Our Team
Mike Baynes
President
Phone: 952-697-1010
Email: MBaynes@AutoCenter-Sales.com

Michael has been one of the premier automotive business brokers in the United States for over 25 years. During his career, he has specialized in the sale of existing auto businesses. His practice has taken him across the country selling many major franchise and independent automotive businesses. In addition, Michael has regularly spoken to national groups such as the Franchise Finance Convention held by Franchise Times on such topics as business valuations and raising acquisition debt. He has also written numerous articles and is often quoted in national publications due to his experience and expertise in the sale of auto businesses.
Working with Mike over the years has been a real pleasure. He was straight forward and easy to deal with. His industry knowledge and insights combined with his positive straight talk, have proven to be invaluable. He knows the process, what will and will not work, and is an expert at moving quickly. Mike is always a pleasure to work with and always looks at what is best. Darrell Muscolino President, JLSC Enterprises
Mike has been instrumental in helping me successfully complete 4 transactions (both buying and selling) over the last 15 years. His expertise in getting deals done is second to none. If you are contemplating a transaction in the auto service sector I can unconditionally recommend Mike and his team. Bill Dalton Owner, Bella Lubes & Puget Sound Lubes SRD Properties
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Joe J. Thissen
Senior Vice President of Sales
Phone: 952-697-1017
Email: Joe@AutoCenter-Sales.com

Joe joined AutoCenter Sales in 2006, and since then has sold over 1000 locations across the nation. His knowledge and skill go beyond sales, and include both operations and financial perspectives of the auto business industry. Joe understands what it takes to complete a transaction and uses his extensive experience to achieve his high success rate. Joe regularly speaks as an industry expert on topics of business sales, valuation and exit planning and strives to provide a high-level of service in the auto business resale industry.
We would like to express our sincere thanks to AutoCenter Sales, and especially to Joe Thissen. He was amazing to work with, extremely diligent, and always there to answer our questions. Even though our process seemed to take longer than expected, Joe made every effort to speed things along. He is very knowledgeable about the industry, so that is a big perk when it comes to being helpful to those of us who have never sold a business before. He has amazing people skills, and can work with the most difficult of clients! We would highly recommend AutoCenter Sales to anyone looking to sell their business. Joan & Rick C. – NE
Joe provided invaluable help with the sale of several automotive service centers. He guided us through the whole process and provided a great deal of insight. He was always available to answer questions and to calm us down and get us through the inevitable snags we encountered along the way. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone interested in buying or selling automotive service businesses. Mac P. – PA
Over my over fifty year career, I have had the privilege of working with many other brokers, but I have to say that I have not worked with a more professional and diligent person. Joe handled every aspect and obstacle that presented itself throughout the sales process as a consummate professional. Tim E. – IL
Five Stars - Joe is the best sales professional we have ever encountered. He understands our business and is easy to work with. In our case he set a value on our businesses that worked for us, the buyer, the bank and the appraiser as well as assisting the buyer in obtaining financing. He babysat the process from beginning to end and even flew out for the final closing. It's easy to see why they have so many successful sales. Dennis S. – WA
I do not how to put into words how great Joe is. He has helped my dreams of business ownership become a reality. Joe has the knowledge, skill and connections to put deals together. I would highly recommend anyone looking to purchase or sell a business to work with Joe Thissen and AutoCenter Sales. Tyson D. – ID
Joe's expertise and knowledge were critical to our decision to follow through with the purchase of an existing franchise store. He is at all times professional and personable. I highly recommend Joe to you without reservations. Rand G. – TX
Thank you for holding my hand through this entire process. I’m convinced I made the right choice in having a lube broker to handle the sale simply because you were so familiar with the process and knew the “right things to do” to get the sale completed properly. My friends all tell me they haven’t seen me smile so much in ages. Frankly I didn’t realize I wasn’t smiling much. Selling this business has lifted a tremendous weight off me. I’ve been helping in the transition and everything seems to be going smoothly. Again, thanks a million. Cheryl M. – PA
If you want to purchase a business, Joe is very creative and knowledgeable from getting your foot in the door, all the way to training, to funding and closing the deal. I would highly recommend to any individual looking to expand his business to first call Joe, if Joe can't do it, no one can. I first met Joe in 2008 and now his has completed a couple very difficult and strenuous deals for me. He is a friend of mine and I am looking forward to a long and successful relationship. Ahmad M. – CA
Joe, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for all your time and efforts as my broker during this transaction. Your work ethic, professional manner, patience, industry knowledge and perseverance were all key factors in making this happen. I can honestly say this would not have happened without your efforts and attention to detail. There were a couple of times during the process that I was questioning whether or not it was worth the effort given some of the circumstances we encountered. With your guidance we sorted things out and completed the transaction at what appears to be a very fair yet reasonable price. Again, thanks for all your support and direction. Ken S. – CA
We hired Joe and his company to sell our chain of businesses in Upstate NY and he completed the task with a terrific result, ahead of schedule and with almost no anxiety over the process. I don't think there is a better broker in America to handle an M&A transaction. Jordan L. – NY
I have bought and sold a few businesses along the way and I have to say, Joe, you handled this one better than any of the other brokers. Obviously you know the business well, were very knowledgeable in pricing and structuring the deal. I know the buyer was a little shaky a couple of times but you handled that well too. I liked the updates, that is a big deal and saves everyone time and efforts. It was a great experience, not sure it could go any better all the way through. Very satisfied. Don E. –TN
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Jason Baynes
VP of Analytics & Sales Executive
Phone: 952-697-1025
Email: Jason@AutoCenter-Sales.com

Jason joined AutoCenter Sales in 2016 after 10 years of financial analysis for large corporations and a lifetime around the automotive industry and its people. Jason brings the same analytical mind that he used to design complex revenue models for billion dollar corporations to completing transactions at AutoCenter Sales. He also brings the same penchant for relationship-building as his father, and continues to help clients long after their transactions close. Jason holds a degree in accounting from MSU Mankato, where he graduated with honors.
Jason was a huge help with my transaction! As a first time buyer, I had a lot of extra questions and concerns and Jason was fantastic in answering my questions as well as explaining everything in detail. On top of that, he communicated everything in an effective manner and I never once felt like I was in the dark. I will only use Jason for everything transaction moving forward and would recommend him to anyone looking to get into the automotive business. -B.L. Orange County, CA
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