Centerville, UT – A few years ago, Dave Bell, the owner of Dave’s Auto Center, faced an existential crisis. His family-run auto shop had been a local fixture for decades, but the digital age had changed the way businesses attracted customers. A nearby competitor threatened to siphon away business, and despite investing thousands in Google Ads, Dave struggled to make his shop stand out. The dream of expanding into a nationwide business seemed like a million-dollar fantasy—literally.
Then, he met Sergei Krivov.
Krivov, a social media expert and former Russian blogger, had built a name for himself in his home country by leveraging digital platforms to grow his own brand. His cooking blog, “Krivovchik,” had amassed millions of views, and he had successfully monetized content, published cookbooks, and built an online business. When he arrived in the United States, he saw an opportunity not just for himself but for others struggling to navigate the digital marketplace.
Sergei’s promise to Dave and his son Miles was bold but simple: “I will make you number one.”
And he delivered.
Sergei Krivov
The Social Media Transformation
At the time Sergei joined, Dave’s Auto Center had a modest following—just several hundred across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. Sergei understood that the key to success was not paid ads but organic content that resonated with audiences. He developed a strategy that focused on high-quality, engaging videos showcasing the shop’s expertise, humor, and behind-the-scenes action.
Sergei filmed, edited, and posted content, building a personal brand around Dave and Miles. Within a year, their social media presence exploded. Today, they boast around 4.7 million followers, with clients shipping their trucks and engines from across the country—and even from Canada.
The growth wasn’t just in followers—it was in revenue. By September 2024, Dave’s shop doubled its monthly revenue. Meanwhile, a once-distant dream of launching Dave’s Engines—a division focused on shipping engines nationwide—became a reality. The shop no longer needs to pay Google for advertising; in fact, Google now pays them. YouTube monetization alone brings in $23,000–$24,000 per month.
Beyond Business: A Digital Revolution
The impact of Sergei’s expertise extends beyond increased revenue. Thanks to their viral social media presence, Dave’s Auto Center has:
- Secured partnerships with major auto industry brands like Banks, PPE, and Alliant Power.
- Expanded its team, hiring more employees to meet skyrocketing demand.
- Booked appointments months in advance, leading to an increase in service rates.
- Attracted media attention, including an offer for a TV show from a major producer.
The shift from a local repair shop to a nationally recognized brand happened without spending a dollar on traditional advertising—a feat that marketing agencies once told Dave would require $1 million per year.
The Man Behind the Success
Sergei Krivov’s journey is as compelling as the business he helped transform. Growing up in a small Russian village, he developed his expertise in social media by building his own brand. His understanding of audience engagement, content monetization, and digital marketing has made him one of the most impactful social media strategists today.
Now, living in the U.S., Sergei has proven that social media isn’t just about trends—it’s about vision, strategy, and execution. Dave’s Auto Center stands as a testament to how businesses can thrive in the digital age when they have the right person behind the screen.
For Sergei, this is just the beginning.
