Straightaway Tire & Auto Expands Footprint with Silverlake Automotive Partnership in Idaho and Washington

Expanding Horizons in Auto Repair: The Straightaway and Silverlake Partnership

Straightaway Tire & Auto has taken a significant step in its growth strategy by announcing a partnership with Silverlake Automotive, a multi-location automotive repair brand. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Straightaway aims to extend its reach into Idaho and Washington, focusing on the growing markets of Coeur d'Alene and Spokane. This acquisition not only represents a strategic expansion but also exemplifies the company's commitment to quality service and community engagement.

The Strategic Move

On January 27, 2026, Straightaway Tire & Auto confirmed the acquisition of Silverlake Automotive, which has five locations primarily serving the Coeur d'Alene area. With plans to expand further into Spokane, this partnership marks Straightaway's first venture outside of its current operational areas. The move enhances the company's presence in the Mountain West region, tapping into one of the fastest-growing markets in the United States.

Will and Rebecka Sando, the current owners of Silverlake Automotive, have built a solid reputation for providing excellent service since purchasing the company in 2003. Their commitment to treating employees and customers with respect and integrity has earned them a loyal customer base. Under the new partnership, Will Sando will continue to lead Silverlake as Brand President, ensuring that the values and vision they’ve established remain intact while benefiting from the resources and expertise that Straightaway offers.

"We’re incredibly excited to partner with Silverlake Automotive and support the accelerated growth of this valued local brand," said John Teddy, CEO of Straightaway Tire & Auto. His enthusiasm reflects the shared values between the two companies – a commitment to integrity, leadership, and customer service.

Growth and Community Impact

This partnership is poised to make a significant impact in the local community by providing more job opportunities, with over 30 new team members joining the Straightaway family through the acquisition. The collaboration will increase Straightaway’s total operational footprint to 87 locations, with aspirations to reach 100 shops in early 2026. This expansion not only aims to enhance service access in Idaho and Washington but to strengthen local economies through job creation and improved customer service.

The Sandos emphasized the importance of finding the right partner. Will Sando mentioned, "From the beginning, we weren't looking for an exit. We were looking for a way to stay, lead, and continue growing Silverlake." With Straightaway’s operational model, founders can remain actively involved in their businesses while gearing up for scalable growth.

Future Vision

As Straightaway Tire & Auto continues to grow, it remains focused on nurturing strong local brands through strategic acquisitions. By partnering with established businesses like Silverlake Automotive, it aims to leverage operational knowledge and community engagement to foster long-term success.

Moving forward, both companies are excited about the journey ahead. As markets such as Coeur d'Alene, Boise, and Spokane evolve, the partnership between Straightaway Tire & Auto and Silverlake Automotive is set to redefine the automotive repair experience for customers in the region.

For further details about their services and future developments, you can visit Straightaway Tire & Auto.