AUTO REPAIR FRANCHISE HAS OPENED 16 LOCATIONS IN 12 MONTHS, EXPECTS EIGHT MORE IN 2014
Christian Brothers Automotive is expanding quickly and may soon hit a record for store openings in a single year. The auto repair franchise opened 16 locations from May 2013 to May 2014, and it expects to open eight more by the end of the year.
The expansion comes amid surging sales for the company, which saw same-store sales increase 10.8% in 2013 and saw sales grow even faster — 16.3% — in the first quarter of 2014.
The current growth is our fastest since 2011, when 16 locations opened in a single year. Christian Brothers Automotive now has more than 125 locations in 17 states. It has never closed a location.
“What we’re most proud of is the fact that even as we grow quickly, we are adding additional support for our franchisees,” said Josh Wall, who oversees franchise development.
Christian Brothers Automotive’s headquarters staff consisted of 15 people in 2007, when the auto repair franchise had 50 locations. It now has 56 team members — more than one support team member for every two franchisees.
“We’re committed to maintaining a strong partnership with our franchises and providing training and support that helps them generate strong revenues,” Wall said. “There’s no replacement for having a personal touch — someone you can call or who can visit your business and help you find new opportunities.”
Wall said he expects the company’s momentum to remain strong — inquiries from potential partners is up 25% in the past year.
Christian Brothers Automotive has flourished by applying Biblical principles to an industry that almost everyone needs, but few trust. There are 240 million cars on the road in the United States, and all of them need maintenance and repair. Our franchises are locally owned by Christians who value their reputations in the community and who want to give their customers a safe haven in the auto repair industry.
To learn about the franchise opportunity and to read interviews with Christian Brothers owners, check out our Why Franchise pages or fill out a form to start a conversation. We hope to meet you soon!