Charlotte, N.C., Feb 04 — O2 Investment Partners (www.o2investment.com) is pleased to announce that Straightaway Tire & Auto (www.gostraightaway.com), a leading independent, full-service aftermarket automotive repair and service platform, has acquired Silverlake Automotive, a five-location automotive repair brand. Silverlake currently serves the Coeur d’Alene, Idaho market with active growth plans to expand into both Spokane, Washington & broader Idaho. The partnership marks Straightaway’s first major expansion into a new geographic area beyond its existing footprint, strategically expanding the company’s reach across the Mountain West.
Silverlake was founded in 2003 by Will and Rebecka Sando, who have grown the business to five locations across the Coeur d’Alene, Idaho market. Will Sando will continue to lead the Silverlake brand with support from the Straightaway platform. Stepping into the role of Brand President of Silverlake Automotive, he will play a key role in growing Silverlake’s presence in Idaho and Washington.
For the Sandos, choosing the right partner was never just about the transaction; it was about safeguarding what they had built and ensuring the team and customers benefited as well. “From the beginning, we weren’t looking for an exit. We were looking for a way to stay, lead, and continue growing Silverlake,” said Will Sando, owner of Silverlake Automotive. “Straightaway’s model gives founders the ability to remain operators, build their brand, and gain the infrastructure needed to scale. We share the same values around integrity, leadership, and taking care of people, which made becoming a partner in Straightaway a natural fit.”
The transaction brings Silverlake Automotive in as the fifth brand under the Straightaway name, and comes on the heels of a very active second half of 2025 and start to 2026. Straightaway completed 12 strategic acquisitions since June 2025, adding 18 new locations, and bringing its total footprint to 87 locations nationwide.
Andrew Faubel, Partner at O2, commented, “We are thrilled to welcome the Silverlake team to the Straightaway family, and we can’t wait to see what they will accomplish together in these new markets. Straightaway’s continued expansion also strengthens its position in existing markets and is a testament to the growth-accelerating capabilities it brings to bear for local brands.”