Christian Bros. focused on 200-store franchise goal

HOUSTON (Aug. 10, 2016) — Christian Brothers Automotive (CBA) continues to build toward its goal of 200 franchised auto service stores in operation by 2017, having brought on board a dozen new franchisees in the past two years.

Typical CBA locations average 5,000 square feet in size with nine service bays, and feature a lobby with a “home-charm décor” that features upscale furniture, decorative lighting, artwork and hardwood floors.

All CBA facilities are staffed with Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) -certified technicians, according to the franchisor.

Most locations offer a basket of services that include air conditioning, alignments, batteries, brake repair, drivetrain, electrical, engine diagnostics, exhaust, filters, oil changes, power steering, state inspections (where applicable), suspension and transmission.

The Houston-based franchisor describes itself as a Christian business enterprise that “strives to honor Christ by providing loving customer service to those in our communities” and following the tenants of Matthew 22:39 to “love your neighbor as yourself.”

Earlier this year CBA was rated as one the U.S.'s fastest-growing franchises by Franchise Gator, an online directory of franchise and business opportunities.

The investment for a CBA franchise starts at $373,100, according to Franchise Gator, and most candidates have $80,000 to $100,000 in liquid capital.

There now are 150-plus Christian Brothers locations open in 22 states, with a heavy concentration of 76 in Texas.

The new stores—all greenfield constructions—and franchisees are:

• Indian Trail, N.C., opened April 2016 by Glenn Goodson, who is changing careers but whose father worked for both Goodyear and Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. The store is on State Route 74 through Indian Trail, a southeast suburb of Charlotte.

• Queen Creek, Ariz., opened January 2016 by Mark and Linda Dillehay, who moved to Arizona from Ohio after sending their children to Arizona State University. Queen Creek is a community of about 26,000 southeast of Phoenix.

• Rio Rancho, N.M., opened January 2016 by Tim Johnson, a former prison chaplain and precinct captain from the Dallas area. Rio Rancho is a community of about 90,000 northwest of Albuquerque.

• Wake Forest, N.C., opened September 2015 by Scott Lillie, who moved to Wake Forest from Grand Rapids, Mich., where he was with Catholic Charities West Michigan. The former floral shop owner's store opened in a new development on the south side of Wake Forest.

• Cumming, Ga., opened May 2015 by Tom and Lisa Burgess. Mr. Burgess is veteran of the U.S. Air Force who served in Desert Shield, Desert Storm and Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. Cumming is a community of about 5,500 north of Atlanta.

• Katy, Texas, opened April 2015 by Houston natives Kevin and Katy Ham. Mr. Ham previously was in construction management. Katy is a community of about 14,000 west of Houston.

• Huntersville, N.C., opened January 2015 by Colleen Manno, who moved to Huntersville from Dallas to go into business for herself. She said she chose Christian Brothers because, as a single mom, she always felt the local Christian Brothers shop in Dallas treated her fairly. Her store is on the north side of Huntersville, a community of about 47,000 north of Charlotte.

• Pflugerville, Texas, opened January 2015 by Jason and Colleen Gaudreau. Mr. Gaudreau previously worked as a golf course superintendent. Pflugerville is a community of nearly 50,000 north of Austin.

• Norman, Okla., opened October 2014 by Shane and Kim Guldi, who have lived in the area for the past 12 years. Mr. Guildi was the elementary pastor at Bethany First Church of the Nazarene prior to becoming a CBA franchisee. The Guldis' store is on the northwest side of Norman, a city of 100,000 that's south of Oklahoma City and home to Oklahoma University.

• Lafayette, Colo., opened September 2014 by Richard and Holly Welty, longtime Lafayette residents. For Mr. Welty, this is a second career after spending 28 years with IBM Corp.

• Knoxville, Tenn., opened August 2014 by Knoxville natives Cory and Jen Beilharz. Mr. Beilharz is a mechanical engineer and retired U.S. Army officer.

In addition, CBA announced that the franchise in Round Rock, Texas, was sold last October to Round Rock residents Ed and Lucy Carey, who invested an undisclosed amount on remodeling and upgrading the 15-year-old store.