Josh Layhue

About Josh Layhue

I help independent auto repair shops turn urgency and chaos into clarity and control.As CEO of Shop Hero Dashboard, I partner with shop owners and leadership teams to build workflow systems that deliver real-time visibility, actionable metrics, and operational discipline. The goal: less chaos, more profit, and the freedom to lead instead of being the bottleneck.My background includes 20+ years in high-tech and SaaS—ranging from roles at NASA and Lockheed Martin to multiple startup environments. That experience taught me how to build scalable platforms, align teams, and drive high-leverage solutions. Today I apply those lessons to serving “blue-collar” operators who aren’t used to treating their shop like a scalable business.Core Focus AreasWorkflow optimization: check-in to drop-off, first-contact to estimate-to-sell, parts-ordered to work-started.Real-time metrics & dashboards: cycle time, tech productivity, shop capacity, customer communication.Leadership enablement: freeing the owner from being the decision hub, enabling remote visibility, building accountability.If you’re running a busy shop and still feel like too much of the operation depends on you and your team remembering everything, there’s a better way. Workflow clarity and actionable data can transform how your team operates.Let’s connect if you care about: Turning your shop from reactive to proactive Getting your team pulling in one direction Scaling without you being involved in every decision

Experience

1. Co-founder, CEO

   Shop Hero Dashboard

   Sep 2024 — Present · Erie, PA, US

   Founder and CEO of Shop Hero Dashboard, a workflow operating system built for independent auto repair shops to replace ad-hoc processes with designed, measurable systems.Own product vision, company strategy, and customer success. Built a standardized workflow architecture that enables shops to surface and improve core operating constraints including wait time, technician utilization, and throughput.Lead customer discovery and adoption strategy, designing onboarding and lifecycle systems that move customers from initial activation to sustained operational ownership.Establish strategic partnerships with industry associations, data-integration platforms, and other organizations in the space to extend distribution and accelerate market trust.Build and lead a high-ownership team and culture centered on clarity, accountability, and continuous improvement—mirroring the workflow discipline we help shops implement inside their businesses.

Education

• Gannon University

  MSEE, Engineering

  2003 — 2004

• Pennsylvania State University-Erie Campus

  BS, Electrical and Electronics Engineering

  2000 — 2002

Skills

• Testing
• Electrical Engineering
• Programming
• Engineering
• Software Engineering
• Software Development
• Project Management
• Strategic Planning
• Program Management
• System Architecture
• System Design
• Integration
• Matlab
• Public Speaking
• Embedded Systems
• Signal Processing
• Social Media
• Systems Engineering
• Systems Design
• Algorithms
• Mobile Applications