L&M Automotive Performance

26/03/2026

13/02/2026

Monique Engelbrecht
"Mama” (by staff), “Nicky” (by everyone else)
Co-owner

Some call her “The Boss's Boss” or “Die Leeutemmer, but to the workers she is simply "Mama".

Her job title is hard to pin down. Bookkeeper by profession — controls cash flow, payroll, taxes and accounts. Handles international parts sourcing. Ensures that compliance, paperwork, warranties and contracts are watertight.

She doesn’t look like someone who runs a mechanical workshop. She enjoys that people underestimate her.

Nicky is emotionally intelligent, perceptive, and deeply loyal. She reads people quickly and rarely misjudges character. Strong emotional radar and senses tension immediately. Where Leon enforces discipline and structure, she adds compassion and context. She understands that mechanics are not just employees — they are men with pressure, pride, families, and quiet struggles. She does not tolerate laziness. If someone disrespects her team, her husband, or her business, she becomes polite, calm and precise.

Nicky didn’t grow up around cars. She studied bookkeeping and financial management - practical and numbers-driven. She’s been slowly expanding her technical understanding. She’ll ask questions and easily get under a bonnet. She wants to understand — not to control but to connect.

Nicky and Leon built L&M together from scratch. Late nights balancing accounts and living lean during slow times. They are partners in every sense. Leon is decisive, sometimes blunt, mechanically brilliant whereas Nicky is strategic, relational, and long-term focused. He disciplines and she heals. He pushes and she steadies. At race events, they are a synchronized unit. There’s deep respect between them — built through shared struggle, not just romance.

Nicky is the emotional backbone, the financial firewall and the bridge between ambition and sustainability.

13/02/2026

Leon “Leeu” Engelbrecht
Owner

Leon earned the nickname “Leeu” from a supplier. The name stuck because it was accurate. When Leon enters the workshop and raises his voice, the atmosphere changes. Conversations quiet, postures straighten and focus sharpens. He doesn’t "roar" constantly — but when he does, everyone responds. His authority isn’t fear-based — it’s presence-based.

Leon rarely stands still. He moves with urgency, quick strides cutting across the workshop floor. He only sits when absolutely necessary — usually when deep into vehicle software, tuning, or analyzing management systems on a laptop. There’s an intensity about him. Even when calm, he feels charged.

Leon is driven in a way that borders on relentless. He is loud, passionate, proud, hardworking and emotionally expressive.
When he’s happy, the entire workshop knows it. When he’s angry, they definitely know it.
He runs L&M Automotive Performance with structured precision. Despite his loud personality, his management style is not chaotic — it’s organized, deliberate, and standards-driven. He expects discipline because he holds himself to it first.

Leon did not grow up privileged. Money was earned, never given. From a young age, he worked — learning the value of discipline, self-reliance, and resilience. Cars and motorcycles were not just interests; they were instinct. He displayed a natural mechanical intuition long before formal training. In school, he excelled in Mechanical Technology, earning recognition for both theoretical understanding and hands-on ability. His performance secured him an apprenticeship bursary with Barloworld Toyota, where he trained rigorously and eventually qualified as a Master Automotive Technician.

Leon has an exceptional diagnostic ability. His passion lies in vehicle management systems and performance conversions — the intersection where mechanical hardware meets software precision. He can tune an old carburettor by ear and recalibrate a modern ECU by data. Few can comfortably operate in both worlds. Leon thrives in both.

Leon doesn’t just build performance — he lives it. He races across multiple disciplines. Speed, control and competition feed the same hunger that drives his workshop success.

He built L&M Automotive Performance into a workshop that reflects his own identity: structured, performance-focused, and proud.

11/02/2026

Jonathan "Krummel" August
Mechanical Assistant

Krummel’s nickname is pure workshop folklore. Asked once what the diminutive of bread was, he confidently answered “crumbs” (krummels in Afrikaans). That moment sealed his fate. The nickname stuck immediately… and forever.

Krummel is the naughty child of the workshop - equal parts energy, chaos, and heart. He’s often jokingly referred to as the boss’s adoptive son, mostly because he’s always around, always involved, and somehow always in trouble. He started out as a cleaner at L&M Automotive Performance, sweeping floors and doing the dirty jobs no one else wanted. Over time, through grit, curiosity, and a lot of trial and error, he’s grown into an assistant mechanic who can now handle real mechanical repairs with confidence.

Hard-working and eager to help, loud mouth, louder alarm clock (not). Constantly lands himself in hot water… usually by talking at the wrong time. Loyal to the workshop and the people in it. A good heart that outweighs his mischief. Krummel may test patience, but he never tests loyalty. When things get tough, he’s the first to pitch in and the last to walk away. Willing to learn, doing anything from cleaning to mechanical assistance. Brings energy and life into the workshop.

In short Krummel is the kind of guy who drives you mad by 10am… but if he’s not there, the workshop feels strangely quiet.

11/02/2026

Koos Engelbrecht "Oupa"
No Particular Job Description (he is everywhere)
🤣

Oupa is the veteran heartbeat of the workshop - 71 years young and still moving like someone forgot to tell him he’s meant to slow down.

Officially, his job is to drop and collect clients, fetch parts, and keep things flowing. Unofficially? He’s everywhere.

If there’s a bonnet open, Oupa’s head is already inside it. He has a lifelong love for cars. The moment a classic rolls into the shop, his eyes light up and he’s ready to start stripping panels before anyone has the jobcard. Those cars remind him of “how things were built properly,” and he treats them with a mix of nostalgia, respect, and excitement.

Oups is friendly and endlessly approachable, helpful to a fault and will put others before himself without hesitation. He is generous with time, effort, and advice. Always busy, always moving and always willing.

Oupa is the kind of man who will stay late to help someone finish a job, then still arrive early the next morning with a smile. He doesn’t complain, doesn’t rush, and doesn’t half-do anything. Constantly “just quickly” helping with something. Loves being under the bonnet, even when he’s not supposed to be.

Oupa isn’t just part of the workshop - he’s part of its history, its rhythm, and its soul.

11/02/2026

Sa'eed "Shakira" Ferris
Mechanic Apprentice

Sa’eed, known in the workshop as Shakira, is still very much the “workshop baby". Just under a year into his service, but already proving he belongs here.

He landed in the right place at the right time, earning an apprenticeship bursary despite coming straight out of a mainstream high school with absolutely no mechanical background. What he lacked in experience, he made up for with attitude.

From day one, Sa’eed showed a willingness to start at the bottom; sweeping floors, cleaning bays and fetching tools without complaint or ego. He watches closely, listens carefully, and learns fast. Over the past months he’s grown steadily in confidence and competence, progressing from basic workshop duties to assisting with, and now completing, small service repairs under supervision.

Every task, no matter how minor, is taken seriously, and each success clearly fuels his motivation to learn more. Sa’eed is curious, respectful, and eager to improve. He understands that mastery in the trade takes time, and he’s patient enough to put in the work.

Still green, still learning - but shaping very well and on the right path to becoming a solid mechanic.

11/02/2026

Ethan Newman
Mechanic

Ethan is talkative, sharp-witted, and endlessly stirring the spoon in the workshop. He thrives on banter, good-natured conflict, and keeping morale lively - even if it occasionally gets him in trouble. Silence makes him uncomfortable; if something isn’t being discussed, joked about, or questioned, Ethan will be the one to start it. Beneath the humor is a mechanic who takes deep pride in his workmanship. When it comes to the job itself, he is methodical, disciplined, and precise. He believes that how a job is done matters just as much as the result. While he jokes loudly, he works quietly, focused, organized, and deliberate.

He has built a career on broad, practical knowledge of both petrol and diesel vehicles, understanding not just how systems fail, but why they fail. Ethan actively grows with technology, embracing updates, new platforms, and unfamiliar systems. Where others hesitate, he sees opportunity. The unknown isn’t a threat, it’s a challenge.

While capable across many vehicle types, Ethan is the workshop "Porsche man". He understands the brand’s engineering philosophy, tolerances, and quirks, treating each vehicle with a balance of respect and confidence. He enjoys the complexity and precision Porsche demands.

Ethan’s voice is always present in the workshop; calling out observations, making sarcastic comments, or narrating what he’s doing for anyone listening. His face often carries a knowing grin that signals trouble is about to be stirred.

11/02/2026

Anré “Kleintjie” Buys
Mechanic Apprentice

Perpetually grease-stained and unapologetically dirty. If he’s clean, something’s wrong. Brings big enthusiasm, a willingness to help, and those occasional light-bulb moments that make his whole day.

Started out as the classic “hold-the-light” kid when he was only 15 years old... and never really left the workshop. Walked straight into an apprenticeship after school, choosing torque wrenches over textbooks and learning the trade the hands-on way.

Still learning, but eager, attentive, and full of potential. Picks things up fast when given the chance and thrives on real-world problem solving. Friendly, soft-hearted, and genuinely excited when he manages to diagnose and fix something on his own. Loves the win, even if it comes with extra grease stains. His goal is to become a fully certified mechanic and keep growing into the trade.

11/02/2026

Daylin "Baksteen" Seals
Storeman / Runner

Baksteen is very short in stature, compact and solid, with a posture that’s always slightly forward-leaning, like he’s about to move before anyone finishes speaking. He gives the impression of constant momentum, even when standing still. Around his neck hangs the storeroom key, resting against his chest like a badge of trust.

Baksteen operates from the parts room. Around him are shelves stacked with filters, gaskets, sensors, fluids, and neatly (or seemingly chaotically) labeled boxes. Some systems make sense to others; most only make sense to him. He knows exactly where everything is. If it’s missing, he knows why, who touched it, and how fast it can be replaced. The parts room isn’t just storage, it’s territory.

Baksteen is dependable to a fault. When pressure rises, he becomes sharper, faster, more focused. He thrives on urgency and chaos, often performing at his absolute best when everyone else is stressed or behind schedule. He is fiercely protective of “his” inventory. Nothing leaves the storeroom without his knowledge, and nothing arrives without being checked twice. His pride doesn’t come from recognition, it comes from knowing the workshop runs because he’s moving.

Baksteen never attended formal mechanical training. Everything he knows was learned through observation, repetition, and being present—watching senior mechanics work, listening more than talking, absorbing knowledge piece by piece. Occasionally, he helps out with basic mechanical services, especially when hands are short or time is tight.

He doesn’t pretend to be more than he is, but he’s far more capable than most expect. No workshop runs without someone willing to run for it. And he’s already halfway out the door before anyone else realizes it.

11/02/2026

Bradwin "Brad" Anthony
Mechanic

His face tells stories before he ever does: calm eyes, a serious mouth, and a few hard-earned lines that didn’t come from age alone. The grey in his hair is blamed squarely on “the boss,” and Brad will neither confirm nor deny it, but the workshop knows the truth.

He moves with economy. No wasted steps. No flashy gestures. When Brad is under a bonnet, it’s quiet and things usually get fixed. Brad is known simply as “The Ford Guy.” If it’s a Ford, the guys look for him before they look at the jobcard. He’s silent, loyal, and hardworking. He is the kind of man who notices everything, but speaks only when it matters. He doesn’t gossip, doesn’t shout, and doesn’t show off. His authority comes from consistency, not volume. Calm and even-tempered, observant without commentary and respected by coworkers, especially the younger ones. He is family-orientated, steady, dependable BUT everyone knows a line exists. Push him too far, corner him unfairly, or disrespect his work — and the calm disappears fast. When Brad gets angry, it’s rare… and it’s taken seriously.

The Ford Focus ST's (His Undoing): Somewhere in the world exists a lime green and a blue Ford Focus ST that has personally tested Brad’s patience, confidence, and faith in machinery. Whenever one rolls into the workshop, shoulders tense just a little. He doesn’t complain, but discouragement creeps in. It’s the car that refuses to be predictable, the one that reminds him that even decades of experience don’t guarantee victory. And yet… he still takes the job. Every time.

Last year brought a major health scare, one that shook the whole workshop. Thankfully, he came through it, quieter than before, but wiser. When he looks pale or off, “Mamma” is quick to step in: “Go buy a sweet.” And he listens. Always.

Despite everything — the years, the scare, the stubborn cars, Brad remains open to learning, willing to adapt, and quietly determined to grow. Experience hasn’t hardened him. It’s refined him. Brad's is loyal to the bone, calm under pressure, has a deep mechanical intuition, family first moto, quiet strength, earned respect - not demanded.