The Interview: Mo Givian

Most people in the industry will know the name Mo Givian (pictured above left with Fix Auto’s Ian Pugh) – after all he has been a regular winner at almost every industry awards event in the past three years. In this month’s The Interview for bodyshop magazine, the 35-year-old from Tehran who has made sunny Bedfordshire his home since 1998, talks about what inspires him, his family and a typical day for the managing director of Fix Auto Luton.

Briefly describe your career to date.
I started at Michael G Motors in 2004, working on reception on a temporary basis covering the phones and doing admin. I liked the concept of the business so much I ended up getting a loan from family and friends and used up all my savings to invest in the business and become a partner. I was a self-taught estimator before successfully gaining my ATA VDA, and later became managing director working towards PAS125 accreditation. This progressed to obtaining multiple manufacturer approvals and we joined the Fix Auto network in 2016. And, as they say, the rest is history.

What did you want to be when you were at school?
To be honest, I did not have a clue. I could never put my finger on it, however the answer I used to give anyone who asked me was: “I want to be successful.”

What first inspired you to get into collision repair?
I’d love to tell you a very romantic and inspiring story, however the truth is I was at university studying computer science but couldn’t see myself continuing in that field. When presented with the chance of getting a job I saw it as an opportunity to leave something I was not enjoying.

What gets you up in the morning and how do you stay motivated?
Progress and fulfilment, to be better today than I was yesterday. Every morning I wake up, I know I have the opportunity to continually improve as a person, as a father, husband and in business. This is truly motivating.

What’s the first think you think about when you get to work?
I visualise how the day is going to pan out and I think about how best to set the tone depending on the atmosphere and the team’s morale. The aim is to always think of outcome over output.

What represents a typical workday?
That would be a 5:00am wake up call, 6:00am gym session, behind the desk at 7:30, 8:30 morning meeting, and the rest of the day is spent on execution of the visualised plan. Forward planning for the next day starts at 3:00pm and close of business is at 5:00pm.

What’s your idea of a perfect weekend?
A bit of a lie in, visiting the gym without having to leave at a set time. Spending the rest of the day with my family, in the kitchen, catching up and cooking a great family feast. Cooking is a big family tradition in our household, with games nights and family movies in very close contention for second and third place.

What difference has joining the Fix Auto network made to your business?
Joining Fix Auto truly put us on the map. It opened doors that we could not have otherwise been able to open on our own. Through the Fix Auto network I have had the opportunity to meet some fantastic people and make great working relationships with many highly talented individuals. As a member [of the group] we have had the chance to benefit from great work provision, expert advice, IT systems which improve business performance, and marketing tools and support to promote our business. As a network, Fix Auto endeavours to share best practice and support one and other to succeed. Just like you do in a family.

Exactly how many awards have you and your team won in the past three years?
We have won 14 in total. I find it a great source of motivation when all the hard work, sleepless nights and the hard times that our team and I have been through is recognised by colleagues, customers and peers. It provides inspiration to continue on the same path and push even harder to achieve more.

What was your first car, what do you drive today, and what would be your “money-no-object” dream motor?
A red F-reg Vauxhall Nova 1.4 SR was the first one. I drive a very practical Mazda CX3 today, and if money was no object I would own an Alfa Romeo Disco Volante in red.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Overcoming a lack of self-confidence and belief, which has given me the ability to make the people proud who have believed in me and given me opportunities along the way to be where I am today.

What would you do differently if you had the chance?
Nothing. I believe everything happens for a reason. All that I have experienced in my journey to this point has been a lesson in life and business in one way or another and without it I may not be where I am today.

What skill do you wish you had acquired?
I would have loved to have discovered mindset and self-awareness training earlier on in life as this would have led to a much faster personal development both in life and business.

Where do you see the collision repair industry in five years?
Tough question. It’s hard to say, but my opinion is that there may be a gradual reduction in the number of accidents due to technological advances in ADAS and vehicle safety systems. Electric vehicles will bring new challenges as they require new skillsets, equipment and training. Vehicle manufacturers seem to be working towards improving their bodyshop networks in order to cope with new vehicle technology and EVs, perhaps to try and retain more business going through their network. Any business planning on continued success in this sector will need to keep up investment in specialised training and equipment.

What advice would you give to your younger self?
Take every opportunity to attend training courses, in particular those offering self-development and mindset. In order to achieve more and be successful you need to be open to change because if you always do what you have always done then you will always get what you have always got. And aim for the top because the bottom is always too overcrowded.

Click to read the latest issue of bodyshop magazine in full.