Federated Member Vaca Valley ‘Goes Green’

With high gas prices leading to higher operating costs, Federated member Vaca Valley Auto Parts decided to take action. The Fairfield, CA-based company has added four Prius C Hybrids to its delivery fleet, resulting in immediate savings.

“With the cost of fuel these days, we decided to take steps to reduce our delivery costs,” said Jack Martin, president and founder of Vaca Valley Auto Parts. “Finally, we took the leap, purchasing four Prius C Hybrids and putting them into service. We have seen a big reduction in fuel costs and expect the payback to come in two years.”

As part of introducing its new Prius C Hybrid delivery vehicles, Trevor Martin, vice president and general manager of Vaca Valley, designed a “Vaca Valley Goes Green” promotion for their customers. To celebrate, Vaca Valley gave every customer with an invoice over $100 a Lotto Scratcher ticket for a chance to win some extra “green.” In addition, those customers who did not have a winning lottery ticket were eligible for a second-chance bonus drawing to win such prizes as an iPad, LCD television and a Federated Racing hospitality package at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma.

Vaca Valley Auto Parts was formed in 1974 by Jack Martin, Richard Black and William Suter. In 1975, Martin purchased the shares of his other partners and Vaca Valley Auto Parts became the family owned corporation that it is today. From the beginning, the company’s goal was simple, to be the best auto parts store in the region. The Vaca Valley Auto Parts staff of ASE-certified professional counterpeople serves a variety of customers including professional installers and do-it-yourselfers as well as fleet, industrial and marine customers.

“We commend Jack and Trevor Martin on their proactive efforts to reduce costs while at the same time, being environmentally friendly,” said Rusty Bishop, CEO of Federated Auto Parts. “Vaca Valley has a long history of innovative ideas and programs that have helped set them apart from the competition.”

When Your Shop Is Worth Much More Than You Thought

Although every sale of a shop in which I am involved has its own unique set of circumstances, which makes my job both very interesting and very challenging, Cowden Automotive stands out as particularly memorable because I was able to demonstrate to the long-time owner, Paul Cowden, that his business was worth about three times what he had initially thought.

Case Study: Owner of San Francisco-based Import Service Shop Delighted to Discover Just How Valuable His Business is to Qualified Buyers
I sometimes share case studies of the clients I have been able to assist in my role as an aftermarket business broker and provider of intermediary and advisory services. I do that when I think the story will provide a reader in similar circumstances with new insights or helpful information.
In the case of Cowden Automotive, Inc., I acted in a consulting capacity assisting the owner and his broker in valuing the business, creating a marketing plan, finding a qualified buyer, and arranging financing for the sale.
Although every sale of a shop in which I am involved has its own unique set of circumstances, which makes my job both very interesting and very challenging, Cowden Automotive stands out as particularly memorable because I was able to demonstrate to the long-time owner, Paul Cowden, that his business was worth about three times what he had initially thought.
Needless to say, delivering that kind of good news to a shop owner is a rewarding experience. Discovering that the sale of his business would result in his retirement nest-egg being substantially larger than he had ever thought was a fitting tribute to someone who had spent his entire working career as a busy automotive service shop owner.

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