The Wellness Formula: 3 Ways Josiah Martin Balances Auto Repair and Family Health Challenges

Owning an auto repair business is demanding, but balancing work with family life is an entirely different challenge – especially when life throws unexpected curveballs. For Josiah Martin, co-owner of Limitless Auto Center in Oley, Pennsylvania, finding that balance has been challenging, which has taught him to build resilience and learn his priorities. Over the past few years, Josiah has grown his business from two to seven employees while navigating significant family health challenges. His story provides shop owners valuable lessons on juggling work and family while maintaining personal wellness.

Building a Business During Uncertainty

Josiah Martin entered the auto repair industry at 16, rebuilding alternators and starters. His hands-on experience expanded to heavy electrical work and eventually to a general independent shop where he worked for eight years as a technician.

In 2020, Josiah and a business partner, Burnell Zimmerman, made a bold move: they purchased an existing auto repair shop during the height of the pandemic. “We started with just the two of us,” he recalls. “Now, we’ve grown to a team of seven.” The growth of Limitless Auto Center was impressive, but behind the scenes, Josiah faced significant personal challenges.
During this time, Martin’s family life changed dramatically. He became a father to two sons diagnosed with maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), a rare genetic condition. In December 2020, his 18-month-old son–who is now 5-½ years old–underwent a liver transplant. Now, his youngest son, just one-year-old, is also awaiting a transplant. Martin’s journey showcases the importance of balancing family priorities with business responsibilities.

Three Ways to Balance Work, Family, and Wellness

Josiah Martin shares three key strategies that have helped him manage his growing business while caring for his family’s health needs.

1. Know Your Priorities

One of the biggest lessons Josiah has learned is the importance of setting clear priorities. “My kids are only going to be young once,” he says. “You can get another job, but not another family.”
This mindset shift is part of a broader generational change in how people view work-life balance. Martin recognizes that previous generations often lived to work, but he’s adopted a different approach: he works to live.
When his son needed a liver transplant, Martin and his wife spent two months in Pittsburgh for the procedure and recovery. To keep the business running, his partner and part-time staff stepped up. “We couldn’t pay me for a while, but we made it work,” he says.
Josiah emphasizes that being honest with yourself about your limitations is crucial. “You have to set realistic expectations,” he advises. “Be flexible and forthright about what you can and cannot do.”

2. Set Boundaries and Be Intentional with Your Time

Running a business requires long hours, but Josiah has learned the importance of setting boundaries to make time for his family. Last summer, Limitless Auto Center implemented a four-day workweek, giving Martin more flexibility to attend doctor’s appointments and spend time with his family.
“You need to be specific about personal time,” he says. “When I came back from the transplant, I knew family needed a set amount of my time.”
Martin intentionally prioritizes his health and wellness, which helps him manage stress. He makes time for activities like reading, walking, and watching a favorite show with his wife.
“Stress is huge in this business,” he notes. “You’ve got to assess where your stress is coming from. Write down everything you need to do and prioritize it.”
Josiah’s approach to setting boundaries also extends to his team. He’s created a family-friendly culture at Limitless Auto Center, understanding that his employees also have personal lives and family responsibilities. “I’m family-centered, and I’m flexible with the needs of families,” he says.

3. Leverage Support Systems

One of the pivotal moments in Martin’s journey was when he began working with business coach Rick White, managing partner of One Eighty Business Solutions LLC . “Rick helped me set up the business to run without me,” Martin says. “That’s been critical.”
White says that one thing that sets Martin apart from other younger shop owners is his willingness to implement new ideas genuinely. “I’m finding the shop owners reaching out for coaching to be younger today, and that’s amazing.” says White. “They aren’t getting jaded by their experiences like so many shop owners have done in the past. Asking for help and guidance doesn’t have the negativity surrounding it as it did for older shop owners, many of whom still need help but have either given up on their dream or are still trying to figure it out on their own.”
Business owners often start their ventures seeking freedom but quickly become trapped by endless responsibilities. Martin said that working with a business coach helped him to visualize creating a business that doesn’t rely solely on the owner, which is essential for long-term sustainability.
Martin also leaned on nonprofit organizations like the Child Organ Transplant Association (COTA), which helped fund his family’s stay during his son’s transplant. Building a network of support, both personally and professionally, has been key to managing his dual responsibilities as a business owner and a father.

Balance Requires Intentionality

Josiah Martin’s story highlights that achieving a work-life balance is an ongoing process that requires intentionality and effort. It’s about recognizing what truly matters and setting boundaries to protect those priorities, which involves self-awareness.
“You have to be honest with yourself,” he says. “Know your priorities and stick to them. Your family should come first.”
Martin has found a way to grow his business while ensuring his family remains at the center of his life by being proactive about time management, setting boundaries and leaning on support systems. His story is a powerful reminder that it’s possible to thrive in work and family life – with the right strategies.