Local couple opens Midas outlet in Sedalia, Mo.

SEDALIA, Mo. — Long-time Sedalia residents Kent and Denise Wernli have opened a Midas Auto Service & Tires outlet in Sedalia, their first franchised Midas location and the 19th Midas store in Missouri.

The new store — a greenfield construction located northwest of central Sedalia on State Route 50 — features eight service bays, including two capable of handling medium trucks, RVs, etc.

Mr. Wernli, who owned Ideal Tool & Manufacturing in Sedalia for the past 23 years, offering tool and die services for manufacturers, is a self-described "car guy," according to TBC Corp., franchisor of the Midas Car Care business.

Ms. Wernli is described as an "avid community volunteer."

The new facility features windows overlooking the work area, so customers can observe services being completed on their cars. In addition, the sales staff is equipped with computer tablets to check in customers, digitally document vehicle inspections and then text them the results, along with photos of their vehicle, so customers can review recommendations and sign off on any work, Midas said.

"This opportunity to represent Midas is a new and exciting venture for us," Mr. Wernli said. "We looked for the right partner who would provide support and had the brand recognition that would enable us to establish us in the area and we found exactly that and more with Midas."

Will Helton, vice president and general manager of Midas, said Midas is "looking forward to a long partnership with Kent and Denise and extending quality car care services to the Sedalia community that are always 'A Touch Better.'

Sedalia is a community of about 22,000 inhabitants located between Kansas City and Jefferson City, Mo.

Financial details of the new business were not disclosed. The Wernlis held a grand-opening on Nov. 9.