Business By The Numbers

End-of-Year Tax Traps: The Deductions, Deadlines & Mistakes That Cost Shop Owners Thousands [E201]

18 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partners Promotive and Wicked FileAre you leaving money on the table before the tax year closes?In this end-of-year episode of Business ...

The Road to 200 - How to Make your Sales, Gross Profit and Profit 200% of Current Levels [E200]

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partners Promotive and Wicked FileThanks to our partner PromotiveIt’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you hav...

Stop Paying Taxes You Don’t Owe: The Tax-Free Way to Reward Your Team [E199]

04 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partners Promotive and Wicked FileAre you rewarding your team, or paying extra taxes to do it? Could a few words on your payroll save yo...

Stop Letting the Dealer Decide Your Finances — Leasing vs Buying Explained [E198]

27 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partners Promotive and Wicked FileShould you lease or buy your next vehicle or piece of shop equipment?In this episode, Hunt Demarest, C...

Why 2026 Will Redefine Auto Repair: Inside the Industry’s Biggest Shifts, Struggles, and Opportunities [E197]

20 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partners Promotive and Wicked FileWhat if the biggest problems facing auto repair shops today aren’t what you think they are?And what ...

Customer Acquisition Cost vs. Lifetime Value: The Math That Decides If Your Shop's Advertising is Working [E196] [E196]

13 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partners Promotive and Wicked FileHow much does it really cost your shop to win a new customer, and is it worth it?Most shop owners don’...

Stop Guessing Your Ad Budget! Why Most Auto Shops Overspend and Undergrow [E195]

06 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partners Promotive and Wicked File“How much should I actually spend on advertising?”In this week’s episode of Business by the Numb...

Your $200 Labor Rate Means Nothing: What Really Matters in Auto Shop Profitability [E194]

30 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partners Promotive and Wicked FileIn this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest of Paarmelis & Associates breaks down on...

ERTC Audits Are Here: What Every Shop Owner Needs to Know in 2025 [E193]

23 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partners Promotive and Wicked FileAfter years of waiting, many shop owners are discovering that their long-anticipated Employee Retentio...

Profit or Time? The Tradeoff Every Shop Owner Gets Wrong [E192]

16 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partners Promotive and Wicked FileEvery shop owner knows the feeling — the harder you work, the less time you seem to have. But what i...

The $5,000 Parts Problem: Why Every Auto Shop Loses Money Without Knowing It [E191]

09 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partners Promotive and Wicked FileEver been charged for someone else’s part? Or failed to get a credit on a return you were sure you’...

The Gray Area of Write-Offs: How to Save on Taxes Without Sinking Your Business [E190]

02 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partners Promotive and Wicked FileEvery fall, tax season brings the same loaded question: “Can I write that off?” From flat-screen T...

Flat Rate vs. Hourly: The Hidden Productivity Trap Killing Auto Shop Margins [E189]

25 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partners Promotive and Wicked FileAuto shops aren’t going broke because they charge too little—they’re going broke because they’...

Profit vs. Cashflow: Why Shops Go Broke While Making Money [E188]

18 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partners Promotive and Wicked FileWhat happens when a shop owner calls to say they’re going broke—only to discover they’re actuall...

Inside Wage and Hour Audits: What Every Shop Owner Must Know [E187]

11 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partners Promotive and Wicked FileWhat would happen if your shop—or any business—was hit with a wage and hour audit tomorrow?The ans...

Profit Problems? Why Reviewing Your Financials Wrong Could Cost You Thousands [E186]

04 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partners Promotive and Wicked FileWelcome to another episode of Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demerast, CPA at Parmelis & Associ...

Is Your Shop Management System Lying to You? [E185]

28 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partner PromotiveMost shop owners assume their shop management system and QuickBooks are telling the same financial story. But what happ...

Should My Spouse Own my Business Too? Should I Pay Them? [E184]

21 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partner PromotiveBeing married while owning a business isn’t just about love and partnership—it’s about liability, taxes, estate p...

Private Equity in Auto Repair: Threat or Opportunity for Your Shop? [E183]

14 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partner PromotiveThe mega-money players have arrived—and they’re changing the game for independent auto repair shops.Private equi...

The ROI Wake-Up Call: Why Most Auto Shops Are Measuring It All Wrong [E182]

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partner PromotiveStill judging your advertising budget by a percent of sales? Thinking of buying an alignment rack or even an entire sho...

ROI - Return on Investment [E181]

31 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partner PromotiveWhether you're thinking of buying your first auto repair shop, selling your third, or investing in new equipment, under...

Mailbox: Write-Off for Weight Loss Drugs, Gambling Winnings, and Employee Handbooks [E180

24 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partner PromotiveThis week, Hunt Demerast, CPA, dives into three hot-button business questions—each with surprising consequences for y...

Tax Changes: How to Maximize the Changes in Your Shop [E179]

17 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partner PromotiveThis week on Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demerast, CPA at Paar Melis & Associates, returns to break down what the...

The Big Beautiful Bill: What These Tax Changes Mean to You and Your Business [E178]

10 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partner PromotiveA 900-page monster of a law just dropped—and it’s about to change how you pay taxes, deduct expenses, and run payro...

2025 Benchmark Report Part 3 [E177]

03 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partner PromotiveIn this final episode of our Benchmark Report series, Hunt Demarest, CPA with Paar Melis and Associates, uncovers what ...

2025 Benchmark Report Part 2 [E176]

26 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partner PromotiveIn this second part of our 2025 Benchmark series, Hunt Demarest, CPA, with Paar Melis and Associates, breaks down perfo...

2025 Benchmark Report Part 1: Biggest Changes, Key KPI's and Trends [E175]

19 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partner PromotiveWelcome to Part 1 of our annual Benchmark Report—hosted by Hunt Demarest, CPA, from Paar Melis & Associates. ...

When and How to Plan (and Minimize) Your Taxes [E174]

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partner PromotivePlanning for taxes shouldn’t feel like rolling the dice. In this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt walks throu...

Should I Create a New Entity For That? [E173]

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partner PromotiveExpanding your auto repair business is an exciting venture, but it brings forth critical decisions, especially regardin...

Mailbox: Warranty Work and Ownership with Spouses and Divorce [E172]

29 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partner PromotiveIn this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest answers three key listener questions that auto repair shop ow...

Is My Labor Rate Too Low? [E171]

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partner PromotiveAre you charging enough for labor at your shop? In this week’s...

Earn Your CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) With Jimmy Lea [E043] - Speak Up! Effective Communication

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, AutoLeap, Shop Dog Marketing, In-BoundWatch Full Video EpisodeIn our Episode Today: Our host Craig ...

The Largest Tax Cut in US History? [E170]

15 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partner PromotiveIn this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest, CPA of Paar Melis and Associates, explores the details behin...

Credit Card Processing Fees [E169]

08 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partner PromotiveCredit card fees are eating into shop owners' profits — but sh...

Just Call Your Clients! With Hunt Demarest [E041] - Speak Up! Effective Communication

05 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, AutoLeap, Shop Dog Marketing, In-BoundWatch Full Video EpisodeIn our episode today, we welcome gues...

Don't Mess With Sales Tax! [E168]

01 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and PromotiveIn this week's episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest, CPA at Paar Melis & Associates, ...

Tax Season Recap and Tips [E167]

24 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and PromotiveApril 15th is behind us — but your tax strategy sh...

Tariffs: Higher Prices, Higher Profits? [166]

17 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and PromotiveTariffs might sound like a foreign concept—until they hit home. In this episode of Business by ...

Finding Lost Money with Alex Saladna - WickedFile [E165]

10 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and PromotiveWhat if your auto repair shop is losing money every single day — and you don’t even know it? In th...

How Much Do I Need to Retire? [E164]

03 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive“Do I have enough to retire?”It’s the question every business owner eventually asks—but most n...

Where Are My Customers? [E163]

27 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and PromotiveIs your shop struggling with fewer repair orders and dropping sales? It may not be about losing custom...

Stagflation: What is It? [E162]

20 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and PromotiveIn this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest, CPA, dives into a major economic issue...

Projections: Not Just a Bank Requirement [E161]

13 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and PromotiveIn this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest, CPA, dives into the world of financial...

Market Update: BOI Reports, Interest Rates, and More [E160]

06 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and PromotiveThis week on Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest, CPA with Paar Melis and Associates, breaks down t...

Can I Afford to Close on Saturdays? [E159]

27 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and PromotiveClosing your shop on Saturdays might sound like a risky move, but could it actually improve your busin...

Is My Shop Management Lying to Me? Fixing Tech Costs [E158]

20 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hunt examines technician cost management within automotive repair shops shop management systems. He explores the issue of inaccurately reported labor ...

Am I An Overpaid Employee? [E157]

13 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and PromotiveAre you truly a business owner, or just a well-paid employee? In this episode of Business by the Numbe...

To Lease or Not to Lease: Buying Versus Leasing Decisions [E156]

06 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and PromotiveWelcome to another episode of Business by the Numbers, hosted by Hunt Demarest, CPA, with Paar Melis &...

Executive Orders - Taxes and IRS Updates [E155]

30 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and PromotiveWelcome to this episode of Business by the Numbers! Host Hunt Demarest, CPA, explores the recent IRS d...

How To Trigger An Audit [E154]

23 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and PromotiveWelcome to this week’s episode of Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest, CPA. Today, we’re ta...

Should I Use Profit First? [E153]

16 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and PromotiveManaging your cash flow can feel overwhelming, but the Profit First system offers a fresh approach to ...

Setting Goals for Success in 2025 [E152]

09 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and PromotiveSetting the right goals for your auto repair shop can make or break your business's success. In this e...

Help! I Need Cash! [E151]

02 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and PromotiveRunning low on cash? Before panic sets in, it’s time to get strategic. In this episode of Business b...

Maintaining Proper Reserves [E150]

26 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and PromotiveThe holiday season can make or break your cash reserves, especially for auto shop owners juggling fina...

The Handbook for Self-Rentals: Fair Market and Taxes [E149]

19 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and PromotiveIn this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt dives into the critical topic of self-rentals for sho...

End of 2024 Update: Interest Rates, ERTC, BOI Reporting & More [E148]

12 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and PromotiveEnd-of-year chaos is here, and Hunt’s been busy diving into webinars, questions, and updates on some...

Forecasting: How To Set Goals for 2025 and Beyond [E147]

05 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and PromotiveJoin Hunt Demarest, CPA from Paar Melis and Associates, as he dives into one of the most crucial aspec...

The Basics of Accrual Accounting [E146]

28 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and PromotiveIn this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest, CPA, dives into the world of accrual accoun...

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

21 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

How Much Should I Pay Myself? [E144]

14 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS, and PromotiveA critical topic for business owners: how much you should pay yourself as an S-corporation owner. Thi...

Legal Advice From a CPA [E143]

07 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partner, NAPA TRACS In this episode, Hunt Demarest, CPA of Paar Melis and Associates, explores legal advice that CPAs often encounter, e...

Talking Shop with Chris Cotton [E142]

31 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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, Ch...

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

24 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 t...

How to Prepare for Disaster [E140]

17 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest, CPA, from Paar Melis and Associates, breaks down essential steps every auto repair shop sho...

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

10 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest, CPA at Paar Melis Associates, explores how auto repair shop owners can simplify their finan...

Talking Numbers with Chris Cotton [E138]

03 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Hunt Demarest, an experienced CPA specializing in the auto repair industry, sits down with Chris Cotton, a renowned auto repair shop ...

Comparing the 2024 Presidential Tax Plans [E137]

26 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest, CPA, breaks down the latest tax proposals from Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, helping busi...

Key KPI: Productivity & Efficiency [E136]

19 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Business by the Numbers, host Hunt Demarest, CPA, dives into the critical role that productivity and efficiency play in t...

2024 Benchmark Report Part 3: Labor Productivity, Flat Rate VS Hourly [E135]

12 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode of Business by the Numbers is Part 3 (and the final part) of the 2024 benchmark series! What separates the most profitable auto...

2024 Benchmark Report Part 2: Profitability, Labor Rates, and Productivity Metrics [E134]

05 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Business by the Numbers, host Hunt Demarest, CPA, continues the in-depth exploration of the 2024 Benchmark Report. This week, he an...

2024 Benchmark Report Part 1: Biggest Changes, Key KPI's and Trends [E133]

29 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of "Business by the Numbers," Hunt Demarest, CPA, kicks off a three-part series breaking down the 2024 Automotive Industry benchmark r...

ERTC Update - Am I Going to Get Paid? [E132]

22 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest, CPA, dives into the latest updates on the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) from ...

When Should I Take Social Security? [E131]

15 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Business by the Numbers, we dive into the intricacies of Social Security and the critical decisions that can impact your retirement...

What is Going on with the Market & Rates? [E130]

08 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and PromotiveIn this week's episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest, CPA, dives into the recent market vo...

Do I Need a Financial Advisor? [E129]

01 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of "Business by the Numbers," Hunt Demarest, CPA, discusses the value and considerations of having a financial advisor. He addresses c...

Effective Labor Rate [E128]

25 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and PromotiveToday,Hunt explores how to understand and improve your effective labor rate, one of the most important...

Daily Weekly Monthly Yearly : When and What should I be Looking for on My Financials? [E127]

18 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and PromotiveIn this episode, Hunt Demarest, CPA with Paar Melis & Associates, discusses the importance of regu...

Rent or Buy: Can I Afford to be my Own Landlord? [E126]

11 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and PromotiveIn this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt explores the benefits and considerations of owning yo...

Profit vs. Cash Flow: Common Issues & Solutions [E125]

04 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and PromotiveIn this episode, Hunt explores the crucial difference between profit and cash flow. Learn why your hig...

Avoid These Money Mistakes! [RR 967] - Remarkable Results Radio Podcast

28 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX, NAPA TRACS, and Automotive Management Network 'Business by the Numbers' Podcast host Hunt Demarest discusses com...

Mailbox - Self Rentals, S-Corps and Sales Tax [E124]

27 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and PromotiveMore listener questions answered! This week is all about S Corporation tax benefits, determining fair ...

The Do's and Don'ts of Owner Financing [E123]

20 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and PromotiveDid you know that NAPA TRACS has onsite training plus six days a week support?It all starts when a loc...

Overtime, Hiring, Firing with Jamie Hasty [E122]

13 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Jamie Hasty from Southeastern Employer Services Corporation (SESCO) joins Hunt to discuss HR and employment law topics for auto repair shop...

To Withhold or Not To (And How) [E121]

06 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt simplifies the W-4 form process for auto repair shop owners, employees, and families to avoid tax-tim...

What Is/Was Going on with GME (Gamestop) Stock? [E120]

30 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Hunt unravels the mystery behind the AMC and GameStop stock phenomena that has captivated the financial world.Institutional Investors: Who ...

Should I Pay My Spouse? Should We File Separate? [E119]

23 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and PromotiveThis week, Hunt talks about a $40 million tax bill that teaches critical lessons on spousal tax liabil...

Housing Market, Paying Off Your House and Sky High Interest Rates [E118]

16 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Hunt tackles the pressing issues facing the housing market in 2024, discussing the impact of interest rates and the real affordabilit...

How To Calculate Your Break Even Point [E117]

09 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join Hunt in this important discussion about financial planning for auto repair shop owners. This episode explores why breaking even isn't enough and ...

Interest Rates and Market Update [E116]

02 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On this Episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt reflects on his time at the STX conference in Nashville, sharing stories about the connections made a...

Is There Going to be a Wealth Tax? [E115]

25 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hunt unpacks his recent experiences and learnings from the Virginia Automotive Association Conference in Hot Springs, Virginia. Joined by Jamie from S...

Do the "Rich" Pay Their Fair Share of Taxes? [E114]

18 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to this episode of "Business by the Numbers," where we dive deep into the often controversial topic of tax fairness. Join Hunt, as he explores...

Will I Qualify for that Loan? Will the Buyer of My Business? [E113]

11 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this week’s episode, Hunt gets into the financial intricacies faced by auto repair shop owners, from refinancing debts and selling shops to secur...

Making a Profit Without Marking Up Parts? [E112]

04 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In the latest episode of "Business by the Numbers," Hunt tackles an intriguing question for auto repair shops: Can success be achieved without marking...

Mailbox: Listener Questions Answered [E111]

28 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In the latest episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest, CPA at Paar Mellis & Associates, tackles your top questions on taxes, accounting,...

Rising Costs - Raising Prices [E110]

21 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Hunt takes a deep dive into the hot-button issue of price increases within the auto repair sector. He offers a nuanced examination of vendo...

What If?! [E109]

14 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What if there's a fire in your shop? An oil spill? A natural disaster or God forbid, a death? How do you prepare for that? Well, This week, Hunt talks...

The Balancing Act: Time, Money, and the (Automotive) Entrepreneur [E108]

07 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Hunt sits down with Jay Huh, a down-to-earth auto repair shop owner from North Carolina who's also a skilled public speaker, coach at...

The True Cost of Inaction [E107]

29 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week on Business by the Numbers, I want to talk shop and share insights that hit close to home for every garage owner out there. Today, I’m tal...

Mortgage Rates, Forecast, Self Employment with Pat McCormick [E106]

22 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of mortgages with Pat McCormick, a seasoned expert from McCormick Mortgage Services.As we explore the com...

Help! I Can't Pay my Taxes! [E105]

15 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As tax season 2024 unfolds, many entrepreneurs find themselves grappling with previous years' unpaid taxes, alongside the looming obligations for the ...