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Thanks to our partners Promotive and Wicked File Should your shop carry life insurance on a key employee? What if one employee's unexpected death could cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars? In this episode, Hunt Demarest tackles everything you need to know about life insurance for auto repair shop owners and their teams — covering key person insurance, term vs. whole life policies, tax implications, and how much coverage actually makes sense for your situation. Unlike most conversations about life insurance, this one comes with zero sales agenda. Hunt breaks down the real economics of life insurance, why it's almost never tax-deductible (and why that's actually a good thing), and the five critical questions every shop owner should ask before buying a policy. Drawing on real client situations, from key employee coverage to bank-required policies, this episode explains when life insurance is essential protection versus when it's an unnecessary expense, and how to think through coverage amounts based on debt, dependents, and the true cost of losing critical team members. What you’ll learn… (02:20) Why shop owners are suddenly asking about life insurance (03:00) What key person life insurance actually is and whether you need employee permission to buy it (06:20) The real cost of losing a key employee: calculating the financial impact of a technician, manager, or yourself (11:55) Term life vs. whole life vs. universal life: the real differences explained without the sales pitch (14:35) Why term life insurance is the better choice for 99% of shop owners and when it isn't (18:50) Can you write off life insurance premiums? The non-deductible expense rule explained (19:40) Why writing off life insurance premiums is a terrible deal, even though you technically can (22:55) The five questions to ask yourself before buying life insurance: debt, dependents, goals, and money (24:15) Why life insurance is statistically a bad deal and why you should probably have it anyway 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 https://gopromotive.com/ Thanks to our Partner WickedFile Turn chaos into clarity with WickedFile, the AI for auto repair shops. Transform invoices into insights, protect cash flow, and stop losing parts, cores, or credits to maximize your bottom line. visit https://info.wickedfile.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-OffsYour Perfect Shop a href="https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Thanks to our partners Promotive and Wicked File Are you unknowingly doing things that make the IRS take a closer look at your shop? What if one “small” filing mistake dramatically increases your audit risk this tax season? In this episode, Hunt Demarest walks through the most common tax mistakes that raise red flags with the IRS — and why many well-intentioned shop owners accidentally put themselves in the audit spotlight every year. Drawing on real audit cases from auto repair shops, Hunt explains how filing late, amending returns, underreporting income, and mismatched 1099 reporting can quickly escalate into full-blown audits, even when nothing dishonest was intended. This episode also breaks down why Schedule C amendments are especially dangerous, how credit card deposits and sales tax reporting can trigger IRS scrutiny, and what shop owners should do before filing to minimize risk, close the books cleanly, and move into the new year with confidence. What you’ll learn… (03:00) Understanding IRS audits and common mistakes (05:45) Hunt’s personal experience with being audited (06:40) How to prevent ever getting audited (09:00) What actually increases audit risk — and what doesn’t (11:50) Income reporting and its applications (15:05) The impact of K1’s and other income sources (17:55) High-risk income types and their audit potential (21:15) Losses and their effect on audit risk (24:00) Filing strategies to minimize audit risk (27:00) Final thoughts on tax preparation and audits 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 https://gopromotive.com/ Thanks to our Partner WickedFile Turn chaos into clarity with WickedFile, the AI for auto repair shops. Transform invoices into insights, protect cash flow, and stop losing parts, cores, or credits to maximize your bottom line. visit https://info.wickedfile.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-OffsYour Perfect Shop The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion a href="https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/"

Thanks to our partners Promotive and Wicked File Are you sure you’re capturing every tax deduction your shop — and your employees — are entitled to this year? What if missing one small detail hands more money to the IRS than necessary? In this episode, Hunt Demarest kicks off the new tax season by breaking down the most important tax rule changes shop owners need to understand for 2026, and just as importantly, who actually qualifies for them. From overtime deductions and tip taxation to the surprisingly nuanced rules around car loan interest and a new senior tax break, Hunt explains what’s real, what’s misunderstood, and where shop owners should (and should not) be taking action. Using real-world payroll examples and clear math, this episode cuts through the headlines to show how these changes affect employees, owners, and families differently — and why failing to understand the details could mean leaving thousands of dollars on the table or creating unnecessary IRS risk. What you’ll discover… (02:00) The four major tax changes affecting auto repair businesses this year (04:49) Why most auto repair shops do not qualify for tip deductions (07:15) How overtime deductions actually work — and what “qualified overtime” really means (09:55) How state overtime rules can complicate federal tax deductions (14:55) Why owners, spouses, and many family members do not qualify for overtime deductions (16:55) The new car loan interest deduction — and why most shop owners won’t qualify (18:00) The hidden rules that eliminate many vehicles from the car loan write-off (22:05) Why “made in the USA” matters more than brand name (23:10) When buying a new car might make more sense than a used car financially (25:25) The new senior tax deduction and who benefits most from it 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 https://gopromotive.com/ Thanks to our Partner WickedFile Turn chaos into clarity with WickedFile, the AI for auto repair shops. Transform invoices into insights, protect cash flow, and stop losing parts, cores, or credits to maximize your bottom line. visit https://info.wickedfile.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-OffsYour Perfect Shop The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: a href="https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Thanks to our partners Promotive and Wicked File Are you setting sales goals that actually make you more money — or just more tired? What if your biggest growth goal is quietly setting your shop up for failure? In this episode, Hunt Demarest breaks down one of the most common (and dangerous) mistakes shop owners make when planning for growth: setting sales targets without understanding the real constraints behind them. Building on the ideas introduced in Episode 200, Hunt walks through how to set profit-driven goals instead of vanity sales numbers — and how to pressure-test those goals against your people, pricing, productivity, and physical space before they turn into stress, burnout, or shrinking margins. Using real shop examples and simple math, this episode shows how to reverse-engineer a sales target from profit, identify your true limiting factors, and decide whether growth should come from pricing, car count, ARO, staffing, or capacity — not guesswork. What you’ll learn… (00:01) Why every shop owner needs a growth goal — and why the wrong one can lead to disaster (03:00) Setting sales goals vs profit goals (05:10) How to work backward from profit into gross profit and sales (06:35) Why sustained 30–50% growth is unrealistic for most auto repair shops (08:25) The danger of planning future years before fixing today’s constraints (10:40) Calculating sales targets for profit (13:30) Why labor rate is often the biggest lever — not car count (18:00) How to identify limiting factors in business growth (19:55) Using ARO versus car count to find the least painful path to growth (24:40) How to maximize profitability and resources 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 https://gopromotive.com/ Thanks to our Partner WickedFile Turn chaos into clarity with WickedFile, the AI for auto repair shops. Transform invoices into insights, protect cash flow, and stop losing parts, cores, or credits to maximize your bottom line. visit https://info.wickedfile.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-OffsYour Perfect Shop The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm...

Thanks to our partners Promotive and Wicked File Are you making end-of-year tax decisions that truly save you money, or just creating future headaches? What if the moves you think are smart tax strategies are quietly costing you more than they save? In this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest, CPA with Paar Melis & Associates, walks shop owners through the most important end-of-year financial and tax considerations — and the costly misconceptions that show up every December. Hunt breaks down which deductions actually move the needle, why retirement contributions can generate cash instead of draining it, and how poor inventory, receivables, and payroll timing can inflate your tax bill without you realizing it. Ideal for auto repair shop owners, managers, and operators who want a clear, realistic financial outlook for 2026 — without hype, political spin, or costly misconceptions. What you’ll discover… (2:23) What the BOI report was, why it disappeared, and why you can forget about it (04:00) How interest rates actually moved from 2023–2025 and what shop owners are really seeing (9:40) Why slowing inflation doesn’t mean prices are coming down (13:30) The affordability problem facing consumers — and how it affects your customers (16:30) Stock market realities, AI concentration, and what precious metals signal (21:45) The truth about ERTC payments, audits, and why “fast-track” offers are scams (24:50) No tax on tips: what changed, what didn’t, and who actually qualifies (27:45) No tax on overtime — what “overtime premium” really means for employees (29:50) What employers should share with their teams about overtime reporting 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 https://gopromotive.com/ Thanks to our Partner WickedFile Turn chaos into clarity with WickedFile, the AI for auto repair shops. Transform invoices into insights, protect cash flow, and stop losing parts, cores, or credits to maximize your bottom line. visit https://info.wickedfile.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-OffsYour Perfect Shop The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio...

Thanks to our partners Promotive and Wicked File Health insurance premiums keep climbing — but 2026 could bring the biggest shakeup in years. In this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest, CPA with Paar Melis & Associates, breaks down what’s happening in the small-business health insurance landscape after recent ACA subsidy changes — and why a new Republican-backed House bill could change how shop owners buy coverage and support their teams. Hunt explains the economics behind rising premiums, who’s actually affected by the loss of ACA subsidies, and why shop owners may see new opportunities if association health plans and expanded health reimbursement accounts (HRAs) become available. Whether you already offer health insurance or you’re considering it in 2026, this episode will help you understand what’s real, what’s political, and what’s worth watching. Ideal for shop owners and managers who want clarity on benefits costs, recruiting strategy, and what changes may be coming in the next open enrollment cycle. What you’ll discover… (02:00) The current state of small business health insurance — and why premiums keep rising 10–20% a year (05:40) How the ACA reshaped the market (06:30) What the new House bill is, why it’s being debated now, and the January 31 deadline looming in the background (08:00) Who the loss of ACA subsidies impacts most — and why many shops may see little direct effect (16:10) Association health plans: how small businesses could join buying groups like big employers (and why that could lower premiums) (19:25) Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRAs): the tax advantage shop owners may finally be able to use more flexibly (23:45) What to do now: when it’s smart to wait, when it’s not, and why open enrollment timing matters (25:00) The future of health insurance for small businesses 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 https://gopromotive.com/ Thanks to our Partner WickedFile Turn chaos into clarity with WickedFile, the AI for auto repair shops. Transform invoices into insights, protect cash flow, and stop losing parts, cores, or credits to maximize your bottom line. visit https://info.wickedfile.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-OffsYour Perfect Shop The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: a href="https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Thanks to our partners Promotive and Wicked File Training might be the most misunderstood investment in the auto-repair industry — and one of the most expensive when done wrong. In this week’s episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest, CPA with Paar Melis & Associates, sits down with David Boyes, President of Today’s Class, to unpack why so many training programs fail, how to actually measure technician growth, and what modern training looks like in the era of mobile learning, data tracking, and personalized development paths. From eliminating wasted classroom hours to using data-backed insights to assign work more intelligently, this episode reveals what separates shops that get real ROI from training… from those burning thousands on ineffective education. Whether you’re trying to develop apprentices, sharpen your A-techs, or build a learning culture that your entire team buys into, this episode gives you the roadmap. This episode is a must for shop owners, service advisors, training managers, and anyone responsible for technician development or operational performance. What you’ll discover… (03:00) The evolution of training methods  (05:08) The false assumption shop owners make when they “check the box” by sending someone to class (06:00) Why broad, general classes often fail and how personalization changes everything (09:00) How data reveals technician strengths, weaknesses, and readiness for advanced courses (12:44) What “daily, 3–5 minute micro-training” looks like and why it works (17:15) The “soft ROI” shops miss: engagement, retention, and knowledge-sharing culture (20:00) Why your techs “don’t want training” and what shop owners are doing wrong (24:05) Should shops pay techs for training? Or position it as part of the job? (26:00) How data can reshape dispatching and technician workload (27:25) Can older techs adapt to micro-learning and app-based training? 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 https://gopromotive.com/ Thanks to our Partner WickedFile Turn chaos into clarity with WickedFile, the AI for auto repair shops. Transform invoices into insights, protect cash flow, and stop losing parts, cores, or credits to maximize your bottom line. visit https://info.wickedfile.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-OffsYour Perfect Shop  The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: a href="https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Thanks to our partners Promotive and Wicked File Are you leaving money on the table before the tax year closes? In this end-of-year episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest, CPA with Paar Melis & Associates, walks through the essential tax moves shop owners must make before December 31st and the costly assumptions that lead many to overpay the IRS. From retirement contributions and HSA hacks to equipment purchases, inventory write-downs, and why your accounts receivable might be lying to you, Hunt explains how small oversights can snowball into massive tax bills. More importantly, he shows you exactly what to check, adjust, and document now to ensure you only pay what you owe and not a dollar more. If you’ve ever wondered whether to buy equipment before year-end, how to handle unpaid invoices, whether your payroll timing affects deductions, or how to set yourself up for a smoother tax season, this episode gives you the playbook. Ideal for shop owners, bookkeepers, and managers who want to tighten their financials, avoid costly mistakes, and maximize deductions before the year closes. What you’ll discover… (02:10) The repetitive tax mistakes and how to avoid them (03:45) Why retirement contributions are Hunt’s “favorite deduction.” (06:35) How much you can contribute to SIMPLE IRAs and 401(k)s before Dec. 31 (09:25) Why Roth contributions don’t reduce your taxes (and when to use them) (10:30) The HSA contribution rules and how they can reimburse old medical bills (14:05) HSA vs. FSA: The real difference and how not to lose your money (16:10) The truth about deducting equipment — cash vs. financing vs. leasing (18:30) Major building improvements you can now deduct in year one (19:40) How to structure employee gifts, bonuses, and reimbursements (22:30) Four big things to keep an eye on to ensure maximum savings (25:16) Accounts payable: how missing December bills inflate your taxes (28:00) The most overlooked deduction in high-interest years (29:00) The fastest way to speed up your tax return (and avoid April chaos) 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 https://gopromotive.com/ Thanks to our Partner WickedFile Turn chaos into clarity with WickedFile, the AI for auto repair shops. Transform invoices into insights, protect cash flow, and stop losing parts, cores, or credits to maximize your bottom line. visit https://info.wickedfile.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-OffsYour Perfect Shop a...

Thanks to our partners Promotive and Wicked File What would it take to double your shop’s success? I.e., 200% of your current sales, gross profit, and net profit? In this special 200th episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest, CPA at Paar Melis & Associates, breaks down the math, mindset, and milestones behind scaling your shop’s numbers without burning out your team or outgrowing your facility too soon. From practical examples to real-world projections, Hunt shows you how to build a realistic roadmap for growth. Whether it’s raising your labor rate, boosting productivity, or understanding how small compounding changes translate to massive results, you’ll see that doubling your profit doesn’t always mean doubling your workload. By the end, you’ll know how to forecast, plan, and execute your own “Road to 200” — step by step. Ideal for shop owners and managers who are ready to scale their business with data-driven, sustainable growth strategies. What you’ll discover… (02:30) The difference between doubling your numbers and a “200% increase.” (04:20) Increase your prices or increase your production? (06:15) What happens when you try to double sales purely through pricing? (07:15) How to plan realistic, incremental labor rate increases year over year (15:25) When your shop’s size, staffing, and space become limiting factors in growth (18:15) The hidden compounding effect between pricing and productivity (19:10) Why gross profit is more important than sales (and how to double it) (21:30) How doubling sales can more than double your profit if your team is efficient (28:45) Why cutting expenses rarely doubles profit (and what to do instead) (34:00) The compounding math behind raising prices and productivity together 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 https://gopromotive.com/ Thanks to our Partner WickedFile Turn chaos into clarity with WickedFile, the AI for auto repair shops. Transform invoices into insights, protect cash flow, and stop losing parts, cores, or credits to maximize your bottom line. visit https://info.wickedfile.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-OffsYour Perfect Shop The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/ a...

Thanks to our partners Promotive and Wicked File Are you rewarding your team, or paying extra taxes to do it? Could a few words on your payroll save you thousands a year? In this episode, Hunt Demarest, CPA with Paar, Melis & Associates, explains why the difference between an allowance and a reimbursement could save both you and your employees thousands of dollars a year. From cars and cell phones to tool truck payments, Hunt breaks down how changing just a few words on your payroll setup can turn a taxable perk into a tax-free benefit. Through clear examples and real-shop math, he reveals how to keep Uncle Sam’s cut out of your employee bonuses and put that money back where it belongs — in your business. If you’ve ever handed out end-of-year bonuses, paid mileage, or covered employee phone bills, this episode will show you a smarter, legally compliant way to do it. Shop owners, service advisors, and bookkeepers who want to reward staff without paying unnecessary payroll taxes. What you’ll discover… (02:00) How a small change in wording saves 25–30% in taxes (04:10) Why giving an “auto allowance” is the same as providing a raise (07:10) Cellphone allowance insights (11:00) Tools allowance and reimbursement insights (11:40) How a $200 tool payment becomes $150 after taxes, and how to make it a full $200 with one form (14:10) What the IRS calls “fringe benefits” and how to use them responsibly to benefit both sides (14:30) Turning bonuses into reimbursements so your team keeps 100% of their money 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 https://gopromotive.com/ Thanks to our Partner WickedFile Turn chaos into clarity with WickedFile, the AI for auto repair shops. Transform invoices into insights, protect cash flow, and stop losing parts, cores, or credits to maximize your bottom line. visit https://info.wickedfile.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-OffsYour Perfect Shop The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion a...

Thanks to our partners Promotive and Wicked File Should you lease or buy your next vehicle or piece of shop equipment? In this episode, Hunt Demarest, CPA with Paar Melis and Associates, walks through the real-world math behind leases and loans, from tax deductions to depreciation traps, so you can make decisions based on dollars and sense, not dealer pressure. Using simple examples (from a $25K Corolla loaner car to a five-year alignment machine lease), Hunt explains why some “deals” only look good on paper and when a lease actually protects your shop from risk. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re saving money or just deferring pain, this episode will give you the clarity you need before you sign. Auto shop owners, bookkeepers, and anyone making equipment or vehicle purchase decisions for their business will find this episode especially valuable. What you’ll discover… (02:00) The two big purchases every shop faces and why they’re treated differently (04:25) Why buying often wins on tax deductions (and what leasing actually writes off) (06:30) When a lease really does make sense  (09:30) Luxury vehicles vs daily drivers: How depreciation changes the math (14:10) What equipment leases and copier contracts have in common (14:50) The difference between operating and capital leases and why only one builds equity (16:05) The benefits of a bank loan  (16:30) The real cost of leases and why you can’t save by paying them off early (17:50) Why people choose leases (18:31) Why a loan almost always beats a lease for your bottom line 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 https://gopromotive.com/ Thanks to our Partner WickedFile Turn chaos into clarity with WickedFile, the AI for auto repair shops. Transform invoices into insights, protect cash flow, and stop losing parts, cores, or credits to maximize your bottom line. visit https://info.wickedfile.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-OffsYour Perfect Shop  The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion Diagnosing the...

Thanks to our partners Promotive and Wicked File What if the biggest problems facing auto repair shops today aren’t what you think they are? And what if the future of the industry is being shaped right now, quietly, behind the scenes, by the conversations shop owners aren’t having? In this episode, Hunt Demarest sits down with Chris Jones, the editorial force behind Ratchet+Wrench and several of the industry’s most influential publications. From talent shortages to tech adoption, from mental health to multi-shop growth, Jones offers a clear-eyed look at where the automotive repair world is heading, and where shop owners should be refocusing their energy. This conversation cuts through the noise and gets real about the pressures, opportunities, and evolving expectations shaping today’s shop environment. Whether you’re struggling to hire, trying to improve efficiency, or simply looking for clarity in a rapidly changing industry, this episode will help you understand what today’s shop owners must prioritize — and how to build a healthier, more resilient business. What you’ll discover… (02:25) Why shops are finally catching up to retail-style convenience and technology (03:40) The mindset difference that sets high-performing shop owners apart (05:25) The MSO lesson that surprised everyone — and why process beats everything (07:45) The efficiency challenges shop owners can’t stop talking about (08:50) Why technician shortages aren’t unique to auto repair — and what must change (10:25) The shocking reality of six-figure tech jobs no one is filling (12:20) What 2025 really looked like for shops — and what 2026 may bring (15:10) How understanding neurodivergence can transform shop culture and performance (17:55) What customers actually want now: speed, communication, and clear expectations (21:25) Chris’s best advice for shop owners navigating today’s challenges 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 https://gopromotive.com/ Thanks to our Partner WickedFile Turn chaos into clarity with WickedFile, the AI for auto repair shops. Transform invoices into insights, protect cash flow, and stop losing parts, cores, or credits to maximize your bottom line. visit https://info.wickedfile.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-OffsYour Perfect Shop  The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/ a...

Thanks to our partners Promotive and Wicked File How much does it really cost your shop to win a new customer, and is it worth it? Most shop owners don’t realize they’re spending hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars just to bring in a single new face, and in some cases, they’re losing money on every “win.” In this episode, Hunt Demarest, CPA with Paar Melis and Associates, breaks down the real cost of customer acquisition and why understanding Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) and Lifetime Customer Value (LTV) can make or break your business. Hunt exposes the hidden math behind flashy ad campaigns that fail to pay off, showing how every dollar spent should be tied to measurable, long-term value.  Whether you’re trying to grow your car count or cut wasted marketing spend, this episode will help you see what your customers are truly worth and how to make every one count. What you’ll discover… (00:15) Why CAC and LTV are key to making sense of your marketing spend (02:30) Why percentage-based ad budgets often fail auto repair shops (05:05) What happens when you expect your ads to “pay off in one visit” (07:10) How to calculate Customer Acquisition Cost  (11:15) Understanding Lifetime Customer Value  (16:20) Analyzing CAC and LTV for smarter business decisions (20:20) Proven strategies to improve CAC and LTV in your shop (24:35) Why word-of-mouth shops can have zero acquisition cost and massive lifetime value 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 https://gopromotive.com/ Thanks to our Partner WickedFile Turn chaos into clarity with WickedFile, the AI for auto repair shops. Transform invoices into insights, protect cash flow, and stop losing parts, cores, or credits to maximize your bottom line. visit https://info.wickedfile.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-OffsYour Perfect Shop  The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on...

Thanks to our partners Promotive and Wicked File “How much should I actually spend on advertising?” In this week’s episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest, CPA with Paar Melis & Associates, tackles one of the most misunderstood questions in the auto repair world. You’ve probably heard the “3–6% rule” a hundred times, but Hunt pulls back the curtain on why that simple percentage can mislead shop owners. Whether you’re a small shop trying to grow or an established business struggling to see ROI from your marketing spend, this episode helps you rethink the way you budget, measure, and analyze your advertising dollars. From Google Ads to billboards, Hunt explains why advertising isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula — and why your shop’s biggest problem might not be marketing at all, but a broken funnel. What you’ll discover… (00:11) How to calculate an effective advertising budget for your auto repair shop. (02:24) Why the “3–6% Rule” doesn’t fit every business. (04:49) Why early-stage shops must break the “percentage of sales” mindset. (06:58) The hidden problem: when production is your real bottleneck, not car count.  (09:22) The importance of setting specific car-count goals and measurable expectations. (11:39) How to judge ROI beyond percentages  (14:01) Customer lifetime value and acquisition costs (16:19) Translating advertising into car count — and why tracking your leads properly can reveal your real ROI. (18:45) When to cut or double down (21:06) Stop relying on your marketing company’s numbers (23:17) Why location, reputation, and repeat customers change everything  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 https://gopromotive.com/ Thanks to our Partner WickedFile Turn chaos into clarity with WickedFile, the AI for auto repair shops. Transform invoices into insights, protect cash flow, and stop losing parts, cores, or credits to maximize your bottom line. visit https://info.wickedfile.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-OffsYour Perfect Shop  The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion a...

Thanks to our partners Promotive and Wicked File In this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest of Paarmelis & Associates breaks down one of the most misunderstood metrics in the automotive repair world: effective labor rate. Many shop owners chase “higher door rates,” but as Hunt reveals, that number often has little to do with your actual profit. From oil changes to state inspections, he explains how small pricing decisions can quietly eat away at your margins—and how to fix them. If you’ve ever asked, “What percentage should my effective labor rate be compared to my door rate?”—this episode is your wake-up call. Hunt also shares how two shops charging wildly different rates can end up with the same revenue, why discounting can destroy profitability, and what you should really track to make more money without working harder. What you’ll learn (01:20) “What’s a good percentage for effective labor rate?” (02:10) Why a 75% effective rate isn’t always bad—and why 100% isn’t always good. (03:40) Real-world variance of top-performing shops  (04:50) Understanding how door rate differs from effective labor rate. (05:40) The $75 oil change that’s secretly earning you just $30/hour. (07:15) How two shops can charge the same customer price but get different profit outcomes. (11:30) Working smarter, not harder. (13:00) Why chasing “door rate” vanity metrics is a trap. (16:10) Pricing and productivity—and which one you’re probably ignoring. (17:40) How ignoring effective rates hides true performance. (18:50) Real client case study: Texas shop struggling with low effective rate due to state inspections. (20:00) Action steps: How to spot your low-performing categories and limit the downside. 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 https://gopromotive.com/ Thanks to our Partner WickedFile Turn chaos into clarity with WickedFile, the AI for auto repair shops. Transform invoices into insights, protect cash flow, and stop losing parts, cores, or credits to maximize your bottom line. visit https://info.wickedfile.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-OffsYour Perfect Shop  The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by