Auto repair firm to expand into state
Posted on Friday, July 4, 2008
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/adg/Business/230487/
A Houston-based upscale automotive repair company plans to invest up to $ 10 million and hire about 60 workers in Arkansas during the next five to seven years.
Christian Brothers Automotive Corp., which has more than 50 franchised repair stores in eight states, plans to build five stores in central and Northwest Arkansas, said Josh Wall, vice president of franchise and strategic development.
“We’ve been franchising for 12 years, but Arkansas has been a missing part of the puzzle,” Wall said. “We’re right around the state of Arkansas.”
The average salary for workers will be about $ 45, 000, Wall said. Mechanics can make more than $ 50, 000, and Eric Lang, who owns a franchise in Oklahoma City, said some of his best mechanics make about $ 90, 000.
Christian Brothers will spend about $ 1. 6 million on an almost 5, 000 square-foot store in Maumelle, not including about $ 325, 000 to $ 350, 000 invested by the franchisee. Construction in Maumelle near a Wal-Mart Supercenter will begin in October, Wall said.
After that, Christian Brothers plans to build two more stores in the Little Rock area and two more in Northwest Arkansas, probably in Fayetteville and Bentonville, Wall said.
The expansion into Arkansas is part of Christian Brothers ’ plans to grow to about 175 locations in the next five to seven years. The company has stores in Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma and Tennessee. It plans to open stores in Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Illinois and Nebraska, as well as in states that already have stores.
The company is known for its upscale stores with hardwood floors, leather sofas, artwork and decorative lighting.
Women make up most of the company’s customers, Mark Carr, founder and chief executive officer of Christian Brothers, said in a prepared statement.
“Historically, the automotive repair industry has been plagued by negative perceptions, and women are traditionally more hesitant about the car service experience because of the dishonesty often associated with the industry,” Carr said. “We go the extra mile to make them feel comfortable and at home.”
Wall said Christian Brothers hopes to find a franchisee for the Maumelle location in the next few months.
Franchise owners are paid more than $ 70, 000 a year, including half the store’s profits.
Lang invested in a Christian Brothers franchise in Oklahoma City four years ago.
“They have a great business plan and a great philosophy, taking care of people and utilizing the golden rule,” Lang said. “And just using honesty and integrity in business. We believe we save people thousands of dollars every week by not doing things that other people might suggest they do.”