After the Sale: How Hubbell’s Auto Repair Is Thriving with GreatWater

In the heart of Linn County, just a stone’s throw from Cedar Rapids, the city of Marion, Iowa blends small-town charm with a fast-growing spirit. With a tight-knit population just over 40,000, Marion is the kind of place where business is still done with a handshake, and where trust means everything.

In the shadows of the Marion watertower near the intersection of 31^st and 5^th, sits one of those trusted local businesses, Hubbell’s Auto Service. As a fixture in Marion for over 30 years, Hubbell’s has worked hard to earn the trust of the community. No one knows that more than the shop’s founder, Mike Hubbell.

But there comes a time when every small business owner faces a crossroads, retire and close the doors of the business they’ve spent decades building, or find an alternative that allows the shop to continue in the hands of someone else. When Mike Hubbell faced that tough decision, his priority was his team that helped build the shop. “It was time for me to transition out of the business, but I had a responsibility to my team. They are like family to me, and I wanted to make sure they were taken care of.”

Closing Hubbell’s Auto Service for good was not an option, so Mike explored a succession plan that meant transitioning the business to outside sources. As Mike saw it, he owed his team and customers to keep the shop active in the community, even if he wasn’t involved.

While Mike had discussions with many potential buyers, he immediately gravitated towards GreatWater’s track record of success and overall approach. He couldn’t be happier with his decision. “GreatWater has been a great choice for my transition out of the business. GreatWater kept all my employees and have given them the support they need to transition to new ownership. The employees are happy, and the customer reviews are very good. I definitely made the right choice". 

In keeping with GreatWater’s core philosophy, Hubbell’s Auto Repair retained its name, team, and unique character that has made it a trusted destination for auto service in Marion. With GreatWater’s operational support, the shop will now gain access to advanced diagnostic tools, training resources, customer service technology, and a strong peer network.

Employees at Hubbell’s Auto Repair have benefitted from expanded career opportunities through GreatWater’s technician training and a stronger benefits package. While initially a transition of ownership can be intimidating, after over a year in the GreatWater network the team has appreciated the positive impact. How positive, just ask the team.

“I recently purchased my first home, a huge moment in my life. You know how I bought this house? GreatWater. Eight months ago, I couldn’t afford to do this. While Hubbell’s has always been great to me, joining this family has taken things to a whole other level professionally and personally.” noted Cody Carter, technician.

Richard “Andy” Mackey, longtime technician at the shop, has also experienced all that GreatWater has to offer. “I never imagined, in this stage of my career, working for a company who does what they say and compensates as well as they do.”  

And it’s not just the teammates who are experiencing the value GreatWater brings to Hubbell’s, customers are also experiencing improvements through upgraded communications tools, digital inspection reports and overall efficiency to ensure they aren’t without their mode of transportation for extended periods. But most importantly just might be when they walk through the door and see the same familiar faces they know and trust.

This acquisition is part of GreatWater’s broader growth strategy focused on supporting the long-term success of local shops throughout the Midwest. The company now operates more than 155 locations across Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, Iowa,Wisconsin, Minnesota, Missouri, and Texas.

GreatWater 360 Auto Care is a multi-state operator of full-service automotive repair shops. The company partners with established independent operators and integrates them into a centralized support platform designed to enhance operational performance while preserving local brand identity and community relationships.

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 at www.greatwater360autocare.com/sell-your-shop.  

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