Rick's Automotive

What Rick's Automotive does

Rick's Automotive is a privately held, family-owned independent auto repair shop founded in 1980 by Rick and Karen Hughlett in Springfield, Missouri. Operating from a 28,000 square foot campus at 2121 South Campbell, the company provides comprehensive automotive repair, preventive maintenance, tire services, and fleet maintenance to individual vehicle owners, commercial fleet operators, and emergency medical services providers across southwest Missouri. The company's core technology stack consists of industry-specific diagnostic equipment and manufacturer-authorized tools, including the only authorized Mercedes-Benz Sprinter diagnostic capability in southwest Missouri, supported by ASE-certified technicians with significant tenure (many 10+ years, several 20+ years).

The business operates on a professional services revenue model with five core streams: general auto repair services, tire sales and services, fleet maintenance contracts (125+ accounts), a subscription-style preventive maintenance program with email reminders, and affiliate financing referrals through Synchrony Car Care Card and Bosch Service. All repairs are backed by a 3-year/36,000-mile nationwide warranty honored at 35,000+ Certified Auto Repair centers. The company holds regional authority in ambulance repair, servicing all ambulances across a 16-county area of southwest Missouri with manufacturer-endorsed innovative mechanical improvements. Distribution is entirely direct — customers schedule appointments online, by phone, or via the free pickup and delivery service, with no intermediaries or franchise structure. Marketing relies on local reputation, community involvement, content marketing via blog and social media (Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram), and trust signals from certifications including AAA Approved Auto Repair, BBB A+ rating, ASE certification, RepairPal Certified, and Motor Age Magazine Top 10 ranking.

Name

Rick's Automotive

Legal name

Rick's Automotive, Inc.

Website

https://ricksautomotive.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1980

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Rick's Automotive is a family-owned independent auto repair shop in Springfield, Missouri, founded in 1980, serving individual vehicle owners, commercial fleet accounts (125+), and emergency medical services across southwest Missouri with ASE-certified technicians and a 28,000 sq ft campus.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Auto Repair Services

NAICS

General Automotive Repair (811111), Tire Dealers (441340)

SIC

Services-Automotive Repair, Services & Parking (7500)

akta.pro primary industry

General Automotive Repair & Maintenance (TLAKAAAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Tire & Wheel Services (Mount/Balance/Alignment) (TLAKAAAD), Mobile Auto Repair & Roadside Assistance (TLAKAAAL), Auto Body Collision Repair (Cars & Light Trucks) (TLAKAEAA)

Keywords

• Auto repair services
• Vehicle maintenance
• Tire services
• Fleet maintenance
• Preventive maintenance

Headquarters

HQ city

Springfield

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Auto Repair Services: Core revenue stream from comprehensive auto repair services including engine, transmission, brakes, electrical systems, cooling, and more. Services performed by ASE-certified technicians with a 3-year/36,000-mile nationwide warranty.
2. Tire Sales and Services: Tire shop offering full-range tire services from tire rotations to alignments. Revenue from tire sales, installation, repair, and related services.
3. Fleet Services: Fleet maintenance contracts servicing over 125 accounts on a regular basis. Includes specialized services for Mercedes-Benz Sprinters and ambulance fleets across 16-county region.
4. Preventive Maintenance Program: Subscription-style maintenance program with email reminders, manufacturer-recommended maintenance intervals, and promotional coupons for enrolled customers.
5. Financing Services: Partnership with Synchrony Car Care Card and Bosch Service financing options, earning referral or partnership benefits from financing arrangements.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Rick's Automotive is a family-owned independent auto repair shop in Springfield, MO providing comprehensive vehicle repair, preventive maintenance, tire services, and fleet maintenance. All services are performed by ASE-certified technicians using industry-specific diagnostic equipment, backed by a 3-year/36,000-mile nationwide warranty. The shop also offers free pickup and delivery and financing options through Synchrony Car Care Card and Bosch Service.

Product overview

Rick's Automotive is an independent family-owned auto repair shop founded in 1980, operating from a 28,000 square foot facility in Springfield, MO. The company operates as a single-location service provider rather than a platform, offering a comprehensive portfolio of automotive repair and maintenance services organized into distinct product categories: core auto repair services (general repairs, preventive maintenance, fleet services, and tire shop), sub-products (engine/performance, brakes/steering/suspension, transmission/drivetrain, electrical systems, cooling/climate systems), and add-on services (pickup/delivery and financing). All services are performed by ASE-certified technicians using industry-specific diagnostic equipment, backed by a 3-year/36,000-mile nationwide warranty.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Auto Repair Services

Quantifiable outcome

• 3-year/36,000-mile nationwide warranty on all repairs, honored at 35,000+ repair centers
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers19 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• AAA Approved Auto RepaircoreOthersRick's Automotive is AAA Approved Auto Repair facility, meeting AAA's standards for quality service and customer satisfaction. This partnership provides credibility and trust signals to consumers.
• ASE (National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence)coreOthersAll technicians are ASE-certified, demonstrating competency standards in automotive repair. This certification is the industry standard for technician qualifications.
• ACDelcocoreTechnology or IntegrationACDelco parts and service brand partnership providing quality replacement parts for vehicle repairs.
• Bosch Automotive ServicecoreTechnology or IntegrationBosch Service partner offering financing options and Bosch brand automotive parts and service solutions. Also provides financing through Bosch Service for customer repairs.
• Certified Auto Repair CenterscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNetwork of 35,000+ certified repair centers that honor Rick's Automotive nationwide warranty. This network enables warranty coverage across the country for traveling customers.
• RepairPalminorOthersRepairPal Certified shop verified for quality and fair pricing standards.
• Synchrony Car Care CardminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFinancing partner offering 6 months no interest on $199+ purchases and 12 months no interest on $750+ purchases, enabling customers to afford necessary repairs.
• Bosch Service FinancingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBosch Service financing option allowing customers to defer interest if paid in full within 6 months, making repairs more accessible.
• Springfield Area Chamber of CommerceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerActive member of local Chamber of Commerce for business networking and community involvement.
• Better Business BureaucoreOthersBBB Accredited Business with A+ rating demonstrating commitment to ethical business practices.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• Caliber Collision: Largest US collision repair chain. While focused on bodywork rather than mechanical repair, it is a relevant comparable in scale, fleet/insurance relationships, and PE-backed multi-site auto service operations that could view Rick's as a tuck-in or platform investment.

Regional players

• Auto Care Plus (regional independent chains): Multi-location regional auto repair brands in the Midwest that combine general repair, tires, and fleet services. Comparable as Midwestern independent competitors with similar fleet and consumer service mixes.

Direct peers

• Christian Brothers Automotive: National franchise of independent auto repair shops emphasizing trust, ASE-certified technicians, warranties, and community involvement. Closely comparable business model and customer value proposition to Rick's Automotive.
• AAMCO Transmissions & Total Car Care: National franchise specializing in transmission, drivetrain, and general auto repair. Comparable in service mix (transmission, drivetrain, general mechanical) and franchise/independent positioning relative to Rick's.

Broad incumbents

• Bridgestone (Firestone Complete Auto Care): Tire manufacturer and service network (Firestone) competing in tires, alignments, brakes, and general repair. Overlaps directly with Rick's tire shop and general repair offerings at much larger scale.
• Pep Boys: National auto service chain offering tires, maintenance, and repair services. Comparable in service breadth and customer segments though operates as a corporate chain rather than a family-owned independent.
• Monro Muffler/Brake & Service: Large public auto service chain offering tires, brakes, steering, and general repair across hundreds of locations. Comparable in core offerings (tires, brakes, alignment, general repair) but operates at vastly greater scale and as a corporate chain.
• Meineke Car Care Centers: National franchise network providing general auto repair, tires, and maintenance services. Comparable in service mix and customer segments but competes as a branded franchise rather than an independent.
• Goodyear Tire & Service Network: Major tire manufacturer with company-owned and affiliated service locations offering tires, alignments, brakes, and general maintenance. Directly comparable in the tire sales and service line of Rick's business.

Emerging players

• Jiffy Lube: National preventive maintenance chain specializing in oil changes and related services. Comparable in the preventive maintenance and quick-service segments but focused more narrowly on fluid services than full mechanical repair.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ricksauto417
• Facebookfacebook.com/RicksAutomotiveInc
• Instagraminstagram.com/ricksauto417

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Rick's Automotive