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Tag: Newsletter 3rd Article

  • GreatWater360 acquires three shops in St. Louis area

    GreatWater360 acquires three shops in St. Louis area

    GreatWater 360 Auto Care has entered the Missouri market with the acquisition of the three-location mechanical repair division of Complete Auto Body & Repair, which provides both fleet and consumer vehicle service across the St. Louis region.

    This strategic acquisition brings GreatWater’s total number of locations closer to 150 and marks a significant expansion of its fleet and Midwest footprint. The agreement covers only the mechanical repair side of the business—the collision repair and towing operations remain under independent ownership.

    Terms of the deal were not made public.

    Complete Auto’s mechanical repair division has built a reputation for excellence across both business fleets and consumer vehicle care, providing everything from advanced diagnostics and heavy-duty fleet maintenance to routine repairs for families and everyday drivers, according to a statement from GreatWater 360.

    “Our goal has always been to do honest work, deliver quality repairs, and take care of our people,” said Kurt Barks, former owner of Complete Auto Body & Repair. “As we looked to the future, GreatWater stood out for their professionalism, scale, and shared commitment to our values.”

    All three Complete Auto repair locations will retain their name, team, and local leadership. Under GreatWater, the shops will gain access to enhanced resources—including technician training, operational support, and improved teammate benefits—while preserving the identity and service culture customers already trust.

    “We’re not just acquiring a brand, we’re continuing a legacy,” said Jim Dykstra, CEO of GreatWater 360 Auto Care. “Kurt and his team have built something strong, and we’re honored to support its next chapter.”

    GreatWater’s entrance into Missouri extends its reach to nine states, joining a network that spans Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Iowa, Wisconsin, Texas, and now Missouri.

    GreatWater 360 is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

  • TLG Peterbilt adds 8 locations by acquiring Performance Peterbilt

    TLG Peterbilt adds 8 locations by acquiring Performance Peterbilt

    The Larson Group (TLG Peterbilt), a major Peterbilt dealership group, has announced the acquisition of Performance Peterbilt, effective Nov. 17.

    This strategic move joins two customer-focused, family-owned organizations committed to exceptional service for the trucking community, according to a statement from TLG. It also expands TLG’s footprint in the Southeast.

    Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

    Prior to this acquisition, TLG Peterbilt operated 26 locations across 8 states, specializing in new and pre-owned Peterbilt trucks, parts, and service. Performance Peterbilt adds eight locations in three states to the TLG network, expanding TLG’s footprint to Georgia, Florida and Mississippi.  

    “We’re thrilled to welcome the Performance Peterbilt team and their customers into the TLG family,” said Glenn Larson, TLG President & CEO. “Both our companies are built on a foundation of strong relationships and customer support. This acquisition strengthens our ability to serve truck owners and fleets with a broader reach and deeper resources—without losing the values that drive our success.”

    Performance locations will now be known as TLG Peterbilt.  TLG now operates 34 commercial truck dealerships in Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Mississippi.

    The new locations include:

    • TLG Peterbilt – Albany in Albany, Georgia
    • TLG Peterbilt – Lake Park in Lake Park, Georgia
    • TLG Peterbilt – Tifton inTifton, Georgia
    • TLG Peterbilt – Tallahassee in Tallahassee, Florida
    • TLG Peterbilt – Cottondale in Cottondale, Florida
    • TRP South Port in Southport, Florida
    • TLG Peterbilt – Hattiesburg in Hattiesburg, Mississippi
    • TRP Gulf Coast in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
  • Sun’s latest acqisition is Desert Automotive in Arizona

    Sun’s latest acqisition is Desert Automotive in Arizona

    Sun Auto Tire & Service recently announced the acquisition of Desert Automotive in Sierra Vista, Arizona, following up on its acquisition of five Borst Automotive locations in Tucson and Phoenix last month.

    Arizona is the state with the second-highest number of Sun Auto Network locations, trailing only Texas.

    Founded in 2010 by Chelsea and Tracey Clark, Desert Automotive has earned a loyal following through its commitment to professionalism, precision, and integrity, according to a statement from Sun. The Clarks built their business on a promise “to always provide excellent service,” establishing Desert Automotive as a respected name in automotive care. The 12-bay facility adds growth and expands the Network’s reach in southern Arizona.

    “Desert Automotive’s reputation for quality work and customer-first values make it a perfect fit for Sun,” said Chris Doster, Regional Vice President at Sun Auto Tire & Service. “We’re proud to welcome their talented team to our network as we continue to grow across Arizona and the nation.”

    Sun partners with NBA, WNBA teams

    Sun also announced a partnership as the official auto and tire service partner of the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury professional basketball teams.

    “The Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury are two iconic sports franchises that are driven to perform,” said Matthew Loos, Chief Marketing Officer of Sun Auto Tire & Service. “As the Official Auto & Tire Service Partner of the Suns and Mercury, Sun Auto is building visibility for our brand while, showcasing the strength, reach, and trust that define our national network.”

    As part of the season-long partnership, fans will have the opportunity to receive exclusive ticket giveaways, deals, and special promotions, keeping them connected to their teams and local trusted automotive service provider.

    “We are excited to welcome Sun Auto Tire & Service as the Official Auto & Tire Partner of the Suns and Mercury,” said Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury Executive Vice President and Chief Business Officer Dan Costello. “We look forward to collaborating on unique activations and community initiatives to engage our fans.”

  • Heavy-duty aftermarket providers FleetPride & TruckPro merge

    Heavy-duty aftermarket providers FleetPride & TruckPro merge

    FleetPride Inc. and TruckPro, LLC recently jointly announced the closing of a merger of the two companies effective Oct. 28, creating the nation’s leading independent distributor and service provider in the heavy-duty aftermarket parts industry. The combined company will operate under the FleetPride name and will deliver enhanced value to its customers through greater parts availability, deeper technical expertise, best-in-class service and an enhanced ecommerce experience, according to a statement from the two companies.

    Operating under the combined ownership of American Securities and Platinum Equity, the new FleetPride will be led by Tom Greco, who joined the company as chief executive officer in July. Chuck Broadus, TruckPro’s president and CEO, will continue to lead the TruckPro business, reporting to Greco.

    With over 450 locations, more than 110 service centers and six distribution centers, FleetPride’s expanded footprint positions it to serve customers nationwide across the U.S. and Canada with a comprehensive assortment of parts. Through its enhanced ecommerce platform and logistics network, FleetPride can provide faster access to critical parts, deeper inventory visibility and tailored solutions designed to keep trucks on the road and fleets operating efficiently, the merger announcement said.

    “Today’s announcement marks an exciting new chapter for our team members, customers and valued supplier partners,” said Greco. “This strategic merger is about more than combining two businesses, it’s about building a culture that values people, brings best practices from both organizations and drives innovation. Together, we are creating a stronger, faster-growing company that will deliver greater value for customers and growth opportunities for our team members and suppliers.” 

    “The strategic merger with FleetPride marks a tremendous step forward for our business and customers,” said Broadus. “We are bringing together the strengths of both organizations as we align our knowledgeable team members, extensive networks and resources to deliver best-in-class service to the heavy-duty aftermarket. We are eager to embrace the many growth opportunities this combination offers and we are excited about our future together.”

    The newly combined company will be headquartered in Irving, Texas with a satellite office in Memphis, Tennessee.

  • TechForce & NTHS announce 2 scholarship winners

    TechForce & NTHS announce 2 scholarship winners

    Two leading skilled trade nonprofits — TechForce Foundation and National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) — recently announced the first recipients of a joint scholarship.

    Nicholas Sinotte (Lakes Region Community College) and Dylan Powell (Itawamba Community College) each received $2,500 toward their technical education. This collaboration provides students with resources and critical scholarship support to excel in their technical education and successfully transition to the skilled technician workforce.

    Both scholarship recipients started trade school this fall, are National Technical Honor Society members, and actively participate in the TechForce Network. Their involvement and passion for technical education helped them stand out amongst their peers, according to a statement from the two organizations.

    “I am working toward a college degree and certifications in both automotive and marine technology,” said Sinotte. “My family’s finances are limited …this scholarship provides critical support as I work toward that goal. This scholarship brings me one step closer to that future, and I am truly grateful.”

    Powell has taken classes or worked in construction, painting, and welding, and interned with an electrical engineer.

    “The most fun of these was definitely manufacturing,” said Powell. “When it came time to pick a career pathway, industrial maintenance is the only thing I felt I would enjoy. I am excited for the hands-on work and challenging, new skills I will learn!”

    The scholarship, funded by NTHS and administered by TechForce, was created in May in celebration of the partnership between the two organizations. NTHS and TechForce are connecting students to combined educational resources including training content, scholarships and grants, industry connections, and career opportunities. More information is available at NTHS.org/TechForce/.

    “Students like Dylan and Nicholas see the opportunities in a technician career, and we are proud to help them achieve their goals,” said Jennifer Maher, TechForce Foundation CEO. “TechForce Foundation is solving the disconnect between emerging talent and industry needs, starting with technicians. Our nonprofit-to-nonprofit partnership with NTHS brings us closer to realizing that vision. Together we are connecting more students than ever to the TechForce™ workforce platform, designed to connect industry and education in real, measurable ways.”

    Peyton Holland, NTHS Executive Director said, “At NTHS, we’re proud to recognize the brilliantly skilled students in Career & Technical Education who are building not only their own futures but the foundation of our workforce and communities. Partnering with TechForce Foundation allows us to celebrate and support outstanding students like Dylan and Nicholas, who are pursuing challenging, high-demand careers with passion and purpose. Together, we’re elevating the profile of technical education and expanding opportunities for CTE students nationwide.”

  • sun says latest acquisition improves efficiency, creates opportunities for employees

    sun says latest acquisition improves efficiency, creates opportunities for employees

    Sun Auto Tire & Service recently announced the acquisition of seven Vannoy’s Tires locations in the greater Pensacola, Florida region.

    Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

    Founded in 1985 by brothers Gordon and Charley Vannoy, Vannoy has been a trusted name for tire and automotive repair serving the Pensacola area for over four decades.

    Its addition to the Sun Auto Network marks the latest step in strengthening Sun’s Gulf Coast presence, and adding strategic infill to existing Jacksonville and Gulf Coast markets recently bolstered by new stores in Alabama and Mississippi, said a statement by Sun.

    The company recently acquired five Fausak Tire locations in greater Mobile, Alabama, along with the opening of a new facility in the same market. Sun now operates nearly 50 locations across the region, including Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.

    “The Sun Auto Network is continuing to grow with purpose nationwide while concentrating on regions where we can build on an established foundation,” said Chris Ripani, Chief Operating Officer of Sun Auto Tire & Service. “With the addition of Vannoy’s Tires in Pensacola, we’re able to improve efficiency, create new opportunities for our teammates, and ensure guests benefit from both the strength of a national company and the care of a trusted local business.”

    Sun Auto Tire & Service is a national network of over 525 neighborhood tire and service shops.

  • Snap-on announces schedule for Tuesday Topic Trainings

    Snap-on announces schedule for Tuesday Topic Trainings

    Snap-on has updated its Tuesday Topic Training webinar schedule for the fourth quarter with a variety of new subjects Diagnostics National Trainer Jason Gabrenas will present on a weekly basis.

    The companmy said auto repair technicians are encouraged to attend the informational sessions to learn the latest tips and techniques to get the most out of their diagnostic tools.

    The schedule of fourth quarter training sessions includes:

    • Oct. 14 Misfire Diagnosis
    • Oct. 21 OEM-Specific ADAS Training – Tesla®
    • Oct. 28 EVAP
    • Nov. 04 OEM-Specific ADAS Training – Mercedes-Benz®
    • Nov. 11 Automatic Transmission Operation and Testing
    • Nov. 18 OEM-Specific ADAS Training – Hyundai / Kia
    • Nov. 25 Misfire Diagnosis
    • Dec. 02 OEM-Specific ADAS Training – Tesla
    • Dec. 09 EVAP
    • Dec. 16 OEM-Specific ADAS Training – Volvo®
    • Dec. 23 Get the Most Out of Your Snap-on Scan Tool – Tips and Tricks
    • Dec. 30 OEM-Specific ADAS Training – Subaru®

    Tuesday Topic Training sessions are offered free of charge and provide approximately 30 minutes of material and 15 minutes for questions and answers.

    Two time slots are available for each day of training. The first session takes place at 6 p.m. ET/ 5 p.m. CT/ 3 p.m. PT. The second session runs at 9 p.m. ET/ 8 p.m. CT/ 6 p.m. PT.

    Click here to register to attend via Zoom or watch live on the Snap-on Diagnostics Training Solutions YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/snapondiagnostics.

  • Major parts supplier files for bankruptcy

    Major parts supplier files for bankruptcy

    Cleveland-based aftermarket parts supplier First Brands Group ealier this week filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas.

    The owner of numerous national brands of parts said it has $1 billion ion assets and $10 billion in debts. It has obtained $1.1 billion in debtor in possewssion financingto continue operations during is reorganization efforts.

    Many of the brrands owned by the company are nationally-known staples in the auto repair business. They include:

    • Autolite spark plus
    • FRAM and Luber-finer filters
    • TRICO and ANCO wiper blades
    • Raybestos, Centric Parts, StopTech, and Carlson brakes
    • Carter and Airtex pumps
    • REESE, DrawTite, Bulldog, Tekonsha, and Fulton bitches and towing components
    • StrongArm lift components
    • lighting systems, wheel bearing hub assemblies and remanufactured parts

    Chief Restructuring Officer of First Brands said, “Today’s actions mark an important step toward stabilizing First Brands’ operations and securing a long-term future for the Company’s world-class portfolio of aftermarket automotive part brands. With committed funding from our key financial partners, we remain focused on supporting our employees, working with our valued suppliers, and delivering best-in-class aftermarket automotive technology for our customers globally. We are confident in the strength of First Brands’ industry-leading portfolio and the essential role we play in the automotive supply chain.”

    First Brands said in a statement its global operations are expected to continue without interruption during the chapter 11 cases, with full continuity for the Company’s international customers, partners, and employees. Importantly, the company’s international operations are not part of the court-supervised financial restructuring process, First Brands said.

  • Florida college adds diesel technician program

    Florida college adds diesel technician program

    Pensacola State College is adding a diesel and marine mechanics program to the curriculum of this 8,000-student, multi-campus college in the Florida Panhandle.

    The college has hired faculty to develop the curriculum, and recently submitted development plans to the county for a 12,900-square-foot building adjacent to the college’s existing CDL program.

    According to a report in the Pensacola News Journal, the building will be located in the Santa Rosa Industrial Park East in East Milton, and house two truck bays, two classrooms, faculty offices and a locker room.

    It’s estimated building the new facility will take about 18 months after groundbreaking later this year.

    No date has been set for classes to begin.

  • 12 students receive Technology & Maintenance Council scholarships

    12 students receive Technology & Maintenance Council scholarships

    The American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council awarded 12 students from across the country scholarships to pursue careers as commercial vehicle technicians or engineers. 

    The awards were made during the council’s annual gathering this week in Raleigh, North Carolina.

    “Finding innovative solutions to our industry’s ongoing technician shortage is a priority for TMC, and the Council is pleased to be able to partner with WyoTech, Western Technical College, Lincoln Tech, University of Northwest Ohio, and SAE International to bring these scholarship opportunities to fruition,” said TMC Executive Director Robert Braswell. “These initiatives provide greater choice for deserving scholarship-seeking students looking to prepare for a career as a commercial vehicle technician.”

    Christopher Alexander of Westhampton, Massachusetts; Shawn Hazen of Cedar Springs, Michigan; and Gustavo Lopez of Lexington, Kentucky, each received a TMC/Lincoln Tech/NADC Diesel Truck Technician Scholarship. The scholarship covers half the tuition for a 1,200- to 1,560-hour training program at one of six Lincoln Technical Institute/Lincoln College of Technology schools across the country. 

    Kenneth Marroquin-Reyes of Purcellville, Viriginia, was named the 2025 TMC/University of Northwest Ohio Scholar, which consists of an award for tuition in the amount of up to $20,000. 

    The TMC/WyoTech Diesel Truck Technician Scholarship, which consists of a partial scholarship of up to $5,000 each, was awarded to Peter Eisenbacher of Woodburn, Oregon; David Loza of Lovington, New Mexico; Gabriel Montoya of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Julio Vasquez of Roswell, New Mexico.

    Brian Cano of El Paso, Texas, and Julian Amparan of El Paso, Texas, were each awarded the 2025 TEC/Western Tech Scholarship, covering 50% of the tuition to pursue a degree in diesel mechanics and diesel technology at Western Tech. 

    TMC also announced that Kevin Shen of Olympia, Washington, and Carter Worm of Ahmeek, Michigan, were awarded the TMC/SAE Donald D. Dawson Technical Scholarship, consisting of three $1,500 scholarships, which can be renewed for three years and used for tuition or any other incidental school expenses while pursuing an undergraduate degree in automotive engineering. 

    The scholarships are managed by the council’s Technician and Educator Committee in partnership with several technical schools, industry vendors, and allied organizations.

    A complete list of scholarship rules is featured on the application and can be found on TMC’s website. Completed scholarship application packages for 2026 must be received by the TMC office by April 15, 2026, and winners will be notified by May 15, 2026.