Fixing the Unseen: The Tools Every Shop Owner Needs for Mental Health and Team Support, with Lee Anderson
Description
Trigger Warning: This episode contains open and personal discussion about suicide, grief, and mental health.
In the automotive industry, we never hesitate to buy the latest equipment or the right tool for the job. But when it comes to our own mental health, too many of us resist using the tools available to help us heal. Therapy, medication, or calling someone for a chat aren’t weaknesses. They are tools, just like the ones we use every day in the shop.
In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Maximum Octane, Kim Hickey and Jason Patel welcome back Lee Anderson of Integrity Auto Care. Lee opens up about going through some of life’s heaviest challenges early on, how those experiences shaped him, and why he is passionate about breaking the stigma around mental health.
Lee speaks candidly about grief, depression, and what not to say to someone who is grieving. He also explains why open-door leadership, empathy, and genuine connection matter just as much in a shop as they do in life. Alongside sobering statistics showing suicide rates among automotive technicians more than double the national average, Lee reminds us it’s okay to cry, okay to ask for help, and okay to use the tools available to care for ourselves.
Tune in to episode 126 of Maximum Octane if you’ve ever struggled silently, or if you want to support your team better when they’re carrying invisible burdens. Lee’s honesty and resilience will challenge you to view mental health not just as a personal issue, but as a leadership responsibility.
Episode Takeaways
03:30 Why suicide rates spike around the holidays and what seasonal depression means for mental health
05:20 Lee’s personal story of early struggles and how they shaped his outlook on life and business
09:20 The questions you should never ask someone grieving a suicide
12:00 Why men need to hear it’s okay to cry and show emotion
14:00 How talking about loved ones keeps their memory alive
17:10 Why it’s vital to talk to someone before mental health spirals
19:30 The staggering suicide rate among auto technicians and why the industry needs to pay attention
21:20 Why stigma and pride keep too many from getting help
25:20 How Lee leads his shops with an open-door policy for employees
29:10 Why empathy, listening, and growth conversations build stronger teams
31:50 Life is beautiful, depression is real, and no one should face it alone
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