The controller in the 1st store I ever worked at told me that the car business was so good for so many owners because they could "put a million in, and get a million back in as short as 12 months". I didn't fully understand then, but I sure do now. That hasn't changed as far as I can see. I'm not suggesting that stores run themselves, but I've been in the software solution business for almost 20 years now, and I go into stores that are exceptionally well run and make little money, and also those that are run just short of "terrible" and make loads of profit. I tend to see Managers as a buoy in the shipping lane giving a wide berth to staff. They have so much to do to recruit people that they never really get make anyone better. I continue to see stores that are slow to add back head count since the downturn and Managers are still doing the job of 2 or even 3. Salary and Supervision is in line, and profits are up, that's why Wall Street is "in".
Many of the medium sized groups I call on have been approached by potential buyers in recent years and report it's only heating up. If you had suitors for your multi million dollar business would you be focused on growing your Managers? That's why they're out back flipping burgers Joe. Just my thoughts.