TBC waiving Big O, Midas franchisee fees for first responders

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — TBC Corp. is waiving the initial franchisee fee for both its Big O Tires and Midas franchise programs for interested parties who qualify as "first responders" — law enforcement officer, emergency medical technician or fire fighter.

First responders who were employed for a minimum of five years and who apply for a Big O Tires or Midas franchise within one year of ending their service are eligible for waiver of the initial franchise fee of $30,000 on their first location, according to TBC, which said this an extension of the previously established U.S. Military Veterans program.

"We're excited to offer this incentive to first responders as a token of our appreciation for everything that they give to our community every day," Lenny Valentino, vice president of franchise development for TBC, said.

"We're looking forward to continuing to grow our brand alongside team-oriented leaders who are service-minded and dedicated to giving back."

Midas appears to be a good fit for military veterans, according to Hugh Boeset, a U.S. Army vet who owns six Midas stores in the Chicago area.

"Team building, leadership, persistence and resilience are all keys to being successful in the military — and these are the qualities you need to be successful as a franchisee," he said in a quote supplied by TBC.

"Joining Midas certainly was a very good decision for me and my family."

John Kairys, vice president and general manager for Big O Tires, said, "We've enjoyed the opportunity to give back to the men and women who give so much for our country through the Military Veterans Program. The First Responders Program seemed like a natural extension to us at Big O."

Ron Seagle, vice president and general manager for Midas, added: "The fee waiver is one more reason for police officers, fire fighters and paramedics to look closely at the Midas opportunity if and when they're considering a career change.

"We have a lot to offer, including a famous and thriving brand, an expanding service menu, an attractive package of financial incentives and the opportunity for self-starters and initiative-takers to build a business of their own — without being on their own."

TBC did not say how military vets or former first responders already are franchisees now.

There are 450 franchisee-owned Big O Tires stores in the U.S., located primarily in the West and Midwest, and more than 1,200 Midas locations in the U.S. and and Canada.