GreatWater 360 Auto Care added 20 automotive repair shops in the third quarter of 2026, bringing in both single-location businesses and multi-shop groups and moving into the Houston market for the first time.
The Grand Rapids, Michigan-based company said its single-shop additions included RJ’s Auto Pros in Kent, Ohio; Coldwater Auto Service in Coldwater, Michigan; Lonsbury Garage in Angola, Indiana; and Brooks Auto Care in Indianapolis. The latest were Tony’s Brake & Alignment in Louisville, Kentucky; O’Reilly Motor Cars in Milwaukee; and Chuck’s Main Street Auto in Sussex, Wisconsin.
Two groups also joined during the quarter. 1 Stop Auto Shop runs six locations across central and southern Illinois, while Clutch Automotive brought seven locations and GreatWater’s entry into Houston.
“GreatWater’s growth isn’t limited to one type of acquisition,” said Jim Dykstra, chief executive officer of GreatWater 360 Auto Care. “We can support a single-location owner thinking about the future of their shop, and we can also support operators who have built successful multi-location groups. What matters in every case is fit, quality, and our ability to carry forward what made the business successful.”
Different paths to growth
GreatWater said the mix of deals is deliberate and reflects the flexibility of its acquisition and integration model. The company described single-location shops as a key part of independent auto repair, often backed by decades of local customer relationships and owner-led management, while multi-shop groups add scale, local market presence and experienced leaders to its network.
Whatever the size of the deal, the company said its approach stays the same: keep the shop’s legacy and team in place, maintain continuity for customers and strengthen the business through its wider operating platform.
“Growth at this pace only works when the process is disciplined and the transition is thoughtful,” said Scott Anderson, president and chief operating officer of GreatWater 360 Auto Care. “Whether we are onboarding one shop or a group of shops, the responsibility is the same. We need to understand what made the business successful, support the people who made it work, and connect the shops to resources that help them continue moving forward.”
Local names stay in place
Each shop added in the quarter will keep operating under its existing local name, with its team staying on. Behind the scenes, the shops gain access to GreatWater’s support platform, which covers operations, recruiting, technician development, procurement, finance, marketing, technology and training.
The company added that in several cases, leaders of acquired businesses are continuing with GreatWater in roles focused on integration, market growth and continuity for shop teams.
“These businesses were built through years of hard work and local trust,” Dykstra said. “Our role isn’t to erase that. It’s to protect what made each shop successful while giving teams more support, structure, and opportunity for the future.”
About GreatWater 360 Auto Care
GreatWater 360 Auto Care operates full-service automotive repair shops in multiple states. It partners with established independent operators and brings them onto a centralized support platform while keeping their local brand identities and community relationships.
