Our Team
Real Operators. Real Experience.
Real Results.
Every partnership with Lotus begins the same way: by working directly with our team. Before strategies, systems, or capital are discussed, we start with people who've actually built, run, and scaled Auto Repair Shops and other Trade-Based Businesses.
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At the core of Lotus are James Stephenson and Nicole Stephenson. James is a Master Technician, Multi-Shop Owner, and Operator who understands the real pressures of running an Auto Repair Shop—technician shortages, owner dependence, time management issues, car count constraints, and the weight of leading a family-owned business.
Nicole is a CPA and senior financial executive who brings structure, clarity, and discipline to the financial side of the business, ensuring decisions are grounded in reality and built for long-term value. Together, they lead a team of experienced Operators, Business Coaches, and Strategic Leaders who know this industry because they’ve lived it.
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Our experience spans shop operations, leadership development, sales and marketing execution, financial performance, and technician recruiting, training, and retention systems. That’s why we don’t advise from the outside—we work directly inside the business, alongside Owners and their Teams, strengthening what already works and building systems that last.
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We partner closely with Auto Repair Shop Owners to create clear leadership structure, operational discipline, and sustainable growth while preserving the culture and values that make the business successful. Our work is focused on helping Auto Shops operate independently of the Owner and positioning the business for future succession on the Owner’s terms. Protecting the legacy while building lasting business value.
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The Rest of the Team
(In Plain Terms)
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Behind Lotus is our quiet bench of operating companies that support and strengthen the businesses we work with.
Our portfolio includes:
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Our coaching partners are former founders who have already exited at 7 and 8 figure levels. They bring operating experience, deal history, and the relationships needed to make the next phase faster and safer.
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A full marketing arm (CMO, commercial signs, uniforms, promotional materials, wraps, print, media, digital)
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An Accounting group for bookkeeping, accounting, and cashflow management
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CFO oversight, tax strategy, and investment planning
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Full service Recruiting
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Merchant Processing
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A service division that maintains fleets and operational equipment
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These companies already exist inside our portfolio and are incorporated into your business allowing for better access, quality, and price.
That means faster improvements, fewer outside vendors, better control, and higher profit margins without adding payroll.
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You get the benefit, and
the results stay inside the business.