New York DWI Law Results in More Business for Automotive Repair Shops

A new law in New York requires motorists convicted of driving while intoxicated to have breath alcohol ignition interlock devices installed on their vehicles. Buckley’s Automotive in Horseheads, NY, has already installed 10 interlock units since the law took effect.

Below is the article as it appeared on the Star Gazette website.

DWI law means business for auto repair shops

By G. Jeffrey Aaron
October 21, 2010

Jody Mark Buckley, manager of Buckley's Automotive in Horseheads demonstrates the use of Smart Start's breath alcohol ignition interlock device. (G. Jeffrey Aaron / Staff Photo) A new state law is giving local auto repair shops a new revenue source as people convicted of drunken driving are subject to more oversight.

The shops are installing more breath alcohol ignition interlocks, court-ordered devices placed in vehicles owned by motorists convicted of driving while intoxicated.

Almost all states require the devices. New York’s new law took effect Aug. 15. Before the law, courts decided on a case-by-case basis if an offender would be required to have the device.

The new law only affects motorists convicted of driving while intoxicated, said Sandra Mentuck, director of Chemung County’s Probation Department. Those convicted of driving while impaired or driving under the influence of drugs are not required to install the devices on their vehicles.

According to the state Traffic Safety Committee, about 2,000 New York motorists have ignition interlock systems in their vehicles; that number includes devices installed before the new law took effect.

Once the interlocks are connected to the vehicle’s ignition system, drivers have to blow into a hand-held breathalyzer before they try to start the vehicle. If the system detects alcohol on the breath above the legal limit for intoxication — .08 percent in New York — the ignition is disabled and the vehicle will not start.

To read the entire article, visit the Star Gazette website at http://www.stargazette.com/article/20101021/NEWS01/10210388/DWI+law+means+business+for+auto+repair+shops.

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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