Demarest: Beyond the Bays: Why Shop Owners Must Understand Their Numbers to Protect Profits

CPA and Ratchet+Wrench columnist Hunt Demarest shares the real financial blind spots holding shops back—and how his new book helps owners close the gap between hard work and real profit.
Feb. 11, 2026
Hunt Demarest
Hunt Demarest

Full bays don’t always mean healthy profits. In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, host Christine Schaffran sits down with Hunt Demarest, CPA, partner at Paar, Melis & Associates, and author of Beyond the Bays, to unpack why so many shop owners feel busy but broke—and what they can do about it. From cash vs. profit confusion to overlooked financial fundamentals, Hunt explains how better understanding your numbers can change the trajectory of your business.

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About the Author

Christine Schaffran
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Christine Schaffran

Editor-in-Chief

Christine Schaffran is the Editor-in-Chief for Ratchet+Wrench magazine at Endeavor B2B. She is an award-winning journalist, having covered both commercial and industry magazines and newspapers during her career. She previously served as Editor-in-Chief for another publisher for 17 years prior to joining Endeavor. When she's not spending time with her husband and son, you'll find her in the kitchen experimenting with new recipes and delicious dishes to try. 

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