The Automotive Training Institute (ATI), a division of Driven Brands, is hiring for the position of Performance Coach, Mechanical. This role is designed for professionals who will work directly with owners of independent repair shops to help them improve their business operations and profitability.
ATI describes itself as the largest coaching and training company for independent repair shop owners across the United States and Canada. The company reports that more than 1,700 shops are actively engaged in its program, which combines coaching, training, and one of the largest buying programs in the automotive aftermarket.
What the Performance Coach, Mechanical Role Involves
The job description states that the position will "Provide an analysis of the existing pract..." — indicating that the core responsibility involves evaluating how repair shops currently operate and identifying areas for improvement. The role is grounded in ATI's internal culture system known as the "24 Fundamentals," which the company says describes the values, behaviors, principles, and practices that form the foundation of its approach.
According to the original job posting from Driven Brands / ATI, the 24 Fundamentals explain "how we relate to each other, our members, and even our suppliers." The company credits this framework for driving what it calls its "extraordinary success."
Why This Role Matters for Independent Shop Owners
For independent repair shop owners, a Performance Coach, Mechanical is not just a corporate position — it is a direct resource for their businesses. ATI's stated track record shows that its members have cumulatively increased their gross profits by almost $3.0 billion dollars through the program. This suggests that the coaching model has a measurable impact on the bottom line for participating shops.
The role appears to sit at the intersection of technical knowledge and business coaching. A candidate in this position would likely need to understand the mechanical side of the automotive repair business while also being able to guide owners on operational and financial best practices.
Our Take: A Sign of Growth in the Coaching Industry
In our view, this job posting tells us something important about the state of the independent auto repair industry. The fact that ATI is hiring for a Performance Coach, Mechanical role — and that it already works with over 1,700 shops — shows that shop owners are increasingly looking outside their own walls for business guidance.
To put it plainly, running an independent repair shop is no longer just about being a good mechanic. Owners today face pressure on margins, supply chain issues, and competition from national chains. A coaching service that promises billions in cumulative profit gains is clearly filling a real need.
For anyone considering this career path, the role offers a chance to work across many different businesses rather than being tied to one shop. For shop owners, it is a reminder that help is available — and that the data suggests it can pay for itself.
The key takeaway is straightforward: this is a business improvement role dressed in automotive clothing. The "Mechanical" in the title points to the industry, but the actual work is about coaching owners to run better, more profitable businesses.
