FinishMaster 2016 Highlight Reel & What’s in Store for 2017

WOW – what a year! As we closed out 2016, we couldn’t help but look back at some of the highlights of the last 12 months. With 7 acquisitions, 44 new branches, over 370 new team members, and our first location in 2 states, it was a busy and wonderful year for everyone involved with FinishMaster. We also gave back all year long, with more than 480 volunteer hours logged by FinishMaster team members throughout the country. We’re proud of our accomplishments and to look back knowing we left 2016 better than we found it both at work and in the community.

We hit the ground running in January with the acquisition of ColorMaster Automotive Paint, Inc. It was an exciting start to the year, as the 15 new locations included our first branch in Louisiana. This acquisition also expanded our footprint in Illinois, Missouri, and Texas. In February, the excitement continued with the acquisition of Johnson Michigan Automotive & Industrial Coatings, adding several branches throughout eastern and central Michigan.

In the spring, we really got rolling with the acquisitions of CPCO, Inc. (City Paints) in San Francisco in March, Annex Group, Inc. and Zitco, Inc. (Lowell’s PCE) in Washington and California and Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area respectively in April. We finished the first half of the year with the  Gladwin Paint Company acquisition in 8 key locations in Texas in May. With Gladwin, we were able to further our reach in cities such as Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio.

We’re proud of the growth each of these acquisitions provided FinishMaster, and as the fall got under way, we focused on making strides up north – and we mean way north, in Canada! In September, we launched the first FinishMaster in Ontario, and in October, we acquired Guelph Paint and Bumper, also in Ontario. We didn’t stop there. Back in the states Autobody Supply Co. joined our family in November. With 9 locations and 60 team members, we were able to strengthen our footprint in central and southwestern Ohio.

It was a busy year, but that doesn’t mean we’re slowing down. FinishMaster Canada also completed its second acquisition of Vancouver Autocolor, adding three locations in British Columbia. It was a strong ending to a great year.

2016 was full of growth, challenges, and success, and we are extremely proud of the ways FinishMaster has continued to stand out as the leading distributor in the automotive aftermarket. Seven acquisitions is no small feat, but the work our team members and partners have put in to drive success with our customers, new or decades old, is the real standout. We couldn’t have done it without our partners, team members, customers, and shareholders. Thank you for an unforgettable year!

With that said, there’s a lot in store for 2017. It’s off to a great start with our first branch – a greenfield – opening in Portland, Oregon.  We’re looking forward to even more opportunities to grow and improve. Thanks for a great 2016 and cheers to a bright future ahead!