FAST-GROWING AUTO REPAIR FRANCHISE MAKES MAGAZINE’S FRANCHISE 500 LIST OF TOP OPPORTUNITIES
Entrepreneur magazine has released its annual list of top franchise opportunities, and Christian Brothers Automotive is excited to see that we’re not only on the list — we’re moving up! We moved up 18 spots from our position on last year’s Franchise 500 list, which serves as a guide for entrepreneurs studying franchise opportunities.
Christian Brothers ranks No. 249 on this year’s list, and it is our fifth consecutive year on the list. Our ranking comes on the heels of strong growth in 2014 — we now have more than 130 locations throughout the United States, and we have never closed a location. CEO Mark Carr founded the company in Houston in 1982 and started franchising in 1996.
“We are grateful that Entrepreneur recognizes the value that we can offer to people who are looking for a great franchise opportunity,” Vice President of Franchise Development Josh Wall said. “It’s a great resource for people who are considering options, and we hope that anyone interested in the auto repair industry will give us a call.”
Entrepreneur readers who want to learn more about Christian Brothers on our website for an in-depth look at the company’s history and business model, as well as interviews with franchise owners.
BUSINESS MODEL SETS AUTO REPAIR FRANCHISE APART
Christian Brothers Automotive’s unusual business model makes us unique in the automotive industry. First, we make a large upfront investment to help franchise partners get started, paying to build the large, attractive brick buildings that signal quality to Christian Brothers Automotive customers. Second, unlike most franchises that charge royalties based on a percentage of revenue — whether the business is profitable or not — we wait until franchise partners have become profitable and are able to pay themselves a living wage, and we then split profits with franchisees once they are making money. Christian Brothers does not make money until franchisees do.
Christian Brothers is different in other ways, too. We work to live up to our name by treating customers, franchisees and employees with dignity, respect and caring. The caring manifests itself in an effort to provide exceptional service to customers, and to find ways to make the auto repair experience less disruptive to customers’ lives. For instance, each store has a courtesy shuttle to help customers get to work — or anywhere else — and back while their car is being repaired. It alleviates stress and makes it easy for customers to bring their vehicles in Monday-Friday. That’s important, because Christian Brothers Automotive franchises are closed on Saturday.
Why close on Saturday? First, the shuttle eliminates the need for customers to chew up part of their weekend on car repair. Secondly, Saturdays off are a rare treat in the auto repair industry, and the perk helps Christian Brothers attract highly skilled mechanics, ensuring better service for customers. It also allows franchisees to spend weekends with their families, instead of at the shop.
To learn more about Christian Brothers Automotive, contact us today to start a conversation. We look forward to meeting you and answering your questions!
