Wealth Archives - Remarkable Results Radio

Looking Rich VS Living Free: The Hidden Truth About Success and Money [THA 472]

Carm Capriotto, AAP — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 19:00:00 +0000

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today’s Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty

“Rich is loud. Wealthy is quiet.”

In this episode, host Carm Capriotto sits down with Jerry Kezhaya and Dr. Laura Shwaluk, owners of The Auto Shop and business coaches with Business Builder Mentor and Mastermind.

They share their unconventional journey from healthcare to auto repair, including how Laura stepped in to run the shop while Jerry was hospitalized. With no technical background, she succeeded by focusing on leadership, culture, and relationships—proving that auto repair is ultimately a people business.

The couple also discusses the realities of working together as spouses. By clearly defining roles—Jerry managing systems and strategy, Laura leading team and customer relations—they’ve built a respectful, healthy workplace culture.

A major focus of the episode is financial freedom. Jerry contrasts “visible wealth” with “quiet freedom,” emphasizing passive income, low debt, and disciplined spending. They warn against lifestyle inflation and investing in depreciating assets, encouraging shop owners to prioritize long-term security over short-term status. They dive into the psychology of money, explaining how emotional wounds and unmet needs often drive overspending. Laura stresses that financial healing often starts with personal healing.

Our panel reinforces that real success comes from clarity, discipline, and emotional awareness. Rather than chasing status or appearances, they encourage shop owners to focus on building strong teams, healthy finances, and personal balance—creating businesses that support true freedom, peace of mind, and long-term fulfillment.

Jerry Kezhaya and Dr. Laura Shwaluk, The Auto Shop, Plano TX. Business Coaches at Business Builder Mentor and Mastermind

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS

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/

Thanks to our Partner, Today’s Class

Optimize training with Today’s Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today’s Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.com/

Thanks to our Partner, KUKUI

Stop juggling multiple marketing tools. KUKUI’s integrated platform delivers 4x better website conversions, automated follow-up, and real-time ROI tracking. Get industry-leading customer support with KUKUI at https://www.kukui.com/

Thanks to our Partner, Pit Crew Loyalty

You’re probably tired of chasing new customers who never return. We understand. Pit Crew Loyalty ends the one-and-done cycle, turning first visits into lasting, reliable revenue at https://www.pitcrewloyalty.com/

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

– 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. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/

– The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix – Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/

– Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O’Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm

I Want $1 Million For My Business [THA 240]

Carm Capriotto, AAP — Thu, 09 Sep 2021 05:15:00 +0000

Brian Bates, the owner of Eagle Automotive Service, 5 locations, bought the neighborhood shop in Columbine Hills back in 2004 as a way to serve the community by offering quality repairs and services while living out his dream of running his own business.

Brian has served as a President of the local NAPA Autocare Business Development group, served on the national AutoCare council with the president and directors of NAPA Auto Parts, and is proud of his team’s achievements in becoming an AAA auto repair certified and holding a BBB A+ rating since the inception of the grading system in 2007. Listen to Brian’s previous episodes HERE

Joe Hanson owns Gordie’s Garage. Joe has attended Management Success, NAPA training, Lawrence Tech University and most recently he is a member of the RLO 20 Group 13. He has earned his ASE C1: Automobile Service Consultant Certification. Under his father’s leadership, he has seen what it really takes to make a business like this work. Listen to Joe’s Episodes HERE.

Key Talking Points

Value your business before you sell or begin to think about selling- need to figure out value today so that you know what to do to change the value of the business in the future. Find an objective process to value your business before you start talking to a seller.
Use an objective third party to negotiate with buyer and seller- CPA/accountant/business valuators.
“Higher than what you want to pay and lower than what you want to sell.” Work together instead of against.
The best tool to evaluate/estimate what a shop is worth- multiple of net income, what does it make at foundation over 3-5 years? Multiply 2.5-3X
SDE- seller discretionary earnings, do you add it back in? If the owner is an integral part of the organizaion (owner and service advisor/technician etc) then you can’t justify adding back payroll.
Financial forecast- creating a roadmap for bank/SBA, prepare financials, marketing campaigns, write assumptions for expenses
The end game isn’t closing on the business, it is succeeding in new business
Know your buyer- price is important but the representation of price is where the value is
Key advantages- finding out what motivation of the seller, most time it is about legacy and wellbeing for employees and customers.
Trust and transparency with both parties
Take emotion out- need to be in a logical state of mind, you are purchasing and selling an asset
Growing after purchasing- as an owner, business, and employees
Support during venture- at home, professional network as you go through all the ups and downs. Learn from other people’s successes and failures.

A special thanks to Hunt Demarest, Brian Bates and Joe Hanson for their contribution to the aftermarket.

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Mergers and Acquisitions Explained – Rick Schwartz [RR 668]

Carm Capriotto, AAP — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 05:15:00 +0000

As co-founder of Schwartz Advisors, Managing Partner Rick Schwartz specializes in working with clients on strategic planning, growth, performance improvement and M&A strategy related to the motor vehicle aftermarket. Rick is a recognized leader in the aftermarket and has a critical eye for what it takes to drive value. He is the lead Schwartz Advisors partner in support of projects with private equity firms, boards of directors and management teams.

Rick is a Trustee of the University of the Aftermarket Foundation and a member of the Auto Care Association Board of Directors. He is a recipient of the prestigious Northwood University Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award. Prior to starting Schwartz Advisors, Rick held various senior level positions at Nestle, Macy’s and The Upper Deck Company. Rick received an MBA from the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business and a BA in International Relations from USC.

Key Talking Points

What is going on in overall M&A – not just the aftermarket- Many of the investment bankers are reporting record deal flow. A few key factors driving the abundance of M&A deals- catch up to deals that were put on hold in 2020. Excess “dry powder” (cash)- financial buyers (private equity firms & family offices) had an abundance of capital ready to deploy last year. Potential tax changes- the change in political administrations in the U.S. has caused concern among business owners that the capital gains tax will increase substantially upon exit. Low-interest rates- easier for buyers to finance acquisitions
The aftermarket has slow steady growth- making it appealing to private equity
Business owner- opportunity to cash out and next owner could do a lot to recruit, market, and grow.
Why are some family-owned businesses selling? Timing – it is time to exit, (not related to the economy), competition, diversify personal investments and net worth, concern about changes in the tax code
How long will the current M&A activity keep up? Looks like M&A activity will remain very active through the end of this year and into early 2022, perhaps longer. Big changes in tax laws could slow down M&A, but will Congress pass big changes?
What is driving M&A in the service sector, from a buyer’s perspective? What are buyers looking for? Growth beyond simple organic growth (i.e., growth beyond same-store sales growth). Acquire businesses before competitors. Buy distribution.
No matter who is selling what preparation is necessary? Even if you are not thinking about selling, be prepared: Documentation in order: 3 years financials, 5 years is better, copies of all contracts/leases. Have your estate plan in order. Hire advisors who can help- hire a lawyer who knows how to do M&A – might not be your regular business lawyer (and don’t bring in a lawyer who might be experienced in other areas but not M&A). Talk to your CPA.

Link mentioned for AAPEX Award Nominations HERE.

Carm interview with Rick’s dad, Mort Schwartz in episode 332 HERE.

Thanks to Rick Schwartz for his contribution to the aftermarket’s premier podcast.
Link to the ‘BOOKS‘ page, highlighting all books discussed in the podcast library HERE. Leaders are readers.
Listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spreaker, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Podchaser, and many more. Mobile Listening APP’s HERE
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This episode is brought to you by AAPEX, the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo. AAPEX represents the $740 billion global automotive aftermarket industry and has everything you need to stay ahead of the curve. The Virtual AAPEX Experience 2020 is in the record books. Virtual AAPEX lived up to presenting leading-technical and business management training from some of the industry’s best and brightest. Now set your sights on the homecoming in Las Vegas in 2021. Mark your calendar now … November 2-4, 2021, AAPEX // Now more than ever.

Wealth Building: Become a Financial Adult [RR 575]

Carm Capriotto, AAP — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 05:15:00 +0000

Jerry Kezhaya from The Auto Shop in Plano Texas has been in business since 1981. Plano is a northern suburb of Dallas with a population on 280,000. According to Jerry, it is the top growing county in the US. His 35,000 sq. ft. shop has 21 lifts with two flats per lift.

Jerry is a business coach and prides himself for getting out of the shop between 80 and 120 days a year to work with clients, attends seminars and enjoys wine. Listen to Jerry previous episodes HERE.

Dr. Laura Shwaluk has a Bachelor of Science in the field of Cellular, Molecular, and Microbial Biology and a doctorate in Chiropractic with certificates in neurology, applied kinesiology, nutrition, and functional endocrinology. She practiced wellness and functional medicine in Texas for 20 years and is the author of three books.

Laura is happily married and devoted to the love of her life, Jerry Kezhaya. Together they manage The Auto Shop and Business Builders Mentor and Mastermind USA. Her specialized business interests are in accounting, operational systems, and people management. Her passion is to help entrepreneurs accelerate their business and open the doors of mental blocks that prevent them from succeeding.

Key Talking Points:

Becoming a Financial Adult- 85% of 65 years or older don’t have access to $25,000

Focusing on money doesn’t grow money. Creating VALUE grows money. Using money COSTS money. Every time you convert your assets to cash your wealth actually shrinks (fees, taxes, charges).
Money IS NOT wealth. Wealth can be turned into money, but money can rarely be turned into wealth.
Keeping the value of assets in money usually causes them to decrease because of inflation. Value dilutes over time.
Using borrowed money magnifies all of these problems!
When you focus on “value,” then you will get money (service business, online business, regular job). If you’re not earning the amount you want, then look at what value you are creating for other people. Technicians creating more value for themselves (training, classes)
Keeping your assets in “money” will cause you to lose money. Appreciating asset (land, a business that is growing ), depreciating asset (car, boat)
“Fiat Currency” is currency not backed by anything solid (ex. gold, coins). It is money that has no intrinsic value (a paper dollar bill). Fiat currencies tend to collapse over time. In the U.S. we have “at currency with no intrinsic value backing it up (no gold in Fort Knox). Currency is not secure. Value is secure.
Debt evolved from a tool we only used responsibly when needed and paid off as fast as you could, to a new paradigm where we accept debt as the way things work. The idea that debt is a reasonable way to live our lives really hurts us.” Look like you have wealth when you don’t.”
“Consumerism” is the idea we can consume our way to wealth and happiness. 100 years ago it didn’t exist – we only bought based on needs not wants. Now we buy wants to express ourselves and to be an individual and to get status.
What’s the problem with consumerism? We are buying things that we don’t really want to impress people we don’t even like (“conspicuous consumption”) to make us feel important. Consumerism is fostered by large companies that have an interest in you feeling insecure about yourself, in order to incite your self-expression mechanism, because they make money when you do. Consumerism to feel better or impress others doesn’t work and it robs our future. Difference between want and need. Practice a pause when purchasing instead of impulse. Competition and insecurity are motivators for impulse buying. Use logic not emotions.
The old paradigm of “entitlement” is being obliterated. The problem is that having a job (instead of having a craft or working for yourself) is precarious.
70% of us work with knowledge in our head. We are going through a transition from tangible reality to knowledge-based reality. You can’t count on the industry you are in today to be around in a couple of years. Let go of “the job” as a paradigm of reality. The world does not owe you a job. If we want to create success,we have to grow up and turn ourselves into someone that others seek knowledge from.
We have to admit to ourselves that we have been behaving like spoiled financial teenagers. We never really learned and we stayed adolescents and we relied on others to take care of us. Now we have to grow up and become financial adults. Take 100% responsibility for where you are now and where you are going in the future.
To the extent,you can create value for others you can build wealth.
There is a “critical distinction” between spending (buying liabilities that will drop in value, like a new car) versus investing (taking money and trading it for assets that go up in value over time).
The productive thing to do with your money is actually counter-intuitive. It’s not obvious how to invest, but it is obvious how to spend it!
Learn to make the distinction between needs and wants. Each person comes pre-wired with the mechanism to know if something is a need or a want. All we have to do is to ask ourselves.

Business Builders Mentor and Mastermind USA www.bbmmacademy.com

Business Builders Mentor and Mastermind USA CHALLENGE

Resources:

Thanks to Jerry Kehzaya and Dr. Laura Shwaluk for their contribution to the aftermarket’s premier podcast.
Link to the ‘BOOKS‘ page highlighting all books discussed in the podcast library HERE. Leaders are readers.
Listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spreaker, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Podchaser and many more. Mobile Listening APP’s HERE
Find every podcast episode HERE.
Every episode segmented by Series HERE.
Key Word Search HERE.

Be socially involved and in touch with the show:

Facebook Twitter Linked In Email

Join the Ecosystem – Subscribe to the INSIDER NEWSLETTER HERE.

Buy me a coffee

Since 1989 TRACS has been the industry’s leading shop management system. And in the last 30 years it’s gotten better and better. Today TRACS Enterprise offers even more of the features AutoCare Center owners want—things like a powerful interactive scheduling calendar, faster and streamlined work flow, plus streamlined parts ordering and purchasing options. And there’s more—Punch-out to Mitchell ProDemand, mobile VIN capture, and multi-shop capabilities. That means you can count on TRACS Enterprise to help drive your success today and well into the future.

Learn more about TRACS Enterprise and the hundreds of other benefits NAPA offers. visit the NAPA Benefits Center, at www.napabenefitscenter.com or call the NAPA Benefits Center at 844-627-2123.