop
Car & Van Bodyshop in Lincoln
Dack Vans
New & Used Van Sales, Van Hire, Van Service & Repair
Coachbuild & Conversions
Van conversions and coachbuilding
Ford Service Centre
Specialist Ford servicing & used cars (est. 1972)
I've Done It Myself
Not theory — real experience from building and running multiple automotive businesses over 20+ years.
Industry-Specific
Focused exclusively on automotive service and repair — I understand your world.
Practical & Actionable
No fluff — just real strategies you can implement immediately.
Genuinely Care
Your success is my success. I'm invested in helping you grow.
Ramp. Co-founder of the On The Ramp Podcast, where we dive deep into the world of independent automotive service and repair. Each episode features industry experts sharing their insights, tips, and experiences. Watch on YouTube