Episode 218 - How Arun Coumar Builds and Buys Successful Auto Shops

Changing The Industry Podcast

Get registered for the ASTA Expo 2025 at the Raleigh Convention Center: https://geni.us/ASTA2025

Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.
Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE

Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2025

Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.
Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitability

Make sure you mention: CTISUMMER to get FREE data migration!

If you're ready to make a real change in your shop's success, join Shop Marketing Pros' Plan With the Pros workshop this October to connect with them and other shop owners. You'll leave with your entire year for 2026 planned out.

Click here to register: https://geni.us/PlanWithThePros

Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing.

Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into one sleek, digital platform.

Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!

In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Arun Coumar from The Institute Summit 2025. Arun opens up about his journey managing multiple shops, including the challenges—and lessons learned—of buying struggling businesses and turning them around. The hosts discuss what it takes financially for a technician to become a successful shop owner, sharing practical numbers and strategies for buying existing shops versus starting from scratch. Arun also reflects on scaling back side projects to focus on high-ROI activities, highlighting the importance of prioritizing time and energy as both an entrepreneur and a new parent.

00:00 Gym Concerns Over Job Ability

07:28 Buying a Shop with Seller Financing

13:49 Manufacturer Partnership Requirements

20:25 Value of a Coach in Business

21:57 Prioritizing High ROI Tasks

26:58 Corvette Seat Malfunction Incident

36:06 Cold Weather Truck Trouble

37:36 Transmission Assembly Troubleshooting

43:20 Fear of Car Incident Escape

53:11 Early Payout: Transition Agreement

57:06 "Train Triggers Crossing Arms Repeatedly"

01:03:24 Taxpayer's Frustration and Threats

01:08:50 City Budget: Police Funding Concerns

01:10:00 Pension Crisis Burdening Budgets

01:17:56 Rand Paul's Budget Highlight Reel