gener8tor Founder Series: Jon Cabak from Detect Auto
In this week’s Founder Series Spotlight, gener8tor Co-Founder Troy Vosseller sat down with Jon Cabak, Co-Founder & CEO of Detect Auto, to talk about how his team is using AI to transform the auto repair industry.
Building an AI Assistant for Auto Repair Shops
Detect Auto is on a mission to help auto repair shops run more efficiently by automating the day-to-day tasks that often bog down teams. From reviewing service history and updating customers to auditing tickets for profitability, Detect Auto’s AI assistant takes repetitive work off the plate so shops can focus on delivering quality service.
Scaling Fast
The company has grown rapidly, now serving 500+ stores and recently crossing $1M in ARR. Most of that growth has come within the past year—a major milestone for a startup that began with little more than a vision.
Headquartered in Fargo, North Dakota, Detect Auto got its start through the gener8tor North Dakota Accelerator in 2023. Jon credits the program with giving his team structure, focus, and the confidence to get in front of customers early and often.
The Impact of the Accelerator
When Jon and his team joined the accelerator, they had strong technology but not a clear business strategy. Working with mentors helped them sharpen their fundraising plan, refine their value proposition, and build the discipline needed to review finances weekly and stay accountable.
Jon highlights the mentor swarms and the showcase as key moments in the program, offering both invaluable guidance and the chance to share Detect Auto’s vision with the broader community.
A special thank you to the gener8tor North Dakota Accelerator partners—Kodee Furst, 50 South Capital, and The North Dakota Growth Fund—for their support of founders like Jon and their role in driving innovation in the region.
Lessons for Founders
Jon’s biggest piece of advice for first-time founders? Don’t rely on great technology alone. Success comes from structure, customer conversations, and consistent financial discipline.
What’s Next for Detect Auto
As Detect Auto continues to grow, Jon and his team are focused on building their brand into a recognized name in the auto repair industry. Their ask from the community: support and feedback on branding strategy to help them scale their impact even further.
