Business By The Numbers

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive

April 15th is behind us — but your tax strategy shouldn’t stop there. In this episode, Hunt Demarest, CPA at Paar Melis, shares exactly what auto repair shop owners need to be doing based on how their t...

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive

Tariffs might sound like a foreign concept—until they hit home. In this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt breaks down the real-world impact tariffs can have on your auto repair shop, using a powerful shop-vs-shop analogy to explain rising costs, disappearing jobs, and economic ripple effects. Whether you're in the weeds of part pricing or just trying to make sense of the n...

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive

What if your auto repair shop is losing money every single day — and you don’t even know it? In this episode, Hunt sits down with Alex Saladna, CEO of Wicked File, to talk about the hidden financial leaks happening in shops just like yours and how AI is helping owners plug those holes fast. From missed parts and uncredited returns to unauthorized purchases, we dive deep into how ...

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive

“Do I have enough to retire?”

It’s the question every business owner eventually asks—but most never answer. In this episode, Hunt breaks down why your retirement isn’t about hitting a number… it’s about building a life you don’t need to escape from.

What You'll Learn:

• Why there’s no universal retirement number (and what to focus on instead)
• The simple formula to es...

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive

Is your shop struggling with fewer repair orders and dropping sales? It may not be about losing customers—your clients could just be driving less. In this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest, CPA, walks you through a real-life example of how customer driving behavior (and simple mileage tracking) revealed critical insights for a struggling $2M shop. Learn how to use...

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive

In this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest, CPA, dives into a major economic issue that could impact your auto repair shop: stagflation. With inflation staying high and economic growth slowing, what does this mean for your business? Should you be concerned about a recession, and how can you prepare? Hunt breaks it all down with real-world insights and historical co...

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive

In this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest, CPA, dives into the world of financial projections—what they are, why they matter, and how to build a solid financial story that banks will take seriously. Whether you’re looking to secure a loan, expand your shop, or simply set better financial goals, this episode will help you navigate the process with confidence.

Key Ta...

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive

This week on Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest, CPA with Paar Melis and Associates, breaks down the latest market news and legislative updates that directly impact auto repair shop owners. From the return of the BOI (Beneficial Ownership Information) report to evolving tax policy discussions and IRS processing delays, Hunt provides a no-nonsense analysis of what’s happening and h...

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive

Closing your shop on Saturdays might sound like a risky move, but could it actually improve your business? In this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest, CPA, explores the real financial and operational impact of shutting down on Saturdays. Is it worth it? What factors should you consider before making the switch? Whether you're thinking about a 5-day workweek, reducing ho...

Hunt examines technician cost management within automotive repair shops shop management systems. He explores the issue of inaccurately reported labor costs, which frequently misrepresent the true financial health of the business.

Hunt discusses the underlying reasons for this discrepancy, and how they calculate technician compensation. The episode talks to various methodologies that can be employed to rectify these inaccuracies, en...

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive

Are you truly a business owner, or just a well-paid employee? In this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest, CPA, dives into the critical distinction between running a business and simply working a high-paying job within your shop. Learn how to measure your hourly rate, assess your true profitability, and make strategic moves to improve your bottom line while working less.

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Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive

Welcome to another episode of Business by the Numbers, hosted by Hunt Demarest, CPA, with Paar Melis & Associates. This week, we're diving into the pros and cons of leasing versus buying vehicles and equipment, covering critical tax implications and cash flow considerations. Whether you're eyeing a new luxury SUV or financing essential shop equipment, this episode breaks down the ...

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive

Welcome to this episode of Business by the Numbers! Host Hunt Demarest, CPA, explores the recent IRS developments and what they mean for business owners, taxpayers, and accountants alike. With executive orders, funding cuts, and shifting policies, there's plenty to unpack about the future of the IRS and tax compliance.

Key Takeaways:

• IRS Funding Cuts: The Inflation Reduction Act pro...

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive

Welcome to this week’s episode of Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest, CPA. Today, we’re taking a deep dive into how certain actions or oversights could put you at risk for an IRS audit. By understanding these triggers, you can better safeguard your financial health and avoid unnecessary complications.

• Learn about common mistakes like underreporting income and how they can p...

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive

Managing your cash flow can feel overwhelming, but the Profit First system offers a fresh approach to organizing your finances. In this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest, CPA, dives into the pros, cons, and practical applications of Profit First for auto repair shops. Whether you’re new to the system or looking to refine your cash management strategy, this episode is p...

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive

Setting the right goals for your auto repair shop can make or break your business's success. In this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt breaks down the critical differences between sales goals and profit goals, and why efficiency is key. Learn actionable strategies to align your team's targets with your financial objectives for a successful 2025.

• Why setting profit goals is m...

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive

Running low on cash? Before panic sets in, it’s time to get strategic. In this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt explores practical steps to manage cash flow challenges, cut expenses wisely, and secure financing without sinking your business. Learn what options are available and how to make informed decisions to keep your shop running smoothly.

• Understand the root causes of ...

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive

The holiday season can make or break your cash reserves, especially for auto shop owners juggling finances. In this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest, CPA, breaks down the art of cash management for small businesses. Learn actionable strategies to protect your reserves and avoid the pitfalls of cashflow mismanagement.

• Understanding what "cash reserves" truly mean fo...

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive

In this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt dives into the critical topic of self-rentals for shop owners. Whether you’re already renting your property to your business or just considering it, Hunt explains why paying yourself rent the right way protects your assets, ensures compliance, and preserves your business’s value.

• Learn why legal protection through a rental LLC is non...