Meet Nicole Fordyce

We were lucky to catch up with Nicole Fordyce recently and have shared our conversation below.

Nicole, so great to have you on the platform and excited to have you share your wisdom with our community today. Communication skills often play a powerful role in our ability to be effective and so we’d love to hear about how you developed your communication skills.

My ability to communicate effectively has developed through years of hands-on experience, trial and error, and a deep commitment to customer service. Early on, I realized that clear communication is just as important as the repairs themselves. Customers often come in feeling frustrated or anxious, so I prioritize listening carefully, asking the right questions, and explaining things in a way that makes sense—without overwhelming them.

Now that my husband and I own our own shop, communication is even more critical. It’s not just about making customers feel comfortable—it’s about building trust and loyalty so they continue to rely on us. As a business owner, I’m representing our shop, our reputation, and the quality of work my husband and our team provide. Clear, honest, and thorough communication keeps customers coming back and referring others to us.

Transparency is key. People appreciate honesty, so I make sure to be upfront about what needs immediate attention and what can wait. Over time, I’ve learned to adapt my approach—some customers want every detail, while others prefer just the bottom line.

Above all, I’ve learned from experience—both good and bad. Every interaction is an opportunity to improve, and I take pride in making sure every customer feels heard and respected.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I own and operate Nicole’s Auto Care Center alongside my husband, who is a master mechanic with over 22 years of experience. While he focuses on diagnosing and repairing vehicles, I run the office, handling customer interactions, scheduling, and making sure every person who walks through our doors feels heard and valued. What makes our business special is the level of trust and transparency we provide—something that can sometimes be hard to find in the automotive world.

My husband and I actually met 21 years ago in high school in an automotive class at our local career center. Cars have been a part of our story from the very beginning, so opening our own shop was a dream come true. We were fortunate to purchase our shop from Darren Adams, former owner of Gregg’s Wheel Alignment, a trusted name in the community that had been in operation from 1965 to 2024. We’re proud to continue that legacy while building something of our own.

What excites me most about what we do is the impact we have on our customers’ lives. A vehicle is more than just transportation—it’s how people get to work, pick up their kids, and go about their daily lives. When someone brings their car to us, they’re trusting us with something incredibly important, and we don’t take that lightly. Whether it’s a major repair or routine maintenance, we approach every job with honesty, integrity, and the goal of keeping our customers safe on the road.

Another thing that sets us apart is the experience we create for our customers. In an industry that can often feel intimidating—especially for those who don’t know much about cars—I make it a priority to provide clear, straightforward explanations. No pressure, just honest advice and quality work.

We started our shop just five months ago, and the response has been amazing. Right now, we have my husband, our master mechanic, and his younger brother, Logan, who has about eight years of experience. It’s been incredible to see how much trust our community has already placed in us, and we’re excited to keep building those relationships for years to come.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three qualities have been most impactful: strong communication, kindness, and adaptability.

Clear communication builds trust and lasting customer relationships. Explaining vehicle issues in a way that makes sense, truly listening, and responding with honesty and clarity are skills that take time to develop.

Kindness is just as important. In a world where it can be hard to find, a little patience and compassion go a long way—especially in an industry where customers often feel stressed or overwhelmed. Whether someone drives a rusty clunker or a brand-new Cadillac, we treat everyone the same because their vehicle is their lifeline.

Adaptability has also been key. No two days in this industry are alike, and being flexible—whether diagnosing a tricky issue or navigating the challenges of business ownership—makes all the difference. Stay open-minded, embrace challenges, and never stop learning.

At the end of the day, success isn’t just about fixing cars—it’s about how you treat people. Communication, kindness, and adaptability will set you apart in any industry.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

The past 12 months have been the biggest period of growth for both me and my husband. After years of working at another auto repair shop—my husband for 22 years and myself for over 8—we took the leap and opened our own shop. It was one of the hardest decisions we’ve ever made because there was so much uncertainty. You never truly know how a new business is going to be received, and stepping away from something stable into the unknown was both exciting and terrifying.

My husband and I balance each other well—he’s a bit of a worrier, while I tend to take things as they come—but this past year tested both of us. The stress of building something from the ground up was overwhelming at times. But we pushed through, leaned on each other, and gave it everything we had. And now, just five months in, the response has been incredible—better than we ever could have hoped for.

Through it all, I’ve grown in so many ways. I’ve learned to trust myself more, to embrace the challenges that come with owning a business, and to appreciate the rewards of taking risks. Most importantly, I’ve seen firsthand that hard work, honesty, and a commitment to treating people right truly pay off. It’s been a year of uncertainty, stress, and learning—but also a year of success, pride, and realizing that we are exactly where we are meant to be.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolesautocare/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61564365515254