Episode Details

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Sarah Chiles & Matthew Ferguson left careers in VC to buy the only auto repair shop for 35 miles in their native Aspen.

Topics in Sarah & Matthew’s interview:

• Backgrounds in engineering and VC
• Preserving local fabric by buying businesses
• The “tackle shop” nature of businesses in small towns
• Seasonality in a small resort town
• Gaining the respect of employees
• Vision of a hometown holdco
• Crisis management when their operator left
• Modernizing and restructuring the auto repair business
• Finding out what each employee wants
• Long-term commitment to Aspen 

References and how to contact Sarah & Matthew:

• Sarah’s LinkedIn
• Matthew’s LinkedIn
• Aspen Total Automotive
• Shop Fix Academy
• STM Holdings
• Adam Markley on Acquiring Minds: Getting Reps: Helping Others Look at Deals Led to a Holdco
• Cassi Niekamp on Acquiring Minds: Buying a $1.2m Fencing Business & Earning Trust Quickly
  
  

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Edited by Anton Rohozov
Producer by Pam Cameron