FRANCHISE FINDER TOOLPOPULAR SEARCHESFRANCHISES BY INDUSTRYThe Auto Industry Attracts a Wide Range of Prospective Business Owners
By Jocelyn Chavez
Despite a period of economic tumult, certain sectors remain unscathed. The automotive aftermarket and service industry is proving to be one area that withstands economic fluctuations. In fact, with drivers keeping their vehicles longer, the automotive service industry is thriving. Aspiring business owners, from all walks of life, have taken note and are increasingly choosing to own auto-related franchise concepts. Automotive franchises offer prospective franchisees the opportunity to become part of an enduring industry, and previous automotive experience often isn’t necessary to qualify.
The Tremendous Appeal of Stability
NOVUS Glass, the inventor of windshield repair, and the leading windshield repair and replacement franchise has seen franchise agreements double in the last 12 months. As Jim Olson, Director of Franchise Development for NOVUS Glass explained, “Stability is a big reason that prospective business owners find the automotive industry as a whole, appealing. Auto glass and automotive products are going to be around for the rest of our lifetime. Windshield glass on vehicles is not going away.”
Franchises also provide aspiring business owners with a proven business model and an established track record for success. “NOVUS Glass was founded in 1972, and has been franchising since 1985.There are currently approximately 400 NOVUS franchisees throughout North America that we’ve helped,” added Olson.
People From All Walks of Life Have Found Success With Automotive Concepts
Automotive experience often isn’t required to own an auto-related franchise. As Olson observed, “NOVUS franchisees come from many walks of life; executives, insurance agents, teachers and farmers have all joined us…We look for people with outgoing personalities, mechanical skills and a go-getter attitude. We have carefully structured the training program because neither business ownership experience, nor automotive experience is necessary to qualify. We also have a strong team of executives out in the field helping franchisees get jobs and obtain products at competitive prices from preferred vendors.”
Midas franchisees also benefit from being part of a well-known automotive concept. As Jeff Hall, a Midas franchisee in Kingston, Ontario, explained, “Owning a Midas franchise gives you a chance to be a branded independent--you get the franchise feel with training, marketing and system support, nationwide warranties, and buying power that you can pass on to the customers but you run your business and you create your shops’ presence in your community…I can’t think of a better business to be in.”
The Ability to Handpick a Location
In the current job market, with many unemployed professionals becoming accustomed to moving for a job, franchise opportunities can provide people with more control over where they live.
Ricardo and Maureen Johanning were planning to relocate to Tampa, FL from St. Louis, MO, and were searching for a business to own when they discovered the All Tune and Lube (ATL) automotive franchise advertised on Franchise Solutions' website. They requested information and after doing research, signed a franchise agreement with ATL. As Ricardo recalled, "Within three months, we had an operating business. ATL assisted us in the site selection, lease negotiation, financing, training, and Center setup. This is a perfect example of how franchising allows people to achieve the American dream of business ownership!"
Olson has also found that the NOVUS franchise opportunity gives people a say in where they live; “In many cases, territories are available that allow prospective franchisees to relocate to a town where they’d like to raise their families, or move back to where they grew up. People can often handpick where they want to live.”
Diverse Opportunities Abound
From service centers that perform routine vehicle maintenance and repairs, to auto parts franchises and specialty car accessories businesses, there are a wide range of diverse concepts to choose from in the automotive industry. Prospective franchisees can cater to the demand for environmentally-friendly solutions by owning a green automotive franchise, like Eco-Wash, a waterless car wash franchise or NOVUS Glass, which is known for taking a “Repair First, Replace When Necessary,” approach. Regardless of your interests and background, now's a great time to explore your options in the high-demand automotive industry.
