Episode Details

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This episode explores the critical role of specialized financial management with shop owner Liz Perkins and CPA Hunt Demarest. The discussion focuses on Perkins’ move to a CPA firm dedicated solely to the automotive industry, emphasizing how general accountants often misclassify data and miss key industry nuances. Demarest explains that a strong accounting partnership should extend beyond tax filing to include ongoing tax strategy and clear insights into profitability. Perkins shares how stepping away from a DIY approach to her finances gave her clearer visibility into market performance and greater peace of mind. Together, they make the case for shop owners to prioritize financial literacy and expert partnerships to maintain healthy, sustainable, cash flow positive businesses.

• Stop Armchair Quarterbacking:Why real time numbers, not last month’s reports, must drive in the moment business decisions.

• The Rule of Holes:Recognizing when you’re losing money and knowing when to stop digging so you can rebuild.

• Drilling Down:Using market and location specific P&Ls to uncover true profitability.

• Beyond the Tax Return:The difference between reactive tax prep and proactive, year round tax planning.

• The Pain-Free Pivot:Why switching accounting firms is faster and easier than most shop owners think.

• Asking the Right Questions:How to evaluate a CPA beyond basic bookkeeping and tax filing.

• Selling Understanding:Building a relationship based financial strategy, not just reports and numbers.

• The Status Quo Trap:How ignoring your numbers leads to avoidable financial pain.

Liz Perkins, L1 Automotive Diagnostics and Program, L1 Automotive Training, Previous episode HERE.

Hunt Demarest, CPA, Paar Melis and Associates, Business by the Numbers Podcast

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

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