One of the trickiest things about mental health struggles is that they make people believe they are alone. In episode 112 of Maximum Octane, Eric Gibson shares how he won a long battle against the mental health issues that kept him trapped under a dark cloud for years.
Eric is the CEO of 5th Gear Automotive outside Denver, Colorado. Despite earning good money as an equipment mechanic in California, he was not happy. His dream of opening his own shop grew from a whisper to a firm voice, and he listened. In this conversation, he talks about the people, habits, and decisions that helped him heal, why seeking help matters, the difference between perception and perspective, and the power of vulnerability.
This article discusses mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
What You Will Learn
- A bit about Eric’s dream of having his own shop
- Why you shouldn’t try to deal with mental health issues on your own
- Perception versus perspective
- The importance of active listening
- “Be vulnerable around those you can be vulnerable around”
Eric’s Dream of Owning a Shop
Eric opens with his dream of having his own shop. He was successful by many measures, but success did not bring happiness. Following his dream was part of finding a more meaningful path.
Many people in the automotive industry can relate to the gap between doing well on paper and feeling fulfilled. A steady paycheck and respected skills do not always bring a sense of purpose. For some, the idea of owning a shop represents more than income: it is a chance to build something that reflects their values and to create a workplace they would want to be part of.
Pursuing that kind of change takes courage, and it often brings its own stress. Recognizing that ambition and well-being both need attention is an important part of building a business that lasts.
Do Not Face It Alone
Around the 4 minute mark, Eric explains why people should not try to deal with mental health issues on their own. Isolation makes struggles worse. Reaching out to friends, family, peers, and professionals opens the door to support and perspective that are impossible to find alone.
The National Institute of Mental Health lists ways to find help, and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers free, confidential support by call or text.
Shop owners and technicians often take pride in solving problems on their own. That independence is valuable in the bay, but it can become a barrier when someone is struggling emotionally. Many people wait until things feel unmanageable before reaching out, partly because they worry about being seen as weak or burdening others.
Reaching out can start small: telling one trusted person how you are really doing, scheduling a visit with a doctor, or calling a counselor. Employers can help by making resources easy to find and by making it clear that asking for help is respected, not judged.
Perception vs. Perspective
Around the 10 minute mark, Eric discusses the difference between perception and perspective. Perception is how we see a situation in the moment, often colored by emotion. Perspective is the broader view that comes from stepping back. Learning to shift from one to the other can change how we respond to challenges.
In a busy shop, perception can easily take over. A bad review, a comeback, or a key technician giving notice can feel like proof that everything is falling apart. Stepping back to gain perspective might mean looking at the full month rather than a single day, talking the situation through with someone else, or asking what advice you would give a friend facing the same problem.
This shift does not make problems disappear, but it often makes them feel more manageable. Some people find that writing down their thoughts, taking a short walk, or sleeping on a decision helps them move from reaction to reflection.
The Importance of Active Listening
Eric talks about the importance of active listening. For leaders, listening to employees with full attention can reveal when someone is struggling. For people going through hard times, being truly heard can be a turning point. ATI’s Listening: Your Power Skill to Master offers techniques to practice.
Active listening means giving someone your full attention, putting down the phone, and focusing on understanding rather than preparing a response. It involves asking open questions, reflecting back what you heard, and resisting the urge to jump straight to solutions.
In a shop setting, this might look like noticing that a usually upbeat technician has gone quiet and asking privately how they are doing. Even when an owner cannot solve the underlying problem, the experience of being heard can make a real difference and may encourage someone to seek further help.
Be Vulnerable Around the Right People
Around the 25 minute mark, Eric shares a powerful idea: “Be vulnerable around those you can be vulnerable around.” Not everyone is a safe person to open up to, but finding those who are, and letting them in, is part of healing. For shop owners, that might be a spouse, a coach, a peer group, or a counselor.
ATI’s Peer Networking Groups give owners a place to talk with others who understand the pressures of running a shop.
Owners often feel they must appear confident at all times, especially in front of employees. That pressure can make it hard to admit when things are difficult. Having a few trusted relationships outside the chain of command, where honesty is safe, gives owners a place to process stress without worrying about how it affects the team.
Peer groups can be especially helpful because other owners understand the specific pressures of payroll, staffing, and customer expectations. Professional counselors offer another kind of support, with training to help people work through challenges in a confidential setting.
What Leaders Can Watch For
Shop owners and managers are not counselors, but they are often the first to notice when someone on the team is having a hard time. Changes in behavior can be a signal: a technician who becomes withdrawn, more irritable, frequently late, or less careful than usual may be dealing with something beyond work.
The right response is usually a private, caring conversation rather than a performance warning. Asking “How are you doing, really?” and listening without judgment opens the door. If an employee shares that they are struggling, a leader can point them toward support such as an employee assistance program, a doctor, or a counselor. Leaders should also know how to respond in an emergency, including encouraging someone in crisis to contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or emergency services.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Well-meaning leaders sometimes make mental health conversations harder without realizing it. Avoiding these mistakes helps build trust:
- Brushing off concerns with “Just push through it” or “Everyone is stressed.”
- Sharing an employee’s personal situation with others without permission.
- Trying to diagnose or fix the problem instead of listening and pointing toward professional help.
- Talking about mental health once and never returning to it.
- Ignoring your own well-being while encouraging others to take care of theirs.
Consistency matters most. A culture where people feel safe to speak up is built through many small, respectful conversations over time.
Supporting Mental Health in Your Shop
- Talk openly about mental health so employees know it is safe to speak up.
- Share information about employee assistance programs or local resources.
- Practice active listening in one-on-one conversations.
- Take care of your own mental health and model seeking help.
For more on mental wellness, listen to Lee Anderson in Fixing the Unseen, Cally Rempis in You Can Become an A-Tech and Repair Your Own Mind, and Sam Richter in Hit the Switch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can auto shop owners manage stress and protect their mental health?
Owners often carry heavy responsibility for payroll, customers, and employees. Building support helps: trusted friends or family, peer groups of other owners, a coach, and professional counseling when needed. Regular sleep, exercise, and time away from the shop also matter. Delegating tasks and putting systems in place reduces the feeling that everything depends on you. If stress becomes overwhelming, talk to a doctor or mental health professional.
How do I support an employee who is struggling with mental health?
Start with a private, caring conversation. Ask how they are doing and listen without judgment. Avoid trying to diagnose or solve the problem yourself. Share information about available resources, such as an employee assistance program, their doctor, or local counseling services. Respect their privacy and be flexible where possible. If someone is in crisis, encourage them to call or text 988 or contact emergency services.
What is the difference between perception and perspective?
Perception is how we interpret a situation in the moment, often shaped by emotion, fatigue, or stress. Perspective is a broader view that comes from stepping back and considering the bigger picture. For example, one bad day can feel like failure in the moment, while perspective reveals a month of solid progress. Practicing the shift from perception to perspective can help people respond to challenges more calmly.
What is active listening and why does it matter for shop leaders?
Active listening means giving full attention to the speaker, asking open questions, and reflecting back what you heard before responding. For shop leaders, it helps uncover problems early, whether they involve workflow, customer issues, or an employee who is struggling personally. Employees who feel heard are more engaged and more likely to speak up, which builds trust and a healthier workplace.
Where can I find mental health help if I am struggling?
In the United States, you can call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which offers free, confidential support at any time. Your primary care doctor can also help connect you with services. Many employers offer employee assistance programs with confidential counseling. The National Institute of Mental Health provides information on finding help. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
Resources and Links From This Episode
Connect With the Guests
- Eric Gibson: LinkedIn, 5th Gear Automotive
