Team

The motor vehicle aftermarket is a unique and constantly changing industry. Navigating it requires a diverse skill-set, years of hands-on automotive aftermarket leadership, and a high-quality network.

This is where SA delivers and differentiates – We Know The Road.

Unlike traditional bankers or consultants, our team of industry leaders has the expertise, knowledge, insight and connections you require, whether you operate a local family-owned business or a multinational company.

Rick Schwartz

Co-founder and CEO

Advisor to executive teams and boards of directors
Senior executive experience with Nestle and Macy’s
Trustee for the University of the Aftermarket Foundation
Member, Auto Care Association Board of Directors

Managing Partner

VP, General Counsel UCI FRAM
Sr. VP, General Counsel,
General Instrument
Excels at deal structure
Experience spans hundreds of M&A transactions

Derek Kaufman

Managing Partner

Senior executive at a wide range of automotive and heavy truck companies
Well versed in current and new powertrain technologies
Helps clients understand how industry trends impact their investments
In-demand speaker at national conferences

Managing Partner

Lifelong aftermarket professional, growing up in his family’s WD business
Successful experience negotiating and closing win-win deals for sell-side clients
Leads successful buy-side outcomes
Works with sponsors to better understand aftermarket opportunities

Partner

Three decades of motor vehicle aftermarket experience
Strong, nuanced understanding of macro aftermarket trends
Deep contacts help open doors for clients
Recognized expert on auto & heavy truck parts distribution and service

Partner

Treasurer & Controller,
Parts Warehouse Co.
Treasurer, Controller, VP & CFO, General Parts International and WORLDPAC

David Peace

Partner

Experienced chief executive officer at several notable aftermarket companies
Skilled at strategic business planning, operations management, and business development
Successful experience in turnarounds
Helps position companies for acquisition

Partner

Four decades of executive aftermarket manufacturing experience
Strong relationships across many aftermarket channels
Expertise in triage and turnarounds

Partner

Sr. VP Strategic Mktg, UCI FRAM
VP, Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association
Knows the WDs and retailers
Expert in product positioning & change management

Co-Founder & Partner

Chairman, Chanslor &; Lyon, Import Parts of America, and Strauss Discount Auto
Leadership positions in every major trade association
Influential thought leader and inspirational mentor
Inductee, Automotive Hall of Fame

Partner

Understands the independent WD world
Nationally recognized expert on inventory management
Brings a wealth of WD experience to clients
Unsurpassed network of contacts at all levels of the industry

Vice President

Passionate automotive enthusiast
Helps clients navigate complex due diligence processes
Financial analysis experience helps position clients for successful transactions
Expert understanding of the automotive enthusiast market

Director of Project Management & Research

Process Engineering and Optimization – expertise in forecasting & process modeling
US – Patent holder, Product development and qualification, PMP Certified
Board Member, Women in Auto Care (WIAC)
Currently enrolled at the Kelley Graduate School of Business

Spencer Browne

Associate

Advanced financial
modeling expert
Automotive service expert
Deep understanding of the automotive enthusiast market

Michael C. Buzzard

Managing Partner

Mike brings more than 20 years of automotive aftermarket executive leadership and management experience to the SA team. On the sell-side, his experience in discovering, evaluating, negotiating, and closing win-win deals with strategic and financial buyers has produced the right results for the businesses he has represented. Mike is known for delivering successful outcomes for his clients by aggressively identifying and vetting the right deals, advising clients in making the right decisions, and walking them through the process of getting the deal done. As a buy-side advisor, Mike works with sponsors to better understand opportunities in the aftermarket, identify potential strategic acquisitions and fine-tune the due-diligence process for pending acquisitions.

Contact Information

Team

The motor vehicle aftermarket is a unique and constantly changing industry. Navigating it requires a diverse skill-set, years of hands-on automotive aftermarket leadership, and a high-quality network.

This is where SA delivers and differentiates – We Know The Road.

Unlike traditional bankers or consultants, our team of industry leaders has the expertise, knowledge, insight and connections you require, whether you operate a local family-owned business or a multinational company.

Rick Schwartz

Co-founder and CEO

Keith Zar

Managing Partner

Derek Kaufman

Managing Partner

Michael C. Buzzard

Managing Partner

Brian Cruickshank

Partner

Rick Guirlinger

Partner

David Peace

Partner

Bruce Tartaglione

Partner

Curtis Draper

Partner

Mort Schwartz

Co-Founder & Partner

Pete Kornafel

Partner

Arun Coumar

Vice President

Shireen Doultani

Director of Project Management & Research

Spencer Browne

Associate