A view on modern success: Joshua Lin on mindset, relationships, and growth in auto care
For Joshua Lin of Pacer Dynamics, success in Canada’s auto care industry is not defined by a single promotion, milestone, or standout moment. Instead, it is shaped by consistency, discipline, and a commitment to taking the long view, particularly in an industry experiencing rapid technological, economic, and cultural change.
Early in his career, Lin viewed success through a more traditional lens. “In my twenties, I defined success through specific, measurable achievements,” he says. “As my career progressed, I realized that success is not a series of isolated moments. It looks more like a continuous camera roll that does not pause or speed up, even when you wish it would.”
Redefining success
Today, Lin defines success as a mindset rather than a destination. Anchored by values such as integrity, excellence, and resilience, success means showing up consistently and contributing meaningfully, regardless of circumstances. “Even on days when motivation, circumstances, and outcomes are at their lowest,” he explains, “it is still possible to be in a state of success.”
This perspective directly informs how Lin approaches the auto care industry. For him, success requires long-term thinking and a clear understanding of how the industry fits within a broader global ecosystem. “Taking the long view helps clarify what is within my control and influence,” he says. “That clarity guides my decisions and actions toward sustainable, long-term outcomes.”
Remaining open to learning is another cornerstone of Lin’s approach. He believes growth begins with accepting a few fundamental truths: change is constant, knowledge depreciates over time, and adaptation is essential. At the same time, he cautions against growth without direction. “Not all growth is relevant or healthy,” Lin notes. “Without focus, it is easy to end up in a perpetual cycle of going nowhere fast.”
Power through connection
To stay grounded, he relies on a clear vision and a strong set of values, supported by situational awareness. Curiosity also plays a critical role. Lin intentionally builds relationships with peers who share a growth-oriented mindset and seeks perspectives outside the auto care industry. “Engaging with people from other fields stretches our thinking and fuels innovation,” he says.
He points to cross-industry learning as a powerful driver of progress. “The assembly line, popularized by Ford, was inspired by the meat packing industry,” Lin explains. “Observing what has worked elsewhere and applying it with relevant adaptations can strengthen productivity and resilience in our own sector.”
When offering advice to other young professionals, Lin is candid about the challenges of committing to long-term goals. “Long-term goals are ambitious, complex, and exposed to more variables,” he says. “Short-term wins may feel more tangible and rewarding, but investing only in quick returns will not lead to lasting success.”
A long-term mindset, he believes, requires realistic expectations, patience, and the right attitude. This includes a bias toward action combined with self-awareness about what is known and what is not. Flexibility is equally important, allowing plans to evolve as new information emerges. “Early in my career, mentors pointed out that I was often impatient,” Lin recalls. “While urgency has its place, patience gives long-term goals the opportunity to mature and succeed.”
Sustained progress also demands regular reflection and trade-offs. “Selection and deselection are necessary to stay aligned with the long view,” he explains. “Losing focus over time is natural, but staying focused requires deliberate intervention.” Lin compares this to pruning trees, maintaining engines, or keeping water hot through continuous energy. “The same principles apply to organizations and our own minds.”
Relationships, he emphasizes, are what make that discipline sustainable. In an industry defined by interdependence, strong connections across manufacturers, distributors, installers, and customers are essential. “People buy from people,” Lin says. “It does not have to be a zero-sum game. The market is large enough for all of us, and we can choose to grow together.”
Overcoming adversity as a young professional
Operating at the manufacturing level presents unique challenges, particularly when consumer feedback travels through multiple layers. To address this, Lin and his colleagues prioritize building feedback loops with partners who maintain direct contact with end consumers. He also describes a simple leadership practice that keeps decisions customer-centric: imagining the customer sitting in the room. “We ask ourselves what they would think of this decision,” he says.
Fairness and equity further shape how Lin builds trust and loyalty. He believes that prioritizing service to people over incremental financial gains leads to stronger long-term outcomes. “A well-run business finds the intersection between people and profits,” he explains. That philosophy influences everything from pricing structures to product recommendations, recognizing that one size does not fit all.
Navigating generational and cultural differences comes down to curiosity, perspective-taking, and empathy. Lin sees significant value in cross-generational collaboration, where younger professionals bring fresh perspectives and new approaches, while experienced leaders provide depth, context, and wisdom shaped by experience. “Learning flows both ways,” he says. “By strengthening multi-generational connections, we can accomplish far more together than any generation could alone.”
During periods of economic uncertainty, Lin focuses on preparation rather than reaction. He compares careers to surfing, noting that individuals cannot control external conditions but can control how prepared they are when opportunities arise. “Calmer waters are the time to reposition, build skills, and sharpen the craft,” he says.
Ultimately, Lin’s definition of success is grounded in patience, discipline, and relationships. By staying values-driven, customer-focused, and open to learning, he believes long-term success in auto care becomes not only achievable, but sustainable.