How a Purple Heart Veteran Became a 6-Shop Auto Repair Owner [RR 1097]

RR 1097 aj debuono

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS

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What does it take to grow from a single auto repair shop to six locations in less than a decade?

Host Carm Capriotto sits down with AJ DeBuono to discuss his journey from serving as a U.S. Marine in Iraq and Afghanistan to becoming a successful multi-shop operator. AJ shares the lessons learned through rapid growth, the acquisition strategy that has fueled his expansion, and how military discipline, financial discipline, and a commitment to people have shaped his leadership approach.

Rather than buying struggling businesses and attempting turnarounds, AJ focuses on acquiring profitable shops with untapped potential.

What You’ll Learn

  • How AJ leveraged SBA veteran loan programs to purchase and expand his first auto repair business
  • Why he prefers acquiring profitable shops instead of distressed operations
  • The key performance indicators he targets to quickly improve profitability
  • How military leadership principles influence his management style and business decisions
  • The importance of creating career advancement opportunities through expansion
  • Lessons learned from growing too quickly and navigating financial stress
  • How AJ approaches shop transitions to minimize disruption for employees and customers
  • Why maintaining strong personal relationships with team members remains a priority despite operating multiple locations

Growth is not simply about adding locations. It’s about creating opportunities for your people, building systems that scale, and maintaining the discipline to make smart decisions when the pressure is highest. AJ DeBuono’s story demonstrates that successful expansion comes from acquiring the right businesses, investing in your team, and staying focused on long-term value rather than short-term gains.

AJ DeBuono, Diehl Auto Repair, Chicago, IL

Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care

NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/

Connect with the Podcast:

The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/