Build It to Last: Eric Svedberg on Mastering Operations in Any Service Business

In this episode of Discover Virginia, we sit down with Eric Svedberg, the force behind European Autowerks and a sought-after business coach helping service providers build companies that actually run. With more than three decades owning one of Hampton Roads’ premier European automotive shops—and a track record for transforming chaotic businesses into structured, scalable operations—Eric reveals the systems that turn small companies into sustainable, profitable machines.

This conversation uncovers:
• Personal — the hard-earned lessons from Eric’s early years, leadership journey, and why he committed to building businesses that serve the owner… not the other way around.
• Business — how he diagnoses operational bottlenecks, builds processes for finance, HR, and automation, and helps owners create predictable profit without burning out.
• Community — the ripple effect of better-run service businesses: stronger teams, higher customer standards, and a healthier local economy in Hampton Roads.

Eric breaks down the mindset shift every owner needs, the structure most shops are missing, and the systems that drive freedom, growth, and longevity.

Whether you run an auto shop, manage a service team, or simply want a business that doesn’t depend on you 24/7—this episode gives you the blueprint to build it to last.