Pass On Your Legacy with Confidence

Pass On
‍Your Legacy
with Confidence

Built by You, Backed by Us
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“The smooth transition has reassured me that it was absolutely the right move to sell our business to Greatwater 360 Auto Care. They have the right plan, the right experience, and everyone has been incredible to the very last detail. In my experience, nothing has ever been as easy as this. I would easily rate my experience as 10/10 and I believe we have made friends for life.”

Mitch and Mary Smith
Mitch Smith Auto Service

Why Join GreatWater

At GreatWater 360 Auto Care, we believe that local auto repair shops have been, and will always be, the ideal model for our industry.

Our mission is to support and invest in local auto repair shops.
We provide owners who have dedicated their lives to building their business a path to transition.
We are committed to continuing the legacies these owners have built.
With over 165 locations and growing, we continue our journey to support local auto repair shops.

A Transition That Prioritizes People and Preserves Local Brands

Values-Aligned Partnerships
We intentionally seek out partnerships with successful shop owners who share our values.
Commitment to Reputation
We value shop owners who have built positive reputations by doing things the right way.
Preserving Local Identity
Our approach prioritizes keeping the local shop name and community relationships intact.
Supporting Employees
Employees remain in place with new opportunities for training, improved benefits, and career development.
Confidence for Owners
Owners can step back confidently, knowing their businesses will continue serving their communities with the same values they built them on.

“From day one, GreatWater has done what they have said they were going to do for me, my employees, and my customers. So much so, that I stayed on as a District Manager. When they tell you that they treat every employee like family, and every customer like a neighbor, they mean it.”

Jensen Scott
Cangany Auto
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A Track Record of Success

In 2021 GreatWater owned and operated seven locations in Michigan. Over the last five years we have successfully transitioned over 155 additional locations across ten states into the GreatWater network. Whether you’re a single location shop or larger group, we have the experience and processes in place to ensure a smooth and positive transition experience for you and your team.

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What Your Peers Have to Say About Their Experience with GreatWater

Most of our new opportunities to partner with a shop start when an owner from a recent acquisition recommends GreatWater to their friends in the business. We believe that’s a testament to the seamless and transparent experience we deliver throughout the transition process. But enough from us, we’ll let some satisfied owners tell you for themselves.

“I knew from the moment I signed that I had made the right decision. I can’t say enough about the GreatWater team! Smart, talented, experienced, considerate, polite, professional, thorough, fair. It was tough to let go, but it was exciting to know when it was time to pass the torch to another group, GreatWater was the right one."

Johnnie Whitlock
Austin’s Automotive Specialists

“Prior to selling, my biggest fear was selling my business to a company that would turn around and treat my employees and customers poorly. In fact, I had no intentions of selling my business when I was approached by GreatWater. But GreatWater is not your typical auto care company. They care about their team, clients, and the community that they operate in.”

Steven Herold
Herold Family Service

“After 29 years of owning our business, we decided it was time to retire. But we wanted to be sure to sell to people who share our values and philosophy. We found that in GreatWater. From start to finish, it was obvious they’re a 5-star company. We have no doubt that our customers and staff are in the best possible hands, right down to the employee benefits they offer. If you’re thinking about retirement, reach out to GreatWater.”

Jeff Semrow and Jim MacMillan
Marysville Tire & Auto

“I knew from the moment I signed that I had made the right decision. I can’t say enough about the GreatWater team! Smart, talented, experienced, considerate, polite, professional, thorough, fair. It was tough to let go, but it was exciting to know that it was time to pass the torch to another group and this group was the right one.”

Johnnie Whitlock
Austin’s Automotive Specialists

“The smooth transition has reassured me that it was absolutely the right move to sell our business to Greatwater 360 Auto Care. They have the right plan, the right experience, and everyone has been incredible to the very last detail. In my experience, nothing has ever been as easy as this. I would easily rate my experience as 10/10 and I believe we have made friends for life.”

Mitch and Mary Smith
Mitch Smith Auto Service

“After 29 years of owning our business, we decided it was time to retire. But we wanted to be sure to sell to people who share our values and philosophy. We found that in GreatWater. From start to finish, it was obvious they’re a 5-star company. We have no doubt that our customers and staff are in the best possible hands, right down to the employee benefits they offer. If you’re thinking about retirement, reach out to GreatWater.”

Jeff Semrow and Jim MacMillan
Marysville Tire & Auto

What to Expect When Selling

The GreatWater team strives to make this process as efficient as possible for sellers.

1
Intro & Info Sharing

We’ll start with an introductory phone call, a non-disclosure agreement to ensure confidentiality, and a few preliminary information requests to get the ball rolling.

2
Deal Structure & Valuation

From there, we can start framing up transaction structure and valuation – once we’re aligned.

3
Offer & Meeting

We’ll arrange an in-person meeting and draft a formal offer letter to purchase the business.

4
Due Diligence

At that point we kick off full due diligence, where we work with you step-by-step to get both sides in a position to close.

5
Team Announcement

The big moment comes where we make the announcement to employees – it’s often an emotional meeting, but the owners we work with always walk away from it with a positive outlook knowing that their employees and customers are in good hands with bright futures.

Start Your Shop's Next Chapter

FAQs for Shop Owners

What’s the first step?

We start with a short introductory phone call and a nondisclosure agreement to protect your privacy. From there, we’ll request some initial information to begin the evaluation process.

How long does it take to get a valuation?

Once we have the basic info, we can typically provide a preliminary valuation within a week or two—at no cost to you.

How long does the full transaction take?

While every deal is unique, once a formal offer letter is signed, we typically close within 30 to 90 days. We’ll guide you through each step to keep the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

What does the due diligence process involve?

We’ll collaborate closely with you to review business operations, finances, and key details. We keep things transparent and efficient.

Will my information remain confidential?

Absolutely. We require nondisclosure agreements and take security seriously to ensure all conversations and documents remain private.

Will you change the name of my shop?

In most cases, no. We believe in preserving your shop’s identity and strong local brand. Unless there’s a reason to rebrand, we keep your name and reputation intact.

What happens to my employees?

Your team is essential to your shop’s legacy—and ours. We make it a priority to retain your core staff and provide them with robust benefits, training, and long-term career growth opportunities.

Do you only buy single-location shops?

Not at all. We’ve successfully partnered with both single-shop owners and larger multi-location groups. What matters most is cultural fit and shared values.

Do I have to fully retire, or can I stay involved?

You have options. Some owners choose to step away entirely, while others stay involved in a role that fits their lifestyle. We’ll tailor the transition to your goals.

Still have questions? We’re happy to talk.
Contact us

Are you a shop owner thinking about what’s next?

Contact us to learn how GreatWater can help you build a future that honors your past.

With over 70 completed acquisitions and a growing footprint across the Midwest and Texas, GreatWater is actively seeking partnerships with owners interested in exploring their next chapter.

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Key Events

1984

Founded by Rich Dykstra, Dykstra’s Auto opens first location in Hudsonville, MI.

2008-2011

Dykstra’s Auto expands to 7 locations across southwest Michigan.

Feb 2021

GreatWater founded, Jim Dykstra named CEO.

March 2021

GreatWater enters Illinois and Wisconsin with the purchase of (9) Butitta Bros. Auto Locations.

Dec 2021

GreatWater enters Indiana with the purchase of PFM Car & Truck.

April 2022

GreatWater acquires its 50th location across 4 states (MI, IN, IL, WS).

Dec 2022

Tire Tracks 13 locations are acquired, marking the largest shop group acquisition to date and expanding GreatWater’s footprint to over 80 shops.

Dec 2022

Entering its 5th state, GreatWater acquires Phil’s Auto & Tire Service in Carlisle, OH.

April 2023

Kentucky marks GreatWater’s 6th Midwestern state with the acquisition of Springdale Automotive’s four locations in Louisville.

June 2023

GreatWater surpasses 100 locations.

July 2023

Welcome to Texas! GreatWater acquires 10 Austin’s Automotive Specialists locations, expanding their footprint into the lone star state.

September 2023

River City Tire & Automotive becomes the first shop in Iowa for GreatWater, expanding their footprint to 8 states.

October 2023

The second Texas group, Belden’s Automotive & Tires joins the GreatWater family.

January 2024

Further expansion into Kentucky with the purchase of Alexandria Tire Center and Steele’s Hometown Tire.

November 2024

Further Iowa expansion by adding Hubbell’s Auto Repair to the network.

February 2025

GreatWater grows to 130 locations.

March 2025

GreatWater opens its most recent ground-up build location in San Antonio under the Belden’s Automotive & Tire brand.

November 2025

Now in Missouri! GreatWater expands into their 9th state with the acquisition of three Complete Auto Repair locations.

January 2026

GreatWater hits 150 shops and expansion into their 10th state, Minnesota.