EDWARDSVILLE — Christian Brothers Automotive is expanding, and it’s looking for a franchise owner.
The Edwardsville shop is planned on the west side of Illinois 157 just south of Edwardsville High School. It is tentatively scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2024.
“Our development strategy for the past couple years and for the next two years is to continue to expand in the Midwest,” said Brad Fink, chief growth officer for Christian Brothers Automotive. “We have locations in almost every Midwestern state, but there are several markets, the greater St. Louis market being one of them, that we have put a focus on.”
Christian Brothers, based out of Houston, has 270 locations in 30 states.
“We started in 1982 with one shop owned by our founder and we opened our first franchise in Houston in 1996,” Fink said.
Christian Brothers currently has three locations in the St. Louis market, all on the Missouri side, in O’Fallon, Valley Park and Arnold.
It is planning locations in Edwardsville and O’Fallon, and another Missouri location in Weldon Spring.
Christian Brother Automotive offers a wide array of services, from simple upkeep and maintenance to preventive services addressing issues that would otherwise require more expensive repair and replacement down the road. A complete list of services can be found on the brand’s website at www.cbac.com.
Christian Brothers currently has 215 franchisees for its 270 shops, with some people owning more than one location.
“We put so much time, effort and energy into the satisfaction and success of our franchisees that it’s impossible for our guests not to feel and experience that as well,” Fink said.
“For three years, J.D. Power has had a customer satisfaction award for aftermarket full-service maintenance and repair providers, and we’re blessed to have won that for three years running. That is our customers across the country saying that Christian Brothers Automotive is beating the Goodyears, the Firestones and the Jiffy Lubes of the world.”
Christian Brothers has also won franchisee satisfaction awards in the automotive category and has been on the Entrepreneur Top 500 franchise list for 10 years in a row.
“We don’t just say that we care about our customers or our franchisees; we come into the market with honesty and integrity in an industry that has a black eye for customer distrust, and we prove it,” Fink said.
“Every single one of our guests, at their request or with their permission, is provided with a digital vehicle inspection. Via text or email, we provide pictures and video about the parts of their vehicle that may require service. We communicate with our guests through the repair process and our goal is to provide them with the information that they need to make an informed decision.”
Individuals interested in owning a Christian Brothers Automotive franchise should be good financial stewards who have a minimum net worth of $250,000 and a minimum liquidity of $85,000. Christian Brothers Automotive is a partner of the VetFran program. Approved candidates receive 10 percent off the total franchise fee.
“At least 20 percent of our franchisee family is veterans and it’s been a good model for us,” Fink said.
While potential franchisees must meet certain financial qualifications to be considered, Fink stresses that their character is the primary consideration.
“We are not necessarily looking for people that are passionate about cars or people who think that they need to know cars,” Fink said. “Ninety percent of our franchisee family has zero automotive experience before opening their franchise.
“What we have seen time and time again is that if you care about people, we can teach you what you need to know about cars. We’re looking for someone that’s passionate about their community and passionate about taking on a leading role in their community.”
For more information about the Christian Brothers Automotive franchise opportunity in Edwardsville, visit http://www.christianbrothersfranchise.com or email franchising@cbac.com.
