Thanks to our partner Promotive

The mega-money players have arrived—and they’re changing the game for independent auto repair shops.

Private equity is buying up some of the best shops in the country, often paying prices that make long-time owners’ jaws drop. But what does this mean for you—the shop owner still running your business day-to-day? Should you be worried, or is there a hidden opportunity in all this change?

In this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demerast, CPA at Paar Melis & Associates, breaks down what private equity really is, why they’re suddenly so interested in auto repair, and the strategies they use to buy, scale, and sell. You’ll learn not just how they operate—but what independent shop owners can borrow from their playbook to boost profitability and stay competitive.

What You’ll Learn:

(02:51) Why this episode isn’t about “how to sell”—and what it is about

(03:27) The number one rule when approached by private equity (and why going it alone is risky)

(04:42) How other industries—collision, HVAC, dealerships—have already been through this wave of consolidation

(08:57) The big labor rate advantage collision shops have, and why private equity thinks it can apply to repair shops

(11:16) The mindset difference: why private equity is only about profitable work

(13:50) Strength in numbers: why 80 small shops are worth far more together than apart

(16:10) How tire sales and bulk purchasing make their numbers work

(17:57) The lessons independent shops can steal from private equity’s approach

(20:15) The choice: build for community or build for maximum money

(22:27) Why a private equity buyout might actually make your life easier

(24:37) The two possible futures for private equity in auto repair—and which is more likely

If you’ve been curious, concerned, or just plain baffled by the rise of private equity in the auto repair world, this episode gives you the insider view—and the tools to prepare for what’s next.

Thanks to our partner Promotive

It’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit www.gopromotive.com.

Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive Repair

Visit us Online: www.paarmelis.com

Email Hunt: [email protected]

Text Paar Melis @ 301-307-5413

Download a Copy of My Books Here:

• Wrenches to Write-Offs
• Your Perfect Shop 

The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/

Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto https://remarkableresults.biz/

Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/

Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/

The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/

The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/

Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/