Chad Niezgocki
Business Development Coach – Elite Top Shop 360
Chad Niezgocki has spent more than three decades in the automotive industry, building his career from the shop floor to business ownership. He began turning wrenches in 1992 while attending technical college and went on to become an ASE Master Technician. After eight years as a technician, Chad realized his true passion wasn’t just repairing vehicles—it was solving problems, leading people, and building successful businesses.
He transitioned into a Service Advisor role and quickly demonstrated a talent for leadership. Within a year, he was managing a single location, where he dramatically improved profitability through disciplined operations and strong financial management. Seven years later, he was promoted to General Manager, overseeing four locations and working alongside the owner on a long-term succession plan.
In 2014, Chad purchased all four locations, operating them as NAPA AutoCare and Goodyear Tire & Service Network facilities. During his 12 years of ownership, he consistently modernized the business, implementing digital vehicle inspections, upgrading point-of-sale systems, moving to paperless processes, and strengthening operational accountability. Under his leadership, the company increased sales by more than 25% and profitability by over 50% before he successfully sold the remaining three locations in December 2025.
Throughout his career, Chad has been committed to continuous learning. He has participated in multiple peer groups, including four years with Elite Pro Service, and credits coaching and collaboration as some of the most influential factors in his success. His firsthand experience as an owner, operator, and seller allows him to relate to the challenges shop owners face every day.\
As an Elite coach, Chad is known for his direct, honest, and numbers-driven approach. He believes the best leaders identify problems quickly, develop practical solutions, hold people accountable, and help their teams grow. Financial management, operational efficiency, leadership development, and building strong management teams are among his greatest strengths. His philosophy is simple: “Do what it takes.”
Outside the shop, Chad enjoys spending time outdoors hunting, fishing, and traveling with his wife of more than 30 years. He also serves on the boards of the Douglas County Car Care Program, which provides reliable transportation and vehicle repairs for families in need, and the Big Sauk Lake Association. Giving back to his community is an important part of who he is, and he values the opportunity to use his experience to make a meaningful difference.
Today, Chad is passionate about helping shop owners achieve the same kind of growth, profitability, and fulfillment that defined his own career. He believes there is tremendous value in learning from those who have “been there,” and he is committed to helping fellow shop owners build stronger businesses, stronger teams, and better lives.
Back