Today we’d like to introduce you to Sunil Patel.
Hi Sunil, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Tekmetric was born out of a firsthand understanding of the inefficiencies plaguing the auto repair industry. After running my own auto repair shop, Motorwerks Autogroup, for over a decade, I realized outdated shop management systems, which used server-based software and manual processes, were limiting shop efficiency and profitability. I knew there was a better solution out there – and that I had the knowledge and experience to create it. By 2017, I had gathered a team and developed a cloud-based platform tailored to the industry’s needs.
My diverse background, including experience in medical training, law enforcement and data security, shaped my approach, influencing both Tekmetric’s development and the industry’s evolution. I knew cars could be analyzed with a diagnostic approach – much like the mindset doctors have with their patients. We applied this theory in my shop, and upon seeing its success, we used it to create the foundation of Tekmetric’s digital vehicle inspections feature, which allows technicians to analyze and “diagnose” a car’s problems based on their observations.
Additionally, the dedication and discipline I learned through law enforcement taught me the value of perseverance, even when things aren’t easy. This commitment to problem-solving and innovation drove me and our team at Tekmetric to pioneer several industry-first solutions, such as a smart job creation feature and text-to-pay options, to address real challenges shop owners face. By integrating shop management, fintech solutions and marketing tools into one intuitive system, we empowered thousands of shops to improve operations and customer service.
By January 2022, we had grown large enough to secure investment from growth equity firm, Susquehanna Growth Equity. This partnership propelled Tekmetric’s growth, resulting in a 4.8x increase in revenue by 2025, expansion into the tire industry and a successful merger with a key CRM in the auto repair industry, Shopgenie. Today, we serve more than 10,000 auto repair shops across the U.S. and Canada. Whether tracking inventory, managing real-time customer communication or measuring performance analytics, we equip shop owners with the tools they need to stay competitive in an increasingly digital landscape.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Launching Tekmetric was no small feat. As we introduced the new digital solution to shops, we faced an industry deeply rooted in traditional methods and resistant to new technology. Many shops still used pen and paper to manage their business – but we needed to show them the value of a cloud-based shop management system they could access anytime, from anywhere. The road to success required extensive research, technological development and financial risk. But through perseverance, education and a relentless commitment to improving the industry, we proved the long-term benefits of digital transformation to our first handful of customers.
As we worked to introduce Tekmetric to shop owners and show them the value of our digital solution, we also faced the challenge of building our customer base while also accounting for our financial needs. One of the most important moments came from my interaction with our “Shop Number Two” client. This client was among the first shops to use our software, which we let them try at no cost. It was a loss to us, but we thought offering the software for free was a good way to build trust and loyalty.
Soon after they began using our software, I learned they were paying to use our competitor’s software too. After several months, Shop Number Two decided to stay with Tekmetric over our competitor, and they remain with us today. However, this challenge gave me valuable insight into launching a business: giving things away for free doesn’t always make as big of a difference as you might hope. It’s just as impactful — if not more so — to know your own value and promote your business based on that value. We quickly shifted gears and began to assign value to the services we provided, which set us up for greater success as we grew and eventually partnered with a growth equity firm.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The auto repair industry has long struggled with outdated processes that make it difficult for shop owners to keep up with modern demands. Recognizing this gap, Tekmetric developed an innovative shop management solution to bring auto repair shops into the digital age.
Founded in 2017, Tekmetric set out to revolutionize the way repair shops operate. We saw firsthand how many shops relied on inefficient, antiquated systems and recognized the need for a streamlined, cloud-based alternative. With a core team of technology and automotive experts, we built the Tekmetric Shop Management System, an all-in-one SaaS platform designed to help shop owners improve efficiency, enhance customer communication and drive business growth.
Our mission centers on empowering shops to thrive, and its impact is clear. By simplifying processes such as shop management, payment options and customer communications, we promote shop growth, enhanced productivity and positive customer experiences.
Across every facet of our operations, Tekmetric is built on a foundation of collaboration, inclusion and shared success. Unlike companies that keep employees distanced from their customers, Tekmetric actively bridges the gap between our team and the industry we serve. We encourage employees to engage directly with auto repair shop owners, gaining firsthand knowledge of the challenges they face, their unique industry perspectives and the solutions they need. This encouragement of deep partnership strengthens camaraderie, enhances problem-solving capabilities and ensures Tekmetric works alongside our customers to achieve business goals while actively shaping the future of the industry.
Today, more than 10,000 auto repair shops across the U.S. and Canada rely on Tekmetric’s platform to manage every aspect of their business. From inventory tracking and digital inspections to real-time customer communication and performance analytics, Tekmetric equips shop owners with the tools they need to stay competitive in an increasingly digital landscape. With continuous updates and feature enhancements, the system ensures shops can streamline operations, secure their data and maintain complete visibility over their workflow – helping them run smarter, faster and more profitably.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I have learned the importance of establishing your values and creating a strong culture around them. My leadership is rooted in a clear purpose: empowering both my team and our customers to thrive. This vision ensures my team can continue to grow in their professional careers, and that we continue striving to create technology that serves shop owners—not the other way around.
As a Founder and CEO, it was important to me that we cultivate a culture grounded in Tekmetric’s core values: Focused, Reliable, Authentic and Compassionate and 24 Core Fundamentals. This provided us with a foundation to support all team members and ensure every decision we make supports shop owners and their customers. We champion creativity, collaboration and shared success, empowering employees with resources to excel. We have also built a diverse team, with women making up approximately 60% of the executive team – a significant feat in what has historically been a male-dominated industry.
Additionally, I have seen how critical it is to remain aware of growth opportunities for your own career path, realizing where you can improve and overcome personal challenges to become a better individual personally and professionally. It can be difficult to face your own shortcomings and work to improve them. However, it can make a tremendous difference in your experiences and interactions with the people around you.
One of my favorite books on this topic is A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose, by Eckhart Tolle. I have read this book often throughout my career, and each time, I pick up new information. One of the book’s quotes that stays with me is, “When you are aware that you are thinking, that awareness is not part of thinking. It is a different dimension of consciousness. And it is that awareness that says, ‘I am.’” It’s a complex thought, but it really drove home to me the importance of understanding that I am bigger than what I do, and I can constantly grow and improve myself, no matter what chapter of life I am in. If we can all understand and embrace this concept – to take responsibility for the impact we have and push ourselves to become better people – I believe the world can be a much better place.
Pricing:
- Tekmetric Start Plan for Shops – $199/month
- Tekmetric Grow Plan for Shops – $349/month
- Tekmetric Scale Plan for Shops – $439/month
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tekmetric.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/motorwerks
Image Credits
Tekmetric
