Franchisee Spotlight: Tom Watson, Prior Lake, MN

Tom Watson grew up In Brooklyn Center, Minn. and has lived in the Metro area his entire life. He has been working for Jim Henkel, the Honest-1 Auto Care Area Developer, since 2010 — when Henkel only had one store in Minnesota. Watson began his Honest-1 career focusing primarily on outside sales and providing back-up support in stores as needed. Over time, through extensive training and education, he assumed the role of Operations Manager of the Minnesota market.

Watson first met Fred Haynes, remote franchisee of Honest-1 Prior Lake, when he accepted the position of general manager at Haynes’s Burnsville, Minn. store. Haynes is based in Chicago and is a remote owner, leaving most responsibilities to Watson, who will continue to manage the day-to-day operations for the Burnsville store while overseeing the new Prior Lake location.

Watson made his debut in the automotive industry as a general service technician changing oil, tires and performing light duty repairs. Eventually, Watson realized that he would be better suited in sales and took up the opportunity when a position became available in the company that he was working for at the time.

How did you learn about Honest-1?

I found Honest-1 through an ad posted online, and after one interview, I knew it was where I wanted to spend my career. The very philosophy of how business is conducted, combined with the unique service offerings, makes Honest-1 stand out far ahead of its competitors.

What do you hope to achieve as the general manager of this store?

As manager I hope to provide 15-20 new jobs to the Prior Lake area, set a new standard in customer service and earn a fair profit to generate humble growth for the company.

Do you have any plans to broaden your managerial responsibilities?

My goal is help to educate and inspire teams of automotive professionals all over the Twin Cities and eventually own my own Honest-1 Auto Care stores.

Are you involved in any charities or community groups?

I am active in the Girl Scout Troop that my seven-year-old daughter belongs to.