GreatWater 360 Auto Care Enters Houston Market with Acquisition of Clutch Automotive
Seven-location acquisition adds an established shop group and retains local leadership to support continued growth in Houston
Grand Rapids, MI — September 1, 2026 — GreatWater 360 Auto Care (“GreatWater”) announced today the acquisition of Clutch Automotive, a seven-location automotive repair and service business serving customers across the Greater Houston Area. The acquisition marks GreatWater’s entry into the Houston market and brings the company to over 170 locations across its growing network.
Clutch Automotive will continue operating under its established name, with its leadership and shop teams remaining in place and customers continuing to receive the familiar service they know and trust.
Founder and former owner Matthew Schwab will also continue working with GreatWater as an acquisition consultant, supporting future growth opportunities in the Houston market. Andrew Boone will join GreatWater as District Manager for Houston, and Trent Barger will join as Director of Integration, a critical role as the company onboards the Clutch shops and evaluates future acquisitions in the region.
"Our mission has always been to build something great, alongside people we love, and help each other grow," said Matthew Schwab, Founder of Clutch Automotive. "GreatWater brings the support and resources to do that at a larger scale. What set them apart was their investment in our team and their alignment with our culture. That's why I'm excited to see how this partnership strengthens what we've built."
For GreatWater, retaining Clutch’s leadership team is an important part of entering a new market the right way. Their continued involvement helps preserve the operating rhythm, team culture, customer relationships, and local knowledge that made Clutch Automotive successful while connecting the shops to the broader GreatWater platform.
“Entering Houston is an important milestone for GreatWater, but the strength of this partnership is what makes it especially meaningful,” said Jim Dykstra, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of GreatWater 360 Auto Care. “Clutch Automotive gives us a strong foundation in one of the largest automotive service markets in the country, and retaining Matthew, Andrew, and Trent gives us the local leadership and market knowledge to support the business the right way from day one.”
As District Manager, Boone will bring direct knowledge of Clutch Automotive’s teams, customers, operations, and local communities to GreatWater’s Houston market. As Director of Integration, Barger will help guide the onboarding of the Clutch shops while strengthening GreatWater’s integration capabilities as the company continues to grow.
“Successful integration starts with continuity,” said Scott Anderson, President and Chief Operating Officer of GreatWater 360 Auto Care. “Having Andrew continue as District Manager gives us local leadership in Houston, while Trent’s role as Director of Integration will be critical as we onboard the Clutch team and prepare for future growth in the region. Their knowledge of the business, teams, and market will help us support Clutch without losing what made it successful.”
Clutch Automotive will gain access to GreatWater’s operating support platform, including resources across operations, recruiting, technician development, procurement, finance, marketing, technology, and training. With local leadership in place and dedicated integration support, GreatWater’s goal is to strengthen the business behind the scenes while preserving the customer relationships, shop culture, and local identity that have made Clutch Automotive successful.
Clutch Automotive is a strong example of GreatWater’s approach to growth: partnering with quality businesses, supporting the teams in place, and strengthening local shops through the resources of a broader operating platform.
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