Small Business Day 2026: The Small Business Talent Advantage

As labor shortages continue to challenge industries across the country, many small business owners are searching for new ways to recruit, retain, and develop talent. For businesses in the skilled trades in particular, this issue has become increasingly urgent as aging workforces and declining interest among younger workers shrink traditional hiring pipelines.

This is a challenge that Dwayne Myers, Co-Owner and CEO of Dynamic Automotive and the 2025 CO—100 Top Small Business, has faced head-on and solved. At CO—’s 2026 Small Business Day, Myers spoke with Mike Morello, Chief Digital Officer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, about how his company built a sustainable talent pipeline through apprenticeship programs, intentional career paths, and strong community relationships. Here’s what other small businesses can learn from his experience.

Apprenticeship programs helped rebuild the talent pipeline

About 15 years ago, said Myers, Maryland-based Dynamic Automotive began struggling to attract young entry-level workers to the automotive industry. Despite participating in school career events and outreach programs, interest among students had sharply declined.

“We were worried,” Myers said. “How are we going to fix cars if we have no one to do that?”

In response, the company launched apprenticeship programs designed to create a direct pipeline from local career and technology schools into the business. While the first versions of the program were not immediately successful, Myers said the company continued refining the model and eventually partnered with the state of Maryland to strengthen the structure.

The results were dramatic. The program, which once produced almost no applicants, eventually led to a waiting list of interested students ready to join the company when they graduate.

“We now get to pick the right people to be on our team, so it strengthens our culture,” Myers noted.

[Read more: How to Attract Employees to Your Small Business] 

Clear career paths improve retention and company culture

According to Myers, one of the biggest lessons Dynamic Automotive learned was the importance of providing employees with a clear long-term path for growth. Rather than treating training as an occasional activity, the company built structured development programs that continue regardless of how busy operations become.

“We ask them their one-, three-, and five-year goals, and then we try to help them achieve them,” Myers said.

Beyond technical training, Dynamic Automotive also helps employees pursue professional development, homeownership goals, certifications, and career advancement opportunities. The company even partnered with a local community college to create its own leadership training program. Myers said that this level of investment helps employees feel valued, which strengthens both retention and recruitment.

“People want to come to work with people that they know care,” he said.

Promoting from within strengthens leadership and culture

Myers said the company intentionally focuses on internal promotion opportunities so technicians and staff members can continue growing their careers without needing to leave the business or start their own companies to advance. 

All seven of Dynamic Automotive’s locations are currently managed by employees who worked their way up through the organization. This approach not only preserves institutional knowledge but also creates stronger leaders who already understand the company’s culture and values.

“We give them a chance … the chance to actually lead and have a say in what's going on,” Myers said. “That’s part of our culture.”

[Read more: 6 Proven Strategies to Turn Managers Into Effective Leaders] 

Community involvement and networking create long-term opportunities

Beyond workforce development, Myers also emphasized the importance of building relationships within the broader business community. 

After struggling through the 2007–2008 financial crisis while expanding the company, Myers realized Dynamic Automotive had focused too heavily inward and lacked strong outside relationships. Since then, the company has become deeply involved in local chambers of commerce and community organizations, helping the business build a strong network of leaders, elected officials, and fellow entrepreneurs. 

Myers encouraged other small business owners to invest in the communities they serve, since strong relationships often open doors to resources, guidance, and support during difficult moments.

“Your network … is one of the most powerful tools you will have,” he said. “You will get to know the people that make a difference. Those people know other people. If you have a problem, they can find someone to help you solve it.”

[Read more: Benefits of Joining a Local Chamber of Commerce] 

CO— aims to bring you inspiration from leading respected experts. However, before making any business decision, you should consult a professional who can advise you based on your individual situation.