The investment to own a franchise is between $530,250 to $645,400, a sum that includes a franchise fee of $135,000, with the remainder used to acquire equipment to build out and equip the shop.
"We have a systematic approach to growth," Fink said. "On average, we will open 25 locations per year. While we are not targeting any one market, we will be pretty much all over the country."
The company — whose core business principle is to be aligned with the belief that Jesus Christ is their personal savior — regularly is rated among the leading franchise opportunities by independent sources, including top billing in the J.D. Power Aftermarket Service Index Satisfaction Study for four consecutive years.
Christian Brothers employs 175 at its Houston headquarters while the franchisee network employs roughly 3,300. The business model offers a broad range of repair services, including major mechanical repairs, though Fink said routine maintenance generates the most business.
The company does not require that its approximately 250 franchisees sell tires; that decision is up to each franchisee. While many haven't done so historically, Fink said he believes this may change.
"More and more of them are starting to sell tires because they want to provide a full, comprehensive set of services to their customers," he said, adding that routine services for electric vehicles include tire service, so more customers will expect to receive this service as part of a vehicle's maintenance.
The company's recent success shows up in the financial performance of its franchisees. According to Fink, in 2023, the average revenue for a store operating in its first year was just over $2 million, with average net profits of $395,000, or nearly 20% of sales.
The average income for a first-year franchisee was $224,000, and the average for all franchisees is more than $330,000.
While the company does not yet have this data for last year, Fink said, "We will see all of those numbers increase in 2024."
Fink attributes the company's success to a business model that focuses on selecting the right franchisees and providing them with an extensive training and coaching program that sometimes lasts one year or more until they begin operations. He said franchisee selection is the most important part of its business model.
Approximately 85% of franchisees have no experience in the automotive business. Instead, the company looks for leadership experience and other personality traits.
"They need to have leadership experience, such as leading a team, that shows a high level of responsibility.
"The other qualifier is character. We look for someone with a competitive spirit who wants to be successful. This is a hard industry, so they need to have grit. We want them to show up every day.
"We also want them to be humble and coachable. This means having an open mind and a desire to learn."
Once a franchisee is selected, he or she is provided a broad comprehensive training program that includes in-person and online learning, both before and after they begin running their business. Each franchisee has a business coach and attends weekly calls during the first year of operation to ensure the business is working properly.
"A few months out from opening their store, they quit their full-time job," Fink said. "During the first year, they talk to a marketing coach, an operations coach and other internal teams at our support centers. Our model is set up to help them be a success."
The company is seeking new franchisees. For more information, see cbac.com or christianbrothersfranchise.com.
Christian Brothers also provides charitable contributions in the communities where it operates. In December 2024, it completed a goal set in 2020 of donating $25 million to non-profit partners and community members.
Franchisees also participate every October in a National Day of Service. It seeks to provide free oil changes and maintenance to widows and single parents. The company estimates it provides $1 million in free repair and maintenance services.
