Careers in collision repair can take some interesting turns, but for Fix Auto Operations and Performance Manager, Andrew Huang it’s all about utilising the skills and knowledge he’s gained over the years to support workshops and fine-tune their efficiency.
Big things often grow from small beginnings, and for Andrew Huang, an early passion for the automotive industry has blossomed into a career in collision repair—culminating in his role as Operations and Performance Manager at Fix Auto. As State Manager for NSW, he oversees ten independent repair businesses. In this role, Andrew supports each franchisee by streamlining day-to-day operations, improving consistency, and driving business growth.
Working on new ideas, trialling processes, identifying ‘pain points’, and finding viable solutions to move forward with the independent businesses are parts of Andrew’s key roles at Fix Auto.
“We are a team first and foremost,” Andrew says. “Every shop is unique to its own location, so there’s no-one-size-fits-all approach. My job is to help each site succeed, enabling them to perform, profit and position themselves for long-term growth.”
Career pathways
Andrew’s love for cars started in small ways but has since grown over the years to include a wide range of interests, from previously owning a small business specialising in performance ECU remapping to track racing his I20N.
However, it is in his role at Fix Auto that his passion has truly taken on a new dimension.
What started off innocently as helping his neighbour tinker away at cars at the age of 10, has since evolved into the discovery and pursuit of a lifelong passion for the automotive industry.
A qualified mechanic, Andrew has worked across various dealerships throughout his career. From Audi to BMW, Andrew has taken every opportunity to grow beyond his role. After a few years working as a mechanic, Andrew moved into the role of service advisor at a BMW dealership for three years. At the time, the dealership had a good relationship with a BMW approved panel shop, Panel One.
“The owner of Panel One approached me and asked me to join his team, and I jumped at the chance,” Andrew says.
He led the repair workshop for eight years before an opportunity at Fix Auto arose, allowing him to bring with him a wealth of skills and experience that have meshed well with Fix Auto’s culture of continuous improvement.
“I never thought I’d end up in the collision side of automotive,” Andrew says. “But as it plays out, I’ve now had more experience in collision than I do in mechanics.”
Andrew enjoys his behind-the-scenes role at Fix Auto, where he continues to thrive amid the industry’s ongoing growth and transformation.
“I’m connecting with many new professionals across the industry behind the scenes, and it’s been an incredibly rewarding experience,” he shares.
Praise for the craft
Andrew is a great advocate for the collision repair industry and the high standards of repair work set by Fix Auto. A key part of his role is supporting the individual workshops in their pursuit of delivering the highest quality repairs.
“I’m often amazed by repairers and their ability to transform what seems like an unsalvageable situation into a vehicle that looks brand new,” says Andrew. “Some repairers can restore a car to its original quality, as if it’s just rolled off the showroom floor.
I have seen cars that are completely wrecked— at first glance, they seem beyond repair. But give the job to the right person with the right experience, and they can restore the car to like-new condition. To witness that level of expertise and skill set is a sight to see.”
All about communication
At Fix Auto, Andrew believes open communication is the cornerstone of success. “As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting independent franchisees, we focus on creating an environment where collaboration and understanding drive positive outcomes for all.”
“Effective communication with a wide range of people at varying levels is often the key to achieving shared goals.” Andrew says.
“We recognise that many of our franchisees have been operating their businesses for years. For them, their processes have worked well. But by bringing in a fresh perspective, we can help identify areas where processes can be improved,” Andrew says.
“It isn’t about changing what works but finding ways to make it even better. Each shop has its own unique strengths and challenges. By maintaining an open line of communication, we ensure that each franchisee receives the support required to continue thriving in a competitive market.”
Embracing change
Fix Network is acutely aware of the changing nature of the automotive industry, and it’s important for shops to be able to pivot and change according to where the market is heading.
“Our shops are embracing the latest technology,” Andrew says. “As a national network, there’s a big focus on our latest EV/Hybrid accreditation program. My role is to ensure our network complete the EV training program and are equipped to repair electric and hybrid vehicles. As a network, we’re continuously evolving to stay ahead of the inevitable changes shaping our industry.”
Leaning into the Network
As part of the Fix Network family of brands, Fix Auto benefits from a strong international presence. This collective expertise and support help individual businesses grow and achieve their best.
Andrew’s passion for the industry continues to grow as he becomes more immersed in his role at Fix Auto. He sees the shared knowledge and experience of the network as a significant asset. A key strength of this shared resource is the diversity and depth of the people within the network.
A proud industry
“It’s a great industry made up of people from all walks of life,” Andrew says.
“It’s always valuable to bounce ideas off the older generations, and to hear how they started and where they came from.”
He believes a career in the automotive industry will guarantee a lifetime of connection and growth. “I really enjoy meeting people and supporting them to improve their business performance,” he says. “It’s incredibly rewarding to know you’ve helped a member of the network implement a change that delivers real results.”
The Fix Auto network of franchisees plays a vital role in the bigger picture of keeping Australia moving. “I find it very rewarding to know that we’ve made a difference —not just within individual businesses, but in helping people get back on the road safely and efficiently.”