Ep 462 Matt Ebert on Selling Control to Private Equity and Expanding Crash Champions to 645 Locations
Oct 4, 2024
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Matt Ebert, founder of Crash Champions, shares his journey from fixing his first car at 16 to leading one of the largest collision repair companies in the U.S. He discusses the financial strategies for transitioning to private equity and the challenges of scaling operations across 645 locations. The conversation also dives into balancing acquisitions with organic growth, adapting to industry changes, and maintaining a founder-led mindset despite Wall Street pressures. Ebert’s insights reflect the intricate dynamics of rapid business expansion in the automotive sector.
Matt Ebert's journey from a teenager fixing his own car to founding Crash Champions illustrates the importance of passion-driven entrepreneurship in achieving success.
Ebert's strategic partnership with private equity not only facilitated rapid expansion but also required adapting to new complexities in operational management and financial growth.
Deep dives
Matt Ebert's Entrepreneurial Journey
Matt Ebert's entry into the car repair business began as a teenager when he had to fix his own car after an accident. This initial experience sparked a passion for collision repair, leading him to work under a family friend before starting his own body shop. Although he briefly ventured into other business endeavors, such as becoming a Subway franchisee, his desire to own a body shop ultimately prevailed. In 2014, he partnered with a retired body shop owner which set the stage for the establishment and growth of Crash Champions.
The Role of Financing in Expansion
Ebert utilized various financing strategies to expand his business, including Small Business Administration (SBA) loans and seller financing to acquire additional locations. As he aimed to grow from eight locations, he engaged an investment banker to explore private equity opportunities, which initially seemed daunting since he had recently parted ways with a partner. Ultimately, by considering different financing forms, he partnered with a private equity group that acquired a majority stake, which facilitated further growth. This collaboration significantly enhanced Crash Champions’ financial capacity and enabled rapid acquisition of new locations.
The Impact of Industry Consolidation
Ebert recognized that the collision repair industry was undergoing significant consolidation, which influenced his decision to scale Crash Champions. He feared that remaining stagnant could devalue his business, as larger firms began to dominate the market, potentially limiting his options for a future sale. By aggressively expanding, he aimed to position his company favorably within this shifting landscape, ensuring that it remained attractive to buyers and investors. This foresight allowed him to capture a larger market share before the industry potentially reached saturation.
Challenges of Scaling a Business
Transitioning from a small shop to managing over 600 locations posed numerous challenges for Ebert, particularly in adapting to the increased complexity of operations. He realized the necessity of acquiring advanced financial knowledge and the importance of building a strong executive team to navigate larger business problems. Maintaining a founder-led culture remained essential to him, emphasizing transparency and teamwork while working alongside private equity partners. Ebert's focus on continuous personal and organizational growth has been fundamental to addressing the hurdles that come with rapid expansion.
Matt Ebert’s path to founding Crash Champions didn’t start with a grand plan—it began with a car wreck. At 16, he found himself needing to fix his own car, sparking an unexpected passion that led to building one of the largest collision repair companies in the United States.
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