Business By The Numbers

Business By The Numbers

Hunt Demarest, CPA has consistently provided his financial business acumen to help move the industry toward greater heights of success and profitability. Hunt was recently referred to as a "terrific advocate of the aftermarket." He is the author of the book, Your Perfect Shop: How to Start, Run & Sell a Profitable Shop. In this book, he compiled some of the best practices for auto repair shop owners, whether they are just starting or have been in the business for years. Hunt's podcast will provide a core understanding of the financial aspects of running an auto repair shop.

  1. How Much Can I Put in My Retirement? How Much Should I? [E145]

    2 DAYS AGO

    How Much Can I Put in My Retirement? How Much Should I? [E145]

    Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive. End-of-year tax planning is in full swing, and retirement accounts are a key piece of the puzzle. In this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest breaks down IRAs, Simple IRAs, and 401(k)s to help you understand how to maximize savings and minimize taxes. Get actionable tips and insights to make the most of your retirement planning before the year ends. -The differences between Traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, Simple IRAs, and 401(k)s. -Tax-saving benefits of contributing to retirement accounts before the end of the year. Insights into contribution limits for 2024 and strategies for funding accounts. -Key considerations for business owners when choosing between retirement plans. -Why starting small and consistent contributions outweigh one-time large deposits. Thanks to our partner, NAPA TRACS Did you know that NAPA TRACS has onsite training plus six days a week support? It all starts when a local representative meets with you to learn about your business and how you run it.  After all, it's your shop, so it's your choice. Let us prove to you that Tracs is the single best shop management system in the business.  Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at NAPATRACS.com Thanks to our partner, Promotive It’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit www.gopromotive.com. Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive Repair Visit us Online: www.paarmelis.com Email Hunt: podcast@paarmelis.com Download a Copy of My Books Here: Wrenches to Write-OffsYour Perfect Shop  The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/ Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/ Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. a href="https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    25 min
  2. How Much Should I Pay Myself? [E144]

    14 NOV

    How Much Should I Pay Myself? [E144]

    Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS, and Promotive A critical topic for business owners: how much you should pay yourself as an S-corporation owner. This episode clears up common misconceptions around payroll, distributions, and tax savings strategies. Whether you're a small business owner or a shop manager, understanding these financial nuances is crucial for maintaining profitability and compliance. Key Points: - Clarification of the S-corporation owner's dual roles as an employee and business owner, and their impact on financial strategy. - Differences between payroll and distributions and how they affect tax liabilities. - Why overpaying yourself in wages does not save on taxes and the financial consequences of excessive payroll tax burdens. - The IRS's guidelines on "fair and reasonable salary" for S-corp owners and how to meet this requirement effectively. - Social Security contributions: strategies for maximizing benefits while minimizing unnecessary tax burdens. Thanks to our partner, NAPA TRACS Did you know that NAPA TRACS has onsite training plus six days a week support? It all starts when a local representative meets with you to learn about your business and how you run it.  After all, it's your shop, so it's your choice. Let us prove to you that Tracs is the single best shop management system in the business.  Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at NAPATRACS.com Thanks to our partner, Promotive It’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit www.gopromotive.com. Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive Repair Visit us Online: www.paarmelis.com Email Hunt: podcast@paarmelis.com Download a Copy of My Books Here: Wrenches to Write-OffsYour Perfect Shop  The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/ Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/ Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your...

    20 min
  3. Legal Advice From a CPA [E143]

    7 NOV

    Legal Advice From a CPA [E143]

    Thanks to our partner, NAPA TRACS In this episode, Hunt Demarest, CPA of Paar Melis and Associates, explores legal advice that CPAs often encounter, even though it's traditionally outside of their scope. From his personal experience with a rental property in Baltimore, Hunt dives into the importance of structuring real estate and business assets for liability protection. Here’s what you'll learn: Why CPAs sometimes need to give "legal advice" (and the inherent risks)How an LLC can provide a layer of legal protection for real estate investmentsKey steps to verify if your property is protected as intendedPractical advice on setting up single-member vs. multi-member LLCsCommon pitfalls when managing assets across multiple entities Thanks to our partner, NAPA TRACS Did you know that NAPA TRACS has onsite training plus six days a week support? It all starts when a local representative meets with you to learn about your business and how you run it.  After all, it's your shop, so it's your choice. Let us prove to you that Tracs is the single best shop management system in the business.  Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at NAPATRACS.com Thanks to our partner, Promotive It’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit www.gopromotive.com. Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive Repair Visit us Online: www.paarmelis.com Email Hunt: podcast@paarmelis.com Download a Copy of My Books Here: Wrenches to Write-OffsYour Perfect Shop  The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/ Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/ Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/ a...

    30 min
  4. Talking Shop with Chris Cotton [E142]

    31 OCT

    Talking Shop with Chris Cotton [E142]

    Chris Cotton of Autofix Shop Coaching returns to share his journey from coaching to becoming a shop owner at Firestone of Durango. In this episode, Chris dives deep into the challenges of purchasing a shop, revamping it with new technology, and ensuring a seamless operation while being an absentee owner. Discover how he turned around a business and the valuable lessons he learned along the way. Chris shares his experience of buying and managing a shop while remaining a hands-off owner.The importance of employee retention during transitions.Key insights into increasing shop profitability through technology and operational efficiency.How to negotiate and finance a business purchase for maximum benefit.Why consistent customer communication is crucial for shop success. Thanks to our partner, NAPA TRACS Did you know that NAPA TRACS has onsite training plus six days a week support? It all starts when a local representative meets with you to learn about your business and how you run it.  After all, it's your shop, so it's your choice. Let us prove to you that Tracs is the single best shop management system in the business.  Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at NAPATRACS.com Thanks to our partner, Promotive It’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit www.gopromotive.com. Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive Repair Visit us Online: www.paarmelis.com Email Hunt: podcast@paarmelis.com Download a Copy of My Books Here: Wrenches to Write-OffsYour Perfect Shop  The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto...

    54 min
  5. Can I Afford to Buy my Building? Should I Though? [E141]

    24 OCT

    Can I Afford to Buy my Building? Should I Though? [E141]

    In this week's episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest, CPA, discusses the critical decision of whether auto repair shop owners should buy their current building or move to a new location. With skyrocketing real estate costs and fluctuating interest rates, understanding the financial implications of this decision is more important than ever. Hunt breaks down how to calculate the impact of such a move on your shop’s bottom line. Key Points: Weighing the pros and cons of buying your shop’s building vs. relocating.How to calculate the financial impact of moving or purchasing real estate.Understanding the role of gross profit percentage in your decision-making process.Real-world examples of auto repair shops navigating these tough decisions.Key factors to consider when forecasting sales and profitability after a move. Thanks to our partner, NAPA TRACS Did you know that NAPA TRACS has onsite training plus six days a week support? It all starts when a local representative meets with you to learn about your business and how you run it.  After all, it's your shop, so it's your choice. Let us prove to you that Tracs is the single best shop management system in the business.  Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at NAPATRACS.com Thanks to our partner, Promotive It’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit www.gopromotive.com. Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive Repair Visit us Online: www.paarmelis.com Email Hunt: podcast@paarmelis.com Download a Copy of My Books Here: Wrenches to Write-OffsYour Perfect Shop  The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. The Weekly Blitz with...

    32 min
  6. How to Prepare for Disaster [E140]

    17 OCT

    How to Prepare for Disaster [E140]

    In this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest, CPA, from Paar Melis and Associates, breaks down essential steps every auto repair shop should take to prepare for unexpected disasters. After hearing about a client’s close call during a recent Florida storm, Hunt talks about practical advice, tax implications, and planning tips to safeguard your business. Whether it’s power outages, fire, or lost revenue, this episode covers all the bases to ensure you’re ready for anything. How to evaluate the tax benefits and practicality of purchasing a generator for your shop.Why it’s critical to back up your shop’s data, and how neglecting this can cost you thousands.The importance of having three months of operating expenses saved for unexpected downtime.What types of insurance coverage auto shops should prioritize, including lost revenue insurance?How backup internet options like Starlink can keep your business running smoothly, even in emergencies. Thanks to our partner, NAPA TRACS Did you know that NAPA TRACS has onsite training plus six days a week support? It all starts when a local representative meets with you to learn about your business and how you run it.  After all, it's your shop, so it's your choice. Let us prove to you that Tracs is the single best shop management system in the business.  Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at NAPATRACS.com Thanks to our partner, Promotive It’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit www.gopromotive.com. Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive Repair Visit us Online: www.paarmelis.com Email Hunt: podcast@paarmelis.com Download a Copy of My Books Here: Wrenches to Write-OffsYour Perfect Shop  The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level....

    30 min
  7. How To Read and Analyze a Profit & Loss Statement [E139]

    10 OCT

    How To Read and Analyze a Profit & Loss Statement [E139]

    In this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest, CPA at Paar Melis Associates, explores how auto repair shop owners can simplify their financial statements using the 50/30/20 profit model. Key Topics: Simplifying KPIs to focus on the most impactful metricsHow to effectively analyze your P&L statementIRS tax extensions for those affected by hurricanesDeep dive into the 50/30/20 profit model https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-provides-relief-for-helene-various-deadlines-postponed-to-may-1-2025-part-or-all-of-7-states-qualify Thanks to our partner, NAPA TRACS Did you know that NAPA TRACS has onsite training plus six days a week support? It all starts when a local representative meets with you to learn about your business and how you run it.  After all, it's your shop, so it's your choice. Let us prove to you that Tracs is the single best shop management system in the business.  Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at NAPATRACS.com Thanks to our partner, Promotive It’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit www.gopromotive.com. Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive Repair Visit us Online: www.paarmelis.com Email Hunt: podcast@paarmelis.com Download a Copy of My Books Here: Wrenches to Write-OffsYour Perfect Shop  The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from...

    33 min
  8. Talking Numbers with Chris Cotton [E138]

    3 OCT

    Talking Numbers with Chris Cotton [E138]

    In this episode, Hunt Demarest, an experienced CPA specializing in the auto repair industry, sits down with Chris Cotton, a renowned auto repair shop coach and owner of Autofix Auto Shop Coaching. Together, they dive into the challenges and strategies of optimizing shop productivity and profitability. They talk about: The importance of labor hours per repair order (LHRO) and how it impacts a shop's profitability. Why thorough vehicle inspections and accurate estimates are crucial for increasing average repair orders (ARO). How modern shop management systems, help streamline operations and ensure healthy profit margins. Chris Cotton's personal experience as a shop owner and coach, and how he uses his own shop as a "test case" to develop successful strategies. Insights on whether and when to consider expanding your shop operations to multiple locations. Thanks to our partner, NAPA TRACS Did you know that NAPA TRACS has onsite training plus six days a week support? It all starts when a local representative meets with you to learn about your business and how you run it.  After all, it's your shop, so it's your choice. Let us prove to you that Tracs is the single best shop management system in the business.  Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at NAPATRACS.com Thanks to our partner, Promotive It’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit www.gopromotive.com. Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive Repair Visit us Online: www.paarmelis.com Email Hunt: podcast@paarmelis.com Download a Copy of My Books Here: Wrenches to Write-OffsYour Perfect Shop  The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. a href="https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/"...

    55 min

About

Hunt Demarest, CPA has consistently provided his financial business acumen to help move the industry toward greater heights of success and profitability. Hunt was recently referred to as a "terrific advocate of the aftermarket." He is the author of the book, Your Perfect Shop: How to Start, Run & Sell a Profitable Shop. In this book, he compiled some of the best practices for auto repair shop owners, whether they are just starting or have been in the business for years. Hunt's podcast will provide a core understanding of the financial aspects of running an auto repair shop.

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