Crush Software Acquires S3 Solutions, Launches $3M Platform Upgrade

Crush Software Solutions LLC has strategically acquired S3 Software Solutions LLC, the developer behind the industry-leading Crush yard management system that currently serves more than 200 self-service auto recycling yards across the United States and Canada. This consolidation brings together the established Crush platform with significant new investment and industry expertise. The ownership group, featuring prominent auto recycling veterans Tom D. Klauer Jr. and Kendig K. Kneen through their family offices, is committing an additional $3 million to transform the platform. Both Klauer and Kneen bring decades of hands-on experience, having collectively operated over 70 yards during their careers, giving them unique insight into the operational challenges facing independent auto recyclers.

The acquisition establishes a new leadership structure with Ryan Paterson taking the helm as chief executive officer while S3 founder Dimitri Gerontis transitions to chief operating officer. This combination of technological vision and auto recycling expertise positions the newly formed Crush Software Solutions LLC for accelerated growth. The company has set an ambitious goal to double its footprint to over 400 yards by delivering Crush 2.0, a completely re-engineered platform featuring modern cloud architecture, data-driven vehicle acquisition tools, integrated marketplace connections, and enterprise-grade analytics and security. The leadership emphasizes that current customers will experience no immediate disruption, maintaining the same highly secure platform while benefiting from increased investment in features and performance.

The strategic vision behind this acquisition centers on returning buying power to independent yards through advanced technology. As Tom Klauer noted from his extensive operating experience, "We have learned by operating our own yards that we can use the Crush software to teach our buyers to buy inventory that will yield far better results and thereby far more profits." The company's near-term roadmap includes customer listening sessions, transparent development planning, and early-access pilots in select markets. With headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah, the newly consolidated company represents a powerful fusion of software innovation and deep industry knowledge that aims to modernize how auto recyclers source, price, and sell vehicles and parts in an increasingly competitive market.