Episode 218 - How Arun Coumar Builds and Buys Successful Auto Shops

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In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Arun Coumar from The Institute Summit 2025. Arun opens up about his journey managing multiple shops, including the challenges—and lessons learned—of buying struggling businesses and turning them around. The hosts discuss what it takes financially for a technician to become a successful shop owner, sharing practical numbers and strategies for buying existing shops versus starting from scratch. Arun also reflects on scaling back side projects to focus on high-ROI activities, highlighting the importance of prioritizing time and energy as both an entrepreneur and a new parent.

00:00 Gym Concerns Over Job Ability

07:28 Buying a Shop with Seller Financing

13:49 Manufacturer Partnership Requirements

20:25 Value of a Coach in Business

21:57 Prioritizing High ROI Tasks

26:58 Corvette Seat Malfunction Incident

36:06 Cold Weather Truck Trouble

37:36 Transmission Assembly Troubleshooting

43:20 Fear of Car Incident Escape

53:11 Early Payout: Transition Agreement

57:06 "Train Triggers Crossing Arms Repeatedly"

01:03:24 Taxpayer's Frustration and Threats

01:08:50 City Budget: Police Funding Concerns

01:10:00 Pension Crisis Burdening Budgets

01:17:56 Rand Paul's Budget Highlight Reel