The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Maintains a Bright Spot in the Franchise Community
The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Maintains a Bright Spot in the Franchise Community
"We've noticed that the trend to purchase a new vehicle when a major part needs to be replaced has quickly dropped off. Instead, consumers are choosing to purchase the new motor, etc. for their car," commented Louis Kibler, Vice President of Franchise Development for All Tune and Lube (ATL), a Maryland-based automotive service franchisor.
The automotive service and parts industry will enjoy solid sales of well over $200 billion this year. According to the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), vehicle repairs cost an average of 34% more at car dealerships than at independent repair shops. Today's vehicles are complex and consumers are busy, so seeking a one stop total care center that they trust is integral, particularly when consumers are keeping their vehicles longer than ever before.
All Tune and Lube is a great example of a franchise in this booming category which offers prospective franchisees a rock-solid franchise opportunity. The brand's franchise locations feature preventive maintenance, oil changes, engine maintenance, tune-ups, brake and transmission servicing, air conditioning servicing, field injections and combustion chamber cleaning, transmission replacement, engine servicing and replacement, and a complete line of tires and related services.
An Industry That Shines Bright Today and Tomorrow
"People are holding onto their vehicles much longer and therefore, there is lots of business going to automotive franchises such as All Tune and Lube. We've found that although in the earlier quarters of 2008, people were afraid to spend any money, even on maintaining their vehicles, that spending freeze has now dissipated. Because some people procrastinated on getting maintenance done, they are now having repairs done to their cars. Repairs cost consumers even more money, so businesses like ours are benefiting," Kibler commented.
ATL continues to watch the nationwide market demand, and increase its consumer offerings, which has kept franchisees and consumers happy. This past year, the franchise brand introduced a tire program which has done incredibly well because as gas prices went up, people became educated about how important good car and tire maintenance was for their vehicle and for fuel economy. These lessons will probably stick with consumers forever, and bodes well for the franchise concept.
Industry Experience is Not Necessary
As is the case with most industries within the franchise community, you do not necessarily need industry or small business experience to own an automotive franchise. Kibler said, "We can teach anyone to do this business. We have franchisees from education backgrounds. We have retired mechanics that are franchisees. We have some franchisees with small business ownership experience and many without any prior business ownership experience at all."
With the economy crumbling and Corporate America downsizing, many professionals are choosing to buy a proven franchise in an industry that will endure today and tomorrow. "We are really pleased by the high quality franchisee candidates who are currently exploring our concept. Mostly, individuals are coming from Corporate America, and looking for more control and stability over their careers. Individuals with middle management experience tend to do well with our concept. We have had many new franchisees that recently lost their job come and join us. You do not need industry experience to do well with this business. We're really just looking for smart individuals that want to take advantage of how strong and steady the automotive repair industry is now and in the future," explained Kibler.
ATL offers franchisees a total business package for around $160,000. The company is involved with the VetFran program, and maintains strong relationships with 3rd party financing companies and equipment leasing companies. Their training and ongoing support programs are unparalleled. After training, the company sends an Operations Director to the new franchisee's location, where they will get assistance in setting up their business. The Operations Director will help recruit, hire, and train the technicians and service staff, so franchisees are ensured a high quality staff from the beginning.
The Advantages of Choosing a Franchise
"Franchises benefit the most when an industry does well because we know how to market and advertise a brand nationwide," explained Kibler. ATL has locations nationwide, and is known for its high-quality, trusted, and complete line of automotive services.
Kibler went on to explain that as unlikely as it may seem, if you have the financial resources and the will to succeed and prosper, a down economy like we are currently experiencing can be an ideal time to purchase a franchise; "Rent is lower than it has been in years. Interest is at its lowest rate in years. Plus, the number of high quality employees is higher than we've ever seen because so many car dealerships have closed. The licensed, experienced employees that worked at the dealerships are readily available at an affordable rate."
He concluded, "The automotive repair and maintenance industry offers a business that makes sense in this economy and in every economy. The need for maintenance and repair is not seasonal, it is a service that is required by vehicle owners many times a year."
The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Maintains a Bright Spot in the Franchise Community - To learn more about this author, visit Pamela Gold Waldo's Website.
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According to R. L. Polk & Co. in its annual vehicle population report, the median age of passenger cars in operation in the U.S. increased to 9.4 years in 2008, breaking the previous two-year record high. In fact, analysts from J.D. Power, Deutsche Bank Securities, and Wachovia Capital Markets all estimate that auto sales in the U.S. declined as much as 43 percent last month in comparison to sales in March of 2008. What does all this mean to prospective franchise owners? With the economy still in a rut and more consumers keeping and maintaining their vehicles versus buying new, the automotive repair industry is a smart business choice for those seeking a franchise to own.
"We've noticed that the trend to purchase a new vehicle when a major part needs to be replaced has quickly dropped off. Instead, consumers are choosing to purchase the new motor, etc. for their car," commented Louis Kibler, Vice President of Franchise Development for All Tune and Lube (ATL), a Maryland-based automotive service franchisor.
The automotive service and parts industry will enjoy solid sales of well over $200 billion this year. According to the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), vehicle repairs cost an average of 34% more at car dealerships than at independent repair shops. Today's vehicles are complex and consumers are busy, so seeking a one stop total care center that they trust is integral, particularly when consumers are keeping their vehicles longer than ever before.
All Tune and Lube is a great example of a franchise in this booming category which offers prospective franchisees a rock-solid franchise opportunity. The brand's franchise locations feature preventive maintenance, oil changes, engine maintenance, tune-ups, brake and transmission servicing, air conditioning servicing, field injections and combustion chamber cleaning, transmission replacement, engine servicing and replacement, and a complete line of tires and related services.
An Industry That Shines Bright Today and Tomorrow
"People are holding onto their vehicles much longer and therefore, there is lots of business going to automotive franchises such as All Tune and Lube. We've found that although in the earlier quarters of 2008, people were afraid to spend any money, even on maintaining their vehicles, that spending freeze has now dissipated. Because some people procrastinated on getting maintenance done, they are now having repairs done to their cars. Repairs cost consumers even more money, so businesses like ours are benefiting," Kibler commented.
ATL continues to watch the nationwide market demand, and increase its consumer offerings, which has kept franchisees and consumers happy. This past year, the franchise brand introduced a tire program which has done incredibly well because as gas prices went up, people became educated about how important good car and tire maintenance was for their vehicle and for fuel economy. These lessons will probably stick with consumers forever, and bodes well for the franchise concept.
Industry Experience is Not Necessary
As is the case with most industries within the franchise community, you do not necessarily need industry or small business experience to own an automotive franchise. Kibler said, "We can teach anyone to do this business. We have franchisees from education backgrounds. We have retired mechanics that are franchisees. We have some franchisees with small business ownership experience and many without any prior business ownership experience at all."
With the economy crumbling and Corporate America downsizing, many professionals are choosing to buy a proven franchise in an industry that will endure today and tomorrow. "We are really pleased by the high quality franchisee candidates who are currently exploring our concept. Mostly, individuals are coming from Corporate America, and looking for more control and stability over their careers. Individuals with middle management experience tend to do well with our concept. We have had many new franchisees that recently lost their job come and join us. You do not need industry experience to do well with this business. We're really just looking for smart individuals that want to take advantage of how strong and steady the automotive repair industry is now and in the future," explained Kibler.
ATL offers franchisees a total business package for around $160,000. The company is involved with the VetFran program, and maintains strong relationships with 3rd party financing companies and equipment leasing companies. Their training and ongoing support programs are unparalleled. After training, the company sends an Operations Director to the new franchisee's location, where they will get assistance in setting up their business. The Operations Director will help recruit, hire, and train the technicians and service staff, so franchisees are ensured a high quality staff from the beginning.
The Advantages of Choosing a Franchise
"Franchises benefit the most when an industry does well because we know how to market and advertise a brand nationwide," explained Kibler. ATL has locations nationwide, and is known for its high-quality, trusted, and complete line of automotive services.
Kibler went on to explain that as unlikely as it may seem, if you have the financial resources and the will to succeed and prosper, a down economy like we are currently experiencing can be an ideal time to purchase a franchise; "Rent is lower than it has been in years. Interest is at its lowest rate in years. Plus, the number of high quality employees is higher than we've ever seen because so many car dealerships have closed. The licensed, experienced employees that worked at the dealerships are readily available at an affordable rate."
He concluded, "The automotive repair and maintenance industry offers a business that makes sense in this economy and in every economy. The need for maintenance and repair is not seasonal, it is a service that is required by vehicle owners many times a year."
The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Maintains a Bright Spot in the Franchise Community - To learn more about this author, visit Pamela Gold Waldo's Website.
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John PowerJohn Power, founder of Biltmore Franchise Consulting, has extensive experience developing and marketing franchises and business opportunities. He has been in and around franchising for over twenty years. From 1980 through 1990 he conceptualized, organized, and developed the American Video Association. He grew AVA to 2,000 national members, before selling the company it 1990. It was later merged into another home video marketing company. From 2000 to 2005 he worked as a contract marketing and human resources consultant to several local and national companies. In 2005 Mr. Power began working as a franchise development consultant on a full-time basis. Since that time he has helped more than three dozen companies initiate and develop their franchising program. He notes that there are many companies interested in developing a franchise program, and who need his specialized assistance. Mr. Power is a “hands-on” franchise consultant. He said, “I am the ‘nuts and bolts’ person who tends to the details for my clients.” Mr. Power holds a B.S. degree with a major in Marketing. See: www.biltmorefranchise.com You may contact Mr. Power at: jpower@biltmorefranchise.co - Visit John Power's Website |
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Anne BarrAnne Barr has over 26 years experience in sales and marketing, six years as a franchisee. She has assisted over 367 business owners and purchasers to achieve their goals in career change, transition and exit strategy. She holds the designation of Certified Franchise Executive from the International Franchise Association, Certified Business Intermediary from the International Business Brokers Association and Board Certified Broker from the Texas Association of Business Brokers. Anne is active in professional organizations, networking groups and volunteers for non-profit entities. As owner/operator of four successful businesses, Anne has proven people skills and enjoys helping clients find the right "fit" in business ownership. Visit www.FranchiseOpportunitySpecialist.com for more information about me and my company. - Visit Anne Barr's Website |
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Linda RichardsonLinda Richardson is the Founder and Executive Chairwoman of Richardson, a global sales training and performance improvement company. As a recognized leader in the industry, she has won the coveted Stevie Award for Lifetime Achievement in Sales Excellence and she was identified by Training Industry, Inc. as one of the “Top 20 Most Influential Training Professionals.” Ms. Richardson is credited with the movement to Consultative Selling and is the author of ten books on selling and sales management, including Sales Coaching — Making the Great Leap from Sales Manager to Sales Coach, and Stop Telling, Start Selling. She teaches sales and management at the Wharton Graduate School of the University of Pennsylvania and the Wharton Executive Development Center. Linda is a frequent speaker at industry and client conferences, has been published extensively in industry and training journals, and has been featured in numerous publications, including The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Nation’s Business, Selling Power, Success, and The Conference Board Magazine. Learn more about Richardson's sales training and performance improvement solutions at http://www.richardson.com web - Visit Linda Richardson's Website |
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Cheryl MatthynssensCheryl is a life skills coach, licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor and a 20 year entrepreneur. Cheryl's dedication to achieving a life of balance led to her expanding her teaching from the simple managing of life's daily challenges to adding financial well being as well. A direct marketer with DrinkACT, she is gaining ground in the online community with her concepts of making sure business owners, entreprenuers and employees have well rounded life styles. She opened up a small affiliate site - The Balance Guide- to help others find resources for mental and emotional well being. Visit Cheryl's blog to see more of the diversity beyond business she has began offering online at www.thebalanceguide.blogspot.com - Visit Cheryl Matthynssens's Website |
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John BrennanJohn Brennan Ed.D. Dr. Brennan is President of Interpersonal Development, LLC, a training and development firm. Interpersonal Development has provided sales training and coaching to more than 3,000 sales reps from over 100 companies. A native of Australia, Dr. Brennan received his doctorate from the University of Rochester. His dissertation researched the effectiveness of Behavioral Modeling Technology in training people in interpersonal skills. While he has spent most of his career designing or delivering training, he was also a Vice-President of Sales of a training and development franchise with operations in 25 markets. Dr. Brennan has designed and delivered sales training in North America, Asia, Europe, Australia and the Middle East. He has been a guest speaker at numerous national and regional professional conferences. When Microsoft wanted Best Practices articles on sales for their web site, they called Dr. Brennan. The results are at http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/FX011387391033.aspx His firm’s clients have included Volvo, The Prudential, Merrill Lynch, Eastman Kodak, Gannett, Equifax Europe, the Economist Group and countless small businesses. - Visit John Brennan's Website |
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Jay Kubassek(Jay's Full Bio: EvanCarmichael.com/jaykubassek) In five years, Canadian-born entrepreneur Jay Kubassek went from selling mufflers at a Midas franchise to revolutionizing Internet marketing with the 2004 launch of CarbonCopyPRO, a online marketing education company, now worth over $20 million with customers in over 160 countries.
As an independent film producer, his upstart film fund Aliquot Films is currently producing a films with Spike Lee and Abel Fererra (starring Ethan Hawke and Dennis Hopper.)
Jay's entrepreneurial spirit is irrepressible. He’s the owner of five companies, a professional speaker and trainer, international real estate developer/investor, extreme sport enthusiast and emerging philanthropist. Jay resides in NYC with his wife Jamie, son Milo and dog Cooper. Visit Jay's official website: www.JayKubassek.com - Visit Jay Kubassek's Website |
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Dave KurlanDave Kurlan is the founder and CEO of Objective Management Group, Inc., the industry leader in sales assessments and sales force evaluations, and the CEO of David Kurlan & Associates, Inc., a consulting firm specializing in sales force development. Dave has been a top rated speaker at Inc. Magazine's Conference on Growing the Company, the Sales & Marketing Management Conference and the Gazelles Sales & Marketing Summit. He has been featured on radio and TV, including World Business Review with General Norman Schwarzkopf, in Inc. Magazine, Selling Power Magazine, Sales & Marketing Management Magazine and Incentive Magazine. He is the author of Mindless Selling and Baseline Selling – How to Become a Sales Superstar by Using What You Already Know about the Game of Baseball. He created and wrote STAR, a proprietary recruiting process for hiring great salespeople, and he writes Understanding the Sales Force, a popular business Blog and is a contributing author to The Death of 20th Century Selling and 101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life, Volume 2. - Visit Dave Kurlan's Website |
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David AchesonDavid Acheson is the founder of DCJA Consultancy. DCJA Consultancy is a management consultancy business specialising in B2B sales consultancy. They offer bespoke and packaged sales consultancy including Sales Optimisation Review, Interim Sales Management, Sales & Marketing Review, 1:1 Sales & Management Staff Analysis, Management Training, Solution Sales Training, Creation of New Pay Plan, KPI's, run Customer Feedback Campaigns, assist with Recruitment, Coaching, Appraisals and set up Strategic Marketing Campaigns. David spent his early career in accountancy and then moved into sales in 1982, working in Office Equipment, IT, Advertising, Training, Outsourcing and Consultancy. He has held many Senior Positions in SMBs and Global Organisations including Head of Sales Operations & Head of Business Development. His knowledge, skills and great experience of the Sales Industry has led to David making keynote speeches and running educational sessions to key businesses through organisations including The Chamber of Commerce and Business Link. - Visit David Acheson's Website |
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