Relay Hill Auto Acquires Arvada Square Auto, Expanding Denver-Area Presence

Relay Hill Auto has acquired Arvada Square Auto, expanding its footprint across metro Denver and strengthening its commitment to people-centered automotive care. Founded in 1984, Arvada Square Auto earned a loyal following for honest repairs and exceptional service. Under Relay Hill Auto, the shop will continue serving local residents with the same trusted technicians and transparent approach to maintenance and repair.

Shiju Thomas, CEO of Relay Hill Auto, stated that building community in the neighborhoods they serve and within their shops is their purpose. He emphasized that Arvada Square Auto represents the same commitment to character, integrity, and excellence. Thomas added that their growth is not about size but about impact—creating workplaces where people thrive and customers feel genuinely cared for.

Earlier in 2025, the team celebrated Grady Ford's 20-year anniversary with Arvada Square Auto. As a Service Advisor, he has consistently taken care of guests in Arvada and Wheat Ridge with friendly customer service, advanced automotive expertise, and consistent transparency. Ford welcomed the acquisition and stated that they have always prioritized doing right by their customers and the community. He noted that the Relay Hill team has brought in new technologies like digital vehicle inspections that better prepare them to serve customers for the next 40 years.

Up next, the Relay Hill leadership team plans to pursue a property renovation in 2026 with the support of Arvada Urban Renewal District and Arvada Economic Development Association. The intention is to modernize the aesthetics and function of the property which neighbors one of Denver's most ambitious improvement projects, Ralston Creek Development. This strategic move demonstrates how local business acquisitions can align with broader urban development initiatives.

The business and property acquisition aligns with Relay Hill Auto's strategy of preserving local brands while elevating industry standards through training, ethics, and hospitality-grade service. Relay Hill now operates six shops across Denver, Lakewood, Westminster, and Arvada, including Advanced Transmission Center, Hotchkiss Auto Repair, and Applewood Auto Care. Each location remains locally managed and community driven.

This acquisition matters because it represents a growing trend in the automotive service industry where larger regional operators are acquiring established local businesses while maintaining their community identity and service standards. For Denver-area residents, this means continued access to trusted local automotive care with enhanced technological capabilities. The planned property renovation adjacent to the Ralston Creek Development suggests potential for improved customer experience and alignment with urban renewal efforts. For the automotive industry, this model demonstrates how consolidation can occur without sacrificing local character or service quality, potentially setting a standard for ethical business expansion in service sectors.