Imagine building one of the strongest supplier relationships in your business—rebates, pricing tiers, a rep who knows your operation inside and out—and then watching it quietly unwind after an acquisition you didn't see coming.

My guest today has lived that story more than once. Giorgio Andonian is managing director at NBB and a columnist for Aftermarket Business World, with more than 15 years of operational experience in the automotive aftermarket, including leading a regional tire chain through a private equity exit.

Giorgio breaks down what really happens to your parts supply chain when your supplier changes hands, why the 12 to 18 months after an acquisition announcement is the most important window you're probably ignoring, and what smart shop operators are doing right now to protect their margins before the next deal closes.