Sarah Mitchell
Sarah has spent over a decade advising small and family-owned auto repair shops on growth, hiring, and customer experience. With an MBA from Western and a background in small-business lending, she has worked directly with more than 200 independent Canadian shops on pricing, marketing, and CRA-compliant bookkeeping. She writes about the operational and regulatory side of running a profitable independent garage in Canada.
465 articles by Sarah
Video Inspections: Using Your Smartphone to Prove Why a Repair is Needed
Master video inspections to justify repairs visually. Learn how smartphone videos reduce customer disputes and increase approval rates for recommended work.
How to Rank for Brake Repair Near Me: Local SEO for Auto Mechanics
Learn how to optimize your auto repair shop for local search rankings on Google. Master the tactics to dominate "Brake Repair Near Me" searches in your service area.
Google Business Profile Optimization: Photos, Reviews, and Local Rankings
Optimize your Google Business Profile to dominate local search. Learn how photos, reviews, and business details directly impact your auto shop rankings.
The Yelp Effect: How to Manage Online Reputation and Build 5-Star Reviews
Manage your auto shop's online reputation strategically. Learn how to build genuine 5-star reviews and dominate platforms like Yelp, Google, and Facebook.
Cybersecurity for Garages: Protecting Your Customer Data from Ransomware
Auto repair shops hold valuable customer data. Learn how to protect against ransomware, data breaches, and cyber attacks that threaten your business.
The Decline of ICE: How to Replace Lost Maintenance Revenue in an EV World
Electric vehicles need less maintenance than gas cars. Learn how repair shops can adapt and find new revenue sources as the market shifts.
Software for Multi-Location Shops: Centralizing Your Data Across the Province
Multi-location shops need software that centralizes data while allowing local autonomy. Learn which platforms support distributed operations.
Cloud-Based vs. Desktop SMS: Which is Safer for Your Shop Records?
Cloud and desktop systems have different security profiles. Learn the tradeoffs between convenience and control when protecting customer data.
Managing Remote Technicians: Software Tools for Mobile Repair Units
Mobile repair units and remote technicians require special software. Learn how to manage dispersed teams and track mobile service.
The 2026 Automotive Strategy: How Federal Policy Impacts Your Daily Ops
Canada's 2026 automotive strategy affects independent repair shops. Learn how federal policy changes impact your business operations and investments.
Digital Vehicle Inspections: Why Transparency is Your Best Upsell
Digital vehicle inspections show customers exactly what they're paying for. Learn how transparency builds trust and increases service acceptance rates.
Software Subscriptions vs. Paywalls: Managing the High Cost of Data
OEM repair data and diagnostic information are expensive. Learn how to choose between subscription and paywall models to manage costs effectively.