From Burnout to Business Owner: A Journey of Risk, Resilience, and Reward
After decades in the automotive dealership world, the long hours and relentless pressure finally took their toll pushing Denise Garagan to start Denny Dealer Services.
“I was burned out,” Denise admitted. “The endless hours, the relentless monthly targets, and the constant feeling of starting from scratch left me drained. I realized I was living to work, not working to live.”
The breaking point came when she realized she was missing out on time with her teenage kids. “They needed me more than ever,” Denise said. “I knew something had to change.”
At a crossroads, she began calling colleagues and friends in the industry. “Automotive was all I had ever known,” Denise explained, “but I believed there had to be another path, something more sustainable and meaningful.”
That’s when she was introduced to an opportunity with a warranty company specializing in used vehicles. Unlike the limited coverage options she had seen before, this one offered full coverage, a product she instantly recognized as valuable.
“With rising vehicle costs, parts, and labor, I saw a clear market need,” Denise recalled. “It felt like the right time to make a bold move.”
It was a leap of faith. “We sold our home and invested the proceeds into my first year of business and the purchase of my first vehicle,” Denise said. “Becoming an entrepreneur is not for the faint of heart, it’s grit, sacrifice, and countless moments of solitude. But with the unwavering support of my husband, I pressed forward. You simply can’t do this alone.”
The early days were anything but glamorous. “People think starting a business is exciting – and it can be – but the reality is little downtime, persistent cash flow challenges, and total dedication,” Denise said. “It cannot be done part-time.”
For her, success came down to more than just hard work. “You need a strong support system, financial planning, mentorship, and community,” Denise emphasized. “Surround yourself with advisors, peers, and resources that guide and encourage you.”
Early on, she wrote down her values and created a vision map detailing where she wanted to be in three, five, and ten years. “Every December, we revisit our goals as a family and a business,” Denise explained. “We reflect on progress and plan for the year ahead. That practice has carried me through the tough seasons.”
Today, the business has grown into a balanced, sustainable operation. “I work three days a week in the summer to recharge, so we hit the ground running in September,” Denise said. Whether through training, conferences, or candid team discussions, the company realigns and refocuses each year. “We also promote flexibility, if someone wants to start early to golf in the afternoon or enjoy a long weekend, we support it. Flexibility fosters sustainability and empowers our team to take ownership of their work.”
One of her most pivotal moves was joining the Centre for Women in Business (CWB). “The programming, networking, and camaraderie gave me the support I needed during those early, isolating days,” Denise said. “Through COVID, our coffee chats at Coffee Talk kept me grounded and connected.”
It was during those challenging times that Denise began to think beyond her region. “Until then, our focus was largely centered in Atlantic Canada. But I asked myself: Why not expand? After all, ‘no’ is free and growth demands boldness.”
That mindset led to expansion across North America and certifications with WBE Canada and WeConnect International. “These credentials have opened doors and allowed us to compete for major business opportunities,” Denise said. “Being able to quote on national and international work has elevated our business to an entirely new level.”
Community support has also been a cornerstone of that growth. “Our partnership with the Nova Scotia Dealer Association and strong dealer relationships have fueled our success,” Denise shared. Now, with additional products such as paving materials, the company is expanding into new markets and building connections through local chambers and other strategic networks.
“This journey hasn’t been easy,” Denise reflected, “but it’s been worth every step. From burnout to business ownership, I’ve found purpose, freedom, and a future I can build on, not just for me, but for my family and my team.”
Learn more about Denny Dealer Services here!