RICK GUIRLINGER

Partner

Partner Rick Guirlinger is in his fourth decade in the motor vehicle aftermarket, the majority of it on the distribution side of the industry. Rick’s accounting and financial acumen, combined with a deep understanding of distribution, make him an invaluable part of the Schwartz Advisors M&A team.

Rick began his involvement in the motor vehicle aftermarket as the controller/treasurer at a Parts Plus warehouse distributor and auto parts store operator in 1977. After the WD was acquired by General Parts Inc., Rick worked for GPI in a variety of senior management positions, including Treasurer, Corporate Controller, Vice President of Strategic Planning and Analysis and Chief Financial Officer.  Through a real passion for the numbers, Rick serves as the Schwartz Advisors chief financial analyst and sell-side/buy-side advisor.

Rick is a CPA and earned his BBA from Western Michigan University and an aftermarket executive MBA from the DeVos Graduate School of Management at Northwood University.

“We built SA to serve small and mid-market companies that are working on organic or acquisition growth initiatives or seeking an exit from their business. We have built a great team of motor vehicle aftermarket experts who all have operating experience in the industry.”

| Rick Schwartz, CEO, Schwartz advisors

“Transportation as a Service will significantly change the automotive aftermarket in the next five years.You’re either planning to be a TaaS player now or you’re about to be run over by an autonomous vehicle.”

| Derek Kaufman, Managing Partner, Schwartz advisors

“Selling a family owned or closely held business is much more than a financial transaction. It’s very personal and requires an approach that is fine tuned to each individual business owner. Our expertise lies in understanding both the financial and personal aspects to achieve a successful outcome.”

| Keith Zar, Managing Partner, Schwartz advisors