Pass On Your Legacy with Confidence
Pass On
Your Legacy
with Confidence
“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.”
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.
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A Transition That Prioritizes People and Preserves Local Brands
“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.”
A Track Record of Success
In 2021 GreatWater owned and operated seven locations in Michigan. Over the last four years we have successfully transitioned over 130 additional locations across eight 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.
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."
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“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.”
“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.”
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“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
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What to Expect When Selling
The GreatWater team strives to make this process as efficient as possible for sellers.
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.
From there, we can start framing up transaction structure and valuation – once we’re aligned.
We’ll arrange an in-person meeting and draft a formal offer letter to purchase the business.
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.
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.
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FAQs for Shop Owners
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.
Once we have the basic info, we can typically provide a preliminary valuation within a week or two—at no cost to you.
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.
We’ll collaborate closely with you to review business operations, finances, and key details. We keep things transparent and efficient.
Absolutely. We require nondisclosure agreements and take security seriously to ensure all conversations and documents remain private.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Are you a shop owner thinking about what’s next?
With over 66 completed acquisitions and a growing footprint across the Midwest and Texas, GreatWater is actively seeking partnerships with owners interested in exploring their next chapter.
Key Events
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Founded by Rich Dykstra, Dykstra’s Auto opens first location in Hudsonville, MI.
Dykstra’s Auto expands to 7 locations across southwest Michigan.
GreatWater founded, Jim Dykstra named CEO.
GreatWater enters Illinois and Wisconsin with the purchase of (9) Butitta Bros. Auto Locations.
GreatWater enters Indiana with the purchase of PFM Car & Truck.
GreatWater acquires its 50th location across 4 states (MI, IN, IL, WS).
Tire Tracks 13 locations are acquired, marking the largest shop group acquisition to date and expanding GreatWater’s footprint to over 80 shops.
Entering its 5th state, GreatWater acquires Phil’s Auto & Tire Service in Carlisle, OH.
Kentucky marks GreatWater’s 6th Midwestern state with the acquisition of Springdale Automotive’s four locations in Louisville.
GreatWater surpasses 100 locations.
Welcome to Texas! GreatWater acquires 10 Austin’s Automotive Specialists locations, expanding their footprint into the lone star state.
River City Tire & Automotive becomes the first shop in Iowa for GreatWater, expanding their footprint to 8 states.
The second Texas group, Belden’s Automotive & Tires joins the GreatWater family.
Further expansion into Kentucky with the purchase of Alexandria Tire Center and Steele’s Hometown Tire.
Further Iowa expansion by adding Hubbell’s Auto Repair to the network.
GreatWater grows to 130 locations.
GreatWater opens its most recent ground-up build location in San Antonio under the Belden’s Automotive & Tire brand.
Founded by Rich Dykstra, Dykstra’s Auto opens first location in Hudsonville, MI