He Started Pumping Gas at 16… Now He Runs a $3.7M Auto Empire

Eric Svedberg is the President and Owner of European Autowerks in Virginia Beach, Virginia, a premier independent shop specializing in high-end European vehicles. Starting his journey at just sixteen, pumping gas at a local Amoco station, Eric quickly rose to become the country's youngest Amoco dealer by age twenty-two. Over the years, he transformed his hands-on experience and entrepreneurial drive into a thriving $3.7 million business. Beyond running his shop, Eric is passionate about helping other entrepreneurs through his coaching venture, Fuel Coaching, where he shares his expertise on leadership, business systems, and how to scale an auto repair shop successfully.

In this episode…

What if the job you took as a teenager ended up defining your life’s work? That’s exactly what happened for Eric Svedberg. From long days at the gas pump to leading a thriving European repair business, Eric’s story is a testament to grit, curiosity, and reinvention.

He shares how years of hands-on experience and continuous learning helped him navigate multiple business transitions, from full-service stations to specialized auto repair. Eric also opens up about how he found balance after years of working seven days a week and why building systems, training people, and embracing technology were key to sustainable growth.

Eric’s insights provide a practical roadmap for anyone wondering how to scale an auto repair shop without losing sight of family, health, or purpose. His passion for leadership, adaptability, and giving back makes this episode a must-listen for entrepreneurs in the tire and auto industry.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

[01:07] Who is Eric Svedberg?

[01:57] How a part-time job pumping gas at 16 sparked a lifelong career

[03:10] The early Amoco days and what full service really looked like

[07:08] Becoming the youngest Amoco dealer in the country at just 22

[09:22] Transitioning from Amoco to European Auto Works

[11:07] Rebranding, growth, and finally gaining work-life balance

[14:33] Where Eric sees European Auto Works in the next few years

[16:40] A customer’s parking-lot prayer and what it taught him

[18:33] How Google tools and video marketing improved visibility

[20:54] The game-changing shop software that streamlined operations

[22:38] The business books that changed Eric’s mindset

[29:07] Giving back through Fuel Coaching

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Tread Partners
• Gain Traction Podcast on YouTube
• Gain Traction Podcast Website
• Mike Edge on LinkedIn
• Eric Svedberg LinkedIn
• European Autowerks Website
• Making Money Is Killing Your Business by Chuck Blakeman
• Freedom’s Forge by Arthur Herman
• Acres of Diamonds by Russell Conwell

Quotable Moments:

• “I became the youngest Amoco dealer in the country at age 22.”
• “I quickly learned that wherever I was, was the place that made money.”
• “I changed the name, rebranded, got my life back; five days a week, not seven, and grew and grew and grew.”
• “I’ve always been a sponge. I absorb information from anyone and everyone.”
• “Making money is killing your business.”

Action Steps:

1. Invest in learning: Absorb insights from others in your field and keep evolving with your business.
2. Systemize your operations: Build processes that allow you to step out of daily chaos and focus on growth.
3. Adopt modern tools: Embrace digital platforms like Google Business and TechMetric to improve efficiency.
4. Prioritize work-life balance: Growth doesn’t have to mean burnout; it can mean freedom when done right.
5. Pay it forward: Share your knowledge, mentor others, and help them discover how to scale an auto repair shop with clarity and purpose.