In this episode of Cool Cars with Chris, Chris sits down with Jesse Jackson, co-founder of Mango Automotive, to discuss how she's redefining auto repair through customer experience, innovative business practices, and a fresh approach to an industry that has remained largely unchanged for decades.
Jesse shares her journey from the software industry into automotive repair, the story behind the Mango Automotive brand, and how the company grew from a single repair shop in 2021 to eight locations across New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas.
The conversation explores the unique "Pink Wall Effect," why customer trust matters in auto repair, the importance of creating a welcoming environment for all drivers, and how women are helping shape the future of the automotive industry.
Chris and Jesse also discuss technician training, ASE certifications, shop acquisitions, employee development, vehicle maintenance, extended warranties, customer service, and the realities of operating a growing multi-location automotive business.
Whether you're a car enthusiast, automotive professional, entrepreneur, repair shop owner, or simply someone looking to better understand vehicle maintenance and the auto repair industry, this episode offers valuable insights into one of the most important businesses keeping drivers on the road.
Topics Covered:
• How Jesse Jackson founded Mango Automotive
• Growing from one repair shop to eight locations
• The story behind the Mango Automotive name
• The Pink Wall Effect and customer experience
• Women in automotive repair
• Hiring and training automotive technicians
• ASE certifications and technician development
• Auto repair shop acquisitions and business growth
• Building company culture and employee retention
• The economics of running an automotive repair business
• Vehicle maintenance and preventative service
• Extended warranties and common misconceptions
• The most expensive automotive repairs
• Customer trust and transparency in auto repair
• Managing multiple locations and scaling operations
• The future of the automotive repair industry
Guest:
Jesse Jackson
Co-Founder, Mango Automotive
Connect with Mango Automotive:
https://www.mangoautomotive.com/
#AutoRepair #AutomotiveRepair #CarMaintenance #VehicleMaintenance #AutomotiveIndustry #MangoAutomotive #JesseJackson #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #WomenInAutomotive
00:00 Introduction
00:26 What Is Mango Automotive?
00:55 Starting Mango Automotive in 2021
01:09 Why the Name "Mango Automotive"?
02:09 Redefining the Auto Repair Experience
03:04 The Pink Wall Effect
04:14 Women in the Auto Repair Industry
05:59 What Vehicles Does Mango Automotive Service?
07:10 From Software Executive to Auto Repair Entrepreneur
08:41 Hiring and Training Automotive Technicians
10:17 Learning to Drive a Manual Transmission
12:25 What Happens to Abandoned Vehicles?
14:24 Growing Mango Automotive to Eight Locations
15:16 How Auto Repair Shop Acquisitions Work
16:42 Same-Day Service and Shop Capacity
17:42 Customer Transportation and Lyft Services
18:46 The Most Expensive Automotive Repairs
19:48 Extended Warranties and Repair Challenges
23:25 Rising Vehicle Ownership and Repair Costs
25:02 The Economics of Running an Auto Repair Business
27:01 Mango Automotive's Most Successful Shop
28:59 Growing a Newly Acquired Repair Shop
31:09 Keeping Employees During Ownership Changes
33:03 Helping Auto Shop Owners Retire
35:35 Alternatives to Selling a Repair Shop
37:51 Competition in the Auto Repair Industry
39:09 Friendly Sign Wars Between Repair Shops
43:12 Managing Eight Shops and Seven Kids
45:47 Leadership, Hiring, and Company Culture
47:46 Mango University and Employee Development
48:42 Expansion Plans and California Growth
50:42 Vehicle Safety Inspections and Customer Trust
54:20 Car Maintenance Advice for Every Driver
55:22 Where to Find Mango Automotive
56:29 Episode Wrap-Up