Kian Capital-Backed PARC Auto Adds Don Hill as CEO and Tara Simecek as CFO

Kian Capital-backed PARC Auto, a leading Meineke Car Care Center franchisee, announced today that it has hired Don Hill as Chief Executive Officer and Tara Simecek as Chief Financial Officer. Hill will succeed founder Bryan Brown, who is retiring.

Hill was most recently the Chairman and CEO of Premium Velocity Auto, one of the largest Jiffy Lube franchisees, where he oversaw a network of over 375 Jiffy Lube franchise stores and a team of more than 3,400 employees across 20 states. During his time at Premium Velocity Auto, Hill executed an aggressive development strategy, growing from one initial location in 2019 to an expansive store portfolio through the consummation of 11 acquisitions and opening de novo locations.

Before joining PARC Auto, Simecek served as CFO of Premium Velocity Auto, where she worked alongside Hill during the company’s rapid growth. Simecek managed 25 individuals and was instrumental in building the infrastructure at Premium Velocity Auto and ensuring seamless integration of acquisition targets.

“Don and Tara have impressive backgrounds in developing and scaling auto franchise portfolios on a large scale, which make them a great fit for our ambitions at PARC Auto,” said Kian Principal Caldwell Zimmerman. “Their successful track record of working together gives us strong confidence that they will accelerate the company’s growth and further drive PARC Auto’s plan to become the leading Meineke franchisee.”

“PARC Auto’s operational excellence and position in its existing markets attracted me to this role,” said Hill. “Bryan Brown has an outstanding reputation and has built a talented team and laid the foundation for long-term sustained growth. I look forward to partnering with Kian to help the platform achieve its full potential while also preserving the DNA that has made the business successful to date.”

“PARC Auto and Meineke have been my life’s passion for almost three decades,” said Bryan Brown. “We were highly selective of the individual who would lead the business next, and Don has my full enthusiasm and endorsement as he takes the helm. He is highly accomplished in this industry and is well-suited to carry on my legacy at PARC Auto. I look forward to remaining involved as an active shareholder and Board member.”

PARC Auto is comprised of 15 Meineke automotive care centers in the Louisville, KY metropolitan area. The franchise has seen exponential growth driven by its high-touch service, strong customer satisfaction and operational performance. Looking to the future, PARC Auto will strive to be an industry consolidator through strategic M&A and opening new stores.

Kian announced the establishment of the PARC Auto platform in August 2023. PARC Auto is actively seeking partnerships with Meineke franchisees and independent general automotive repair companies. Business owners interested in learning more should contact David Duke, Partner, Business Development at Kian, at dduke@kiancapital.com.