Who I am
I’m Jan Althaus, a Metro Detroit local interested in buying an established auto repair shop.
My plan is to own the shop with a general manager running day-to-day operations, while I stay involved in strategy and finances. Before anything else, I want to understand what makes your shop work: your people, your customers, and the reputation you’ve earned.
Every conversation is confidential and comes with no obligation.
A personal note
I live here in Metro Detroit, and I’m interested in buying one established, independent repair shop from an owner who’s starting to think about what’s next. Before anything else, I’d want to understand what you’ve built and what matters to you. If that sounds worth a conversation, I’d be glad to meet for coffee or stop by your shop. No pressure, and it stays between us.
— Jan
What I’m looking for
Here’s the kind of shop I’m interested in buying:
| Location | Oakland, Macomb, or Wayne County |
|---|---|
| Facility | About 6–8 service bays |
| Business model | General automotive repair, diagnostics, and preventative maintenance |
| Reputation | An established shop with a good local reputation and loyal customers |
| Timing | Whatever works for you. We’d figure that out together. |
How a conversation works
- Quiet first contact Email, call, or the form below. No brokers required. No public listing needed.
- Let’s meet in person Over coffee or at your shop, I’ll listen to what you’ve built and what a good outcome looks like for you. No numbers needed up front.
- Next steps only if it fits If it feels right for both of us, we’d look at the business together, at your pace.
- Confidential throughout Staff, customers, and competitors don’t hear about it unless you decide they should.
Why owners talk to me
One local buyer
I’m one person looking to buy one shop. I’m not a chain, a fund, or a broker.
Respect for what you built
I want to learn how your shop earned its reputation before forming any plans.
No pressure
No obligation, no brokers, no public listing. We just talk.
Direct & discreet
One principal. Straight answers. Conversations stay private.
The future of the local trade
A shop’s future depends on skilled technicians. I care about the future of the trade in Metro Detroit, especially helping good technicians grow. A few things I’m interested in:
Apprenticeships
Interested in: local apprenticeship programs.
Technician training
Interested in: ongoing technician training.
Careers in the trade
Interested in: keeping independent repair a respected career for local young people.
Let’s talk, confidentially
All inquiries are handled with strict privacy and confidentiality. I’m happy to meet for coffee or stop by your shop.