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Shop Owner Resources


Running a repair shop is no small task—but you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. At Paar Melis, we’ve built resources specifically for auto repair shop owners who want to boost profitability, strengthen their business, and gain clarity with their numbers. From Hunt Demarest’s books and Business by the Numbers podcast to blogs and free guides, you’ll find practical tools and insights designed to help you run a smarter, more profitable shop.

2025 Auto Repair Shop Benchmark Report


Get the latest insights on what’s driving profitability, efficiency, and growth across today’s auto repair industry. Based on verified financials and survey data from a record number of shops, the 2025 PMA Benchmark Report reveals what top-performing shops are doing differently—and where common challenges remain.

Whether you’re looking to benchmark your numbers, fine-tune your operations, or uncover new growth opportunities, this report is your roadmap to a stronger, more profitable business.

Request your free Benchmark Report here.

Essential Books for Auto Repair Shop Success

by our own Hunt Demarest


As both a CPA who specializes in the auto repair industry and a passionate car enthusiast who spends his free time working on and racing his own vehicles, Hunt brings a unique perspective. He doesn’t just advise shop owners—he understands their world firsthand. His decades of real-world experience have been distilled into these books, offering shop owners practical, proven strategies from someone who truly gets it.

wrenches to write offs

Wrenches to Write-offs

Tax Tips Every Repair Shop Owner Should Know

This book by Hunt Demarest is a practical guide for auto repair shop owners. It offers industry-specific advice on managing finances during tax season and stresses the value of professional guidance while providing a solid foundation for understanding tax obligations. The book includes a helpful appendix with preparation checklists, deadlines, and key tax terms, making it a go-to reference year after year.

your perfect shop

Your Perfect Shop

How to Start, Run & Sell a Profitable Shop

This book by Hunt Demarest helps auto repair shop owners master the financial side of their business. Even small changes in key metrics can mean the difference between profit and loss. This audiobook shares best practices for building, running, and eventually selling a profitable shop—giving owners the tools and processes needed to create lasting success.

Beyond the Bays: A Financial Playbook for Auto Repair Shop Owners by Hunt Demarest

Beyond the Bays

A Financial Playbook for Auto Repair Shop Owners

Hunt Demarest’s much anticipated third book is specifically designed to help auto repair shop owners master another critical aspect of the financial side of their business. Building on the success of his previous works, this upcoming guide will address key financial challenges that shop owners face beyond taxes and general profitability. Stay tuned for more details on this upcoming book.

Business by the Numbers

Check Out Our Podcast!

Business by the Numbers


Join Hunt weekly as he discusses the financial side of owning an auto repair shop, helping shop owners nationwide develop a core understanding of their shop’s financials.

Free Resources for Auto Shop Owners

Industry-Specific Guides & Tools to Help Your Shop Thrive Financially


We’ve worked with thousands of auto repair shops nationwide, and we know exactly what separates profitable shops from those that struggle. These free resources give you the same industry-specific financial insights and tools we share with our clients—from identifying hidden profit killers to mastering cash flow management systems designed specifically for auto shops.

The 12 Deadly Sins Killing Your Shop’s Profits

Discover the hidden profit killers that 90% of auto shop owners don’t even know are bleeding their business dry. Learn what successful shops do differently.

What’s Your Auto Shop Really Worth?

Get an instant baseline valuation of your shop using our industry-specific calculator. Know your number before making critical business decisions.

Is Your Shop Financially Healthy?

Use this comprehensive checklist to diagnose your shop’s financial condition and identify warning signs before they become critical problems.

Profit First: Guaranteed Profits for Auto Shops

Learn the revolutionary cash management system that automatically builds profits into your shop operations, featuring the only Profit First pro who specializes in auto repair.

QuickBooks Reports That Actually Help Auto Shops

Master the essential QuickBooks reports every shop owner needs to run their business by the numbers, not by gut feeling.

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