Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance Inc.
Program names: Auto Value Certified Service Centers; Bumper to Bumper Certified Service Centers
2706 Treble Creek, San Antonio, Texas 78258
Websites: www.autovalue.com; www.bumper-tobumper.com
Top executive: John Washbish, president/CEO
Dealer contact: Jon Owens, v.p., sales and market development; Phone: 210-408-4344; Fax: 210-492-4890; Email: [email protected]
Program details: The Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper affiliated dealer program has 3,100 participants operating 3,275 outlets, more than 30 percent of which are considered tire dealerships. Described as a “full marketing program to help franchisees reach their customers,” the group said its franchisees “make their decisions on which programs to use and invest in and have complete visibility to the financials of the group.” The company recently added a credit card program and enhanced its tire hazard protection program.
Fees: Varies (market dependent; set by individual parts distributors)
Minimum initial investment: None
Program features: Advertising/promotion support; volume discounts; warranties; service bay equipment; daily deliveries; point-of-sale materials; store signage; store design assistance; exclusive brands; uniforms; health, liability and property insurance; credit card program; training/education; online ordering of program materials; exclusive AutoCheck vehicle history report service; locator service.
Auto-Lab Franchise Management Corp.
Program name: Auto-Lab Complete Car Care Centers
27280 Haggerty Road, Suite C-6, Farmington Hills, Mich. 48331
Website: www.autolabusa.com
Top executive: Steven Wilson, president/COO
Dealer contact: Joseph Lane, v.p., operations; Phone: 248-994-0206; Fax: 248-994-0255; Email: [email protected]
Program details: The Auto-Lab franchise program offers participants “state-of-the-art auto repair facilities” with a focus on complete diagnostics and auto repair. The company has 30 participants in its program operating 33 outlets and said it offers “a very strong and aggressive conversion program.”
Fees: Upfront ($30,000) and royalties (6 percent)
Minimum initial investment: Approximately $250,000
Program features: Advertising/promotion support; warranties; service bay equipment; exclusive/protected territories; point-of-sale materials; store signage; store design assistance; exclusive brands; uniforms; liability and property insurance; credit card program; training/education; online ordering of program materials.
Christian Brothers Automotive Corp.
Program name: Christian Brothers Automotive (CBA)
15995 N. Barkers Landing Road, Suite 145, Houston, Texas 77079
Website: www.cbac.com
Top executive: Mark Carr, CEO
Dealer contact: Josh Wall, v.p., franchise & strategic development; Phone: 832-598-0419; Fax: 832-598-0419; Email: [email protected]
Program details: The CBA franchise program, owned by Christian Brothers Automotive Corp., is a faith-based company that offers families and individuals the opportunity to be part of a growing organization “desiring to be a light in the communities and industry it serves.” The program specializes in training people with little to no experience in the automotive industry to become franchise operators. It has 111 participants operating 128 outlets, with expansions planned in multiple states, the company said.
Fees: Upfront ($125,000) and ongoing royalties (amount varies; taken from net sales instead of gross)
Minimum initial investment: $373,100 - $449,600
Program features: Advertising/promotion support; warranties; service bay equipment; exclusive/protected territories; point-of-sale materials; store signage; store design assistance; uniforms; health and liability insurance; training/education.
Express Oil Change & Service Center L.L.C.
Program name: Express Oil Change; Tire Engineers
1880 Southpark Drive, Birmingham, Ala. 35244
Website: www.expressoil.com
Top executive: Ricky Brooks, CEO
Dealer contact: Don Larose, senior v.p., franchise development; Phone: 205-397-1178; Fax: 205-943-5779; Email: dlarose@ expressoil.com
Program details: Express Oil Change & Service Centers' franchise program offers comprehensive training and support, site selection assistance and a computer man-agement system. It has 90 company-owned locations and 202 owned and operated by program members. In 2013, the firm began re-imaging its corporate-owned locations, co-branding many of them as Tire Engineers stores. In addition, Express Oil has begun offering the co-branded Tire Engineers model to program participants. The company said it is one of a few large chains to offer quick oil changes, tires and automotive repair.
Fees: Upfront ($35,000), monthly (5 percent of gross sales)
Minimum initial investment: $1.5 million to $1.7 million total (includes purcahse of land, building development, equipment, inventory, training) with $350,000 in cash
Program features: Advertising/promotion support; exclusive/protected territories; point-of-sale materials; store signage; store design assistance; exclusive brands; uniforms; credit card program; training/education; 10-minute oil change service.
Federated Auto Parts Inc.
Program name: Federated Car Care
508 Greenville Ave., Staunton, Va. 24401
Website: www.federatedautoparts.com; www.federatedcarcare.com
Top executive: Rusty Bishop, CEO
Dealer contact: John Marcum, director of marketing; Phone: 540-885-8460; Fax: 540-885-7612; Email: [email protected]
Program details: Federated Auto Parts' dealer program offers marketing, training and business support for service providers that allow them to compete with national chains. Federated Car Care is, according to the company, “a complete program supported by thousands of Federated parts stores nationwide offering high quality name-brand parts, great service and professional people.” The program has more than 70 distribution members and more than 3,000 affiliated Car Care locations in the U.S. and Canada.
Fees: Upfront (varies), monthly (varies)
Minimum initial investment: Varies
Program features: Advertising/promotion; warranties; service bay equipment; daily deliveries; point-of-sale materials; store signage; store design assistance; exclusive brands; uniforms; credit card program; training/education; online ordering of program materials; Internet sales capabilities.
Grease Monkey International Inc.
Program name: Grease Monkey-; Mon-key Shine
7450 E. Progress Place, Greenwood Village, Colo. 80111
Website: www.greasemonkeyintl.com
Top executive: John Adams, president/ CEO
Dealer contact: Ralph Yarusso, senior v.p., operations and development; Phone: 303-308-1660; Fax: 303-308-5906; Email: [email protected]
Program details: Grease Monkey International has 86 franchisees operating 169 outlets in the U.S. and Mexico under its Grease Monkey and Monkey Shine programs.
Fees: Upfront ($30,000), monthly (5 percent of revenue)
Minimum initial investment: $150,000 - $250,000
Program features: Advertising/promotion support; volume discounts; warranties; service bay equipment; point-of-sale materials; store design assistance; uniforms; training/education; Internet sales capabilities.
Honest-1 Auto Care L.L.C.
Program name: Honest-1 Auto Care
7430 E. Butherus Drive, Suite A, Scottsdale, Ariz. 52060
Websites: www.h1franchise.com
Top executive: Jack Keilt, president/ CEO
Dealer contact: Chip Baranowski, v.p., franchise development; Phone: 877-466-3781, Ext. 106; Fax: 480-223-1301; Email: [email protected]
Program details: The Honest-1 franchise program offers a “high-end upscale image” through full service automotive repair and maintenance at its 41 outlets. The company said it is “the nation's only 100-percent certified eco-friendly auto care company”—by offering specialized “Eco-Friendly Auto Care” services for customers who “want to play a greater part in helping the environment.” For example, its “Eco-TuneUp” includes a 21-point inspection, the use of synthetic oil, lifetime oil and air filters, platinum spark plugs, replacing spark plug wires, “Eco 360” fuel treatment, and tire pressure evaluation. Honest-1 said it is projecting to open another 15 locations in the next year.
Fees: Upfront ($35,000), royalty (6 percent), advertising (1 percent)
Minimum initial investment: $169,975 - $457,975; $500,000 net worth requirement
Program features: Advertising/promotion support; volume discounts; warranties; service bay equipment; daily deliveries; exclusive/protected territories; point-of-sale materials; store signage; store design assistance; exclusive brands; uniforms; credit card program; training/education; online ordering of program materials; Internet sales capabilities.
The Hybrid Shop L.L.C.
Program name: The Hybrid Shop
5611 Wellington Road, Gainesville, Va. 20155
Website: www.thehybridshop.com
Top executive: Dave Crawford, CEO, Matt Curry, chief visionary officer
Dealer contact: Bob Curry, president; Phone: 571-422-2414; Fax: 571-522-1010; Email: [email protected]
Program details: The Hybrid Shop's “business within a business” franchise model provides participating dealerships with a way to boost their hybrid-electric vehicle (HEV) business by way of HEV-specific maintenance and repair services. The company provides program members with technology that enables them to recharge HEV batteries and perform other advanced diagnostic and repair services. The program has 19 participants operating 32 outlets.
Fees: Upfront ($63,500, which includes diagnostic and battery conditioning equipment, training, marketing and branding)
Minimum initial investment: $63,500 (same as start-up fee)
Program features: Advertising/promotion support; warranties; service bay equipment; exclusive/protected territories; point-of-sale materials; store signage; store design assistance; exclusive brands; training/education; online ordering of program materials; hybrid battery diagnostic and conditioning equipment powered by Automotive Research & Design/Panoptic
Jiffy Lube International Inc.
Program name: Jiffy Lube
910 Louisiana St., Houston, Texas 77002
Website: www.jiffylube.com
Top executive: Steve Ledbetter, president
Dealer contact: Richelle Broussard, franchise recruitment and development; Phone: 800-327-9532; Fax: 832-554-0973
Program details: Jiffy Lube said it provides its 2,000-plus North American franchisees with “premier marketing support, a state-of-the-art point-of-sale system, national fleet services, site selection expertise, local operations support, and is an award-winning automotive Service Education-certified training provider.” The program is distinctive because, according to Jiffy Lube, it is “the pioneer of the quick-lube industry, continues to invest in technology innovations, community outreach and customer programs to drive a differentiated business for our franchisees.” Not content to “rest on reputation alone,” the company said it continues to refine and expand its core business model in continuous support of value for owners.
Fees: None for new service centers
Minimum initial investment: $220,000 - $400,000
Program features: Advertising/promotion support; exclusive/protected territories: store design assistance; credit card program; training/education; online ordering of program materials.
Meineke Car Care Centers Inc.
Program name: Meineke Car Care Center
440 S. Church St., Suite 700, Charlotte, N.C. 28202
Website: www.meinekefranchise.com
Top executive: Jonathan Fitzpatrick, president/CEO, Driven Brands Inc.
Dealer contact: Dave Schaefers, senior v.p. of franchise development; Phone: 866-614-0479; Fax: 704-377-9904; Email: [email protected]
Program details: Meineke Car Care's franchise program offers a variety of services including exhaust systems, oil changes, brake repair and other vehicle maintenance. The company said it is a “nationally recognized brand with a proven system and over 40 years of experience,” and benefits of becoming a franchisee include “a comprehensive advertising program featuring protected territory, site location assistance, two-and-a-half weeks of training at Meineke University, ongoing training and operations support,” and national buying power. The program has more than 975 outlets worldwide. Over the next five years, Meineke's goal is to double the size of the company. To do this, many new incentives have been put in place, including discounted license fees and royalty discounts. Meineke is looking for single unit owners, but said it is placing a large emphasis on those who want to purchase and open more than one center.
Fees: Upfront ($30,000 license fee), weekly (royalty fees ranging from 5-7 percent for services and 8 percent for advertising)
Minimum initial investment: $75,000
Program features: Advertising/promotion support; exclusive/protected territories; point-of-sale materials; store design assistance; credit card program; training/education
Merlin's Franchising Inc.
Program name: Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops
525 Tyler Road, Suite 5, St. Charles, Ill. 60174
Website: www.merlins.com/franchise
Top executive: Simon Tisminesky, genl. mgr.
Dealer contact: Mark Hameister, director, market development; Phone: 630-513-8200; Fax: 630-513-1388; Email: [email protected]
Program details: Owned since February 2014 by Driven Brands Inc., the “turnkey” automotive service franchise program offers site development, training, marketing and product programs. It has 42 members operating 53 outlets. The company said its “200,000-mile concept focuses on helping the driving public avoid the next round of car payments.” Merlin's offers existing automotive aftermarket business owners interested in joining the program with a “fastrack” route toward the purchase of a franchise via equity assistance. The company said it offers individuals proficient in more than one language a $10,000 equity assistance in Merlin's “Two Language Program (TLP)” toward the start-up fee.
Fees: Upfront ($30,000), monthly (6.9 percent of sales)
Minimum initial investment: $225,000 to $275,000
Program features: Advertising/promotion support; volume discounts; warranties; service equipment; daily deliveries; exclusive/protected territories; point-of-sale materials; store signage; store design assistance; uniforms; credit card program; training/education; online ordering of program materials; Internet sales capabilities; in-shop training guides; custom designed website with shop-specific landing pages; social media assistance
Midas International Corp./TBC Corp.
Program name: Midas Auto Service
4300 TBC Way, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. 33410
Website: www.midasfranchise.com
Top executive: Mike Gould, senior v.p./COO
Dealer contact: Jerry Cooper, senior franchise recruitment manager; Phone: 800-365-0007; Fax: 630-438-7991; Email: [email protected]
Program details: In April 2012, TBC Corp. acquired Midas, with its nearly 2,250 franchised, licensed and company-owned Midas shops in 13 countries, including 1,346 franchised locations in the U.S. and Canada. The large network of franchised locations expands the impact of its retail program and allows its stores to reach new and exisiting customers more effectively, according to Midas. “We provide franchise marketing support and maintain ongoing communications with our customers through our CRM system,” the company said.
Fees: Upfront ($30,000), 10 percent of retail sales
Minimum investment: About $293,000 to $390,000, with recommended startup capital of $75,000 to $100,000
Program features: Advertising/promotion support; warranties; training/education; store design assistance; point-of-sale materials; store signage; a credit card program; Web hosting/design assistance; operations support
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Program name: SpeeDee Oil Change & Auto Service
Website: www.speedeeoil.com
Dealer contact: Lynn Parker, senior v.p./COO
Program details: In April 2012, TBC Corp. acquired Midas International, which included the Spedee Oil Change & Auto Service program—with 94 SpeeDee locations in the U.S. and Mexico. SpeeDee outlets provide a full range of automotive maintenance and repair services, such as the SpeeDee 17 Point Oil Change, which includes a courtesy check and service presentation of the manufacturer's recommended services for a customer's vehicle.
Fees: N/A
Minimum investment: $50,000 to $100,000 Program features: Advertising/promotion support; business planning assistance; point-of-sale materials; training/education
Mighty Distributing System of America
Program name: Mighty Auto Parts
650 Engineering Drive, Norcross, Ga. 30092
Website: www.mightyfranchise.com
Top executive: Kenneth Voelker, president/CEO
Dealer contact: Barry Teagle, v.p., franchising; Phone: 770-448-3900; Fax: 770-446-8627; Email: [email protected]
Program details: Mighty is a franchised specialty wholesale distribution business focused on supplying high-velocity maintenance products—such as filters, brake components, belts, wipers and chemicals—to automotive service operations. The company said its business model provides in-store inventory control, product information and technical support to its installer customers. The program has 110 franchisees operating as many outlets, including 24 that are considered tire dealers. The company said the program allows tire dealers to “diversity with a related business, capture the margins paid to their current suppliers of preventative maintenance products, add new revenues, optimize stocking inventories, improve store ticket averages and access Mighty's technical support and training programs.”
Fees: N/A
Minimum investment: $170,000
Program features: Advertising/promotion support; volume discounts; warranties; exclusive/protected territories; point-of-sale materials; exclusive brands; uniforms; liability and property insurance; training/education
Moran Industries Inc.
Program name: Mr. Trans-mission/ Milex Complete Auto Care
4444 W. 147th St. Midlothian, Ill. 60445
Website: www.moranindustries.com
Dealer contact: Peter Baldine, franchise development consultant; Phone: 800-581-8468; Fax: 708-389-5948
Program details: Moran Industries' Mr. Transmission and Milex Complete Auto Care franchise programs include 109 participants operating more than 130 outlets. The company, which specializes in transmission repair and complete general auto repair, offers its members support in operations, marketing, training and several other areas. Moran is looking to expand specifically in the Midwest, Houston, Atlanta and parts of Florida, but it is accepting applications nationwide. Those interested in joining do not need to have automotive experience.
Fees: Upfront ($30,000), monthly ($150 for advertising), weekly (7 percent of gross sales)
Minimum initial investment: $134,000 to $237,000
Program features: Advertising/promotion support; warranties; service equipment; training/education; store design assistance; point-of-sale materials; store signage; business services; credit card program; exclusive/protected territories; Web hosting/design assistance; national fleet programs.
National Automotive Parts Association (NAPA)/Genuine Parts Co.
Program name: NAPA AutoCare
2999 Circle 75 Parkway Southeast, Atlanta, Ga. 30339
Website: napaautocare.com
Top executive: Dan Askey, president
Dealer contact: Terry Mann, director, NAPA AutoCare; Phone: 770-956-2200; Fax: 404-657-1646; Email: [email protected]
Program details: NAPA, an annual membership program that has been in business more than 75 years, has more than 14,000 affiliated NAPA AutoCare repair facilities in the U.S., about 1,800 of which are considered tire dealers. The company said its NAPA AutoCare program “offers the independent repair location unique marketing programs that help (its) customer retention and acquisition efforts” and allow stores to compete and succeed in the marketplace. When consumers pay for qualifying repairs with a NAPA AutoCare EasyPay Credit Card, coverage automatically is doubled to 24 months or 24,000 miles, whichever occurs first. NAPA requires that affiliates have garage keeper's insurance and employ at least one ASE certified technician.
Fees: Annual ($649 per outlet)
Minimum initial investment: Stock at least four product lines with value of at least $1,000
Program features: Volume rebates on parts purchases; advertising/promotion support; warranties; service equipment; signage; store design assistance; daily deliveries; point-of-sale materials; business services; credit card program; Web hosting/design assistance; training/education; Internet sales capabilities; social media management; national sales driver marketing programs; NAPAFIX; vehicle health check program; NAPA TRACS; program discounts on several support vendors.
Precision Franchising L.L.C.
Program name: Precision Tune Auto Care
P.O. Box 5000, Leesburg, Va. 20177
Website: www.precisiontune.com
Top executive: Robert Falconi, president/CEO
Dealer contact: Lee Oppenheim, v.p., development; Phone: 703-777-9095; Fax: 703-771-7108; Email: [email protected]
Program details: Precision Tune said its franchise program provides customers with diagnostics, scheduled maintenance and repairs for their vehicles. The program's 257 participants in the U.S. (and 80 in other countries) operate 340 outlets—of which more than 70 percent offer tires. Typical stores have six or more service bays. As a global player, Precision Tune said it has “preferred customer status with many nationally recognized vendors.” The company boasts training via its “Precision University,” marketing and field support, supplier connections, a “soft wrench” point-of-sale system and turnkey marketing and advertising programs. The firm offers a conversion program for existing auto service shops and has a required equipment list allowing franchisees to properly offer a service mix that includes: heating and air conditioning; emissions systems; fuel systems; cooling systems; ignition systems; lubrication systems; steering and suspension systems; electrical systems; and on-board computer systems.
Fees: Upfront ($25,000 upfront); 7 percent royalty; 1.5 percent marketing fee
Minimum initial investment: $120,000 - $220,000
Program features: Advertising/promotion support; warranties; service bay equipment; daily deliveries; exclusive/protected territories; point-of-sale materials; store signage; store design assistance; exclusive brands; uniforms; credit card program; training/education; online ordering of program materials
Rad Air Franchising Systems Inc.
Program name: Rad Air Complete Car Care and Tire Centers
6565 Pearl Road, Parma Heights, Ohio 44130
Website: www.radair.com
Top executive/dealer contact: Andy Fiffick, president/CEO; Phone: 330-220-8384; Fax: 330-225-2058; Email: [email protected]
Program details: Rad Air's franchise program has nine participants operating 12 outlets. The company said it is a full service chain of repair shops specializing in high tech repair services along with basic maintenance and repair services.
Fees: Upfront ($25,000), monthly (6 percent royalty)
Minimum initial investment: $185,000 to $400,000 (depending on site build-out costs)
Program features: Advertising/promotion support; volume discounts; warranties; service equipment; daily deliveries; exclusive/protected territories; point-of-sale materials; store signage; store design assistance; uniforms; health, liability and property insurance; credit card program; training/education; online ordering of program materials
Tilden International Inc.
Program name: Tilden Total Car Care Center
300 Hempstead Turnpike, Suite 110, West Hempstead, N.Y. 11552
Website: www.tildencarcare.com
Top executive: Robert Baskind, president/CEO
Dealer contact: Jason Baskind, director, franchise development; Phone: 516-746-7911; Fax: 516-746-1288; Email: info@ tildencarcare.com
Program details: Tilden Total Car Care's franchise program, founded in 1996, has 50 franchisee locations in 11 states. The company said its Total Car Care Center concept allows operators “to offer a full menu of automotive services for maximum customer procurement, rather than a limited niche market. You benefit from a management team where concept, methods and system were proven and perfected for 75 years before we began to offer franchises.” Tilden outlets perform work on brake, exhaust and suspension systems; tune-ups; oil changes; air conditioning service; tire balancing and rotation; and wheel alignments. Tilden offers financing assistance provided through local sources and a national SBA lender; equipment financing also is available. The company provides training and support that includes a two-week comprehensive training program at its national headquarters and corporate training center, as well as continual training, technical, business and management support. Its grand opening program includes on-site assistance.
Fees: Upfront ($29,900, which covers initial franchise term of 20 years), 6 percent of sales
Minimum initial investment: $163,933 to $218,933
Program features: Advertising/promotion support; training/education program; store design assistance; point-of-sale materials; ex-clusive/protected territories; Web hosting/design assistance; technical support.
Tuffy Associates Corp. & Car-X Associates Corp.
Program names: Tuffy Tire & Auto Service; Car-X Tire & Auto Service
7150 Granite Circle, Toledo, Ohio 43617
Websites: www.tuffy.com; www.carx.com
Top executive: Roger Hill, president/CEO
Dealer contact: Jim Jacobs, director of franchising; Phone: 800-228-8339; Fax: 419-865-7343; Email: [email protected]
Program details: The philosophy of Tuffy Associates Corp.'s Tuffy and Car-X franchise operations is based on “treating our customers and employees with honesty, respect and professionalism, providing quality parts and service at an exceptional value, and recognizing that satisfied customers are the foundation of our business,” according to the firm. Its program offers “upscale complete automotive repair and maintenance franchises that help you get and keep more customers.” The two programs comprise 351 outlets that provide total underhood and exterior/accessories service via “a proven system with quality, experienced people.” Owners with prior automotive aftermarket business experience looking to convert their operations usually need one week or less of training in the Tuffy system, the company said.
Fees: 5 percent royalties (except tires and batteries, which are 1 percent)
Minimum initial investment: N/A
Program features: Advertising/promotion support; volume discounts; warranties; service bay equipment; daily deliveries; exclusive/protected territories; point-of-sale materials; store signage; store design assistance; uniforms; health, liability and property insurance; credit card program; training/education; online ordering of program materials
Tunex International Inc.
Program name: Tunex Complete Car Care
12608 S. 125 West Suite C, Draper, Utah 84020
Website: www.tunex.com
Top executive/dealer contact: Nick Butterfield, president; Phone: 801-676-8882; Fax: 801-676-8887 or 800-448-8639; Email: [email protected]
Program details: The Tunex franchise program was founded in 1972 to provide customers with an analysis of the performance of an automobile's engine and related systems and any existing problems and was later expanded to perform recommended service maintenance and repairs. The first Tunex service center opened in 1974, and less than a year later the company established a franchise headquarters along with training facilities and support services and sold its first franchise license. The program has 24 participants operating 29 outlets. Tunex said its “diagnostic first” method separates it from competition, “together with solving the need or problem first, then pinpointing potential problems rather than just performing tune-ups or maintenance procedures.” The program's strength lies in its training and technical support, the firm said. It added that for auto service operators interested in converting to Tunex, it will “work with them on fees paid.”
Fees: Upfront ($19,000), 5 percent royalty fee
Minimum initial investment: $155,000-$218,000
Program features: Advertising/promotion support; warranties; service equipment; training/education; store design assistance; store signage; business services.
Operators of automotive service programs interested in being included in future editions of this directory, or to revise a current listing, should contact Tire Business at 330-865-6148. Readers can find this directory—as well as the directory of marketing groups which appeared in the July 21, 2014, print issue of Tire Business—online at www.tirebusiness.com.