Friday, May 24, 2013

Honest-1 Auto Care Revs Up Financial Growth with 31.6 Percent Sales Increase from Q1 2012 to Q1 2013


Pioneering Auto Care Chain Demonstrates Business Model is Dominating with Strong Year-Over-Year Sales

Honest-1 Auto Care (Honest-1), a national full-service auto care company that is 100 percent ESA® Certified Eco-Friendly, announced a 31 percent revenue increase from quarter one of 2012 to quarter one of 2013. This continued growth comes on the heels of the 33.4 percent system-wide sales increase Honest-1 experienced in 2012 over 2011, the best increase in the company’s history.

“Demonstrated through the hard-work of every associate in our network, we are thrilled to see returns this strong from a year-over-year perspective, especially because this is generally an unprecedented type of increase in the automotive or franchising world,” said Rissy Sutherland, COO of Honest-1 Auto Care. “From a strategic growth standpoint, we are just getting started. We have made some strong expansion strides in the past year and are focused on the next phase of our company’s progress.”

Marked by two new region developer deals signed in quarter one to further anchor the growing company in the Midwest and East Coast, Honest-1 is slated for significant location expansion this year.

Chip Baranowski, Vice President of Franchise Development for Honest-1 Auto Care, cites the importance of market diversification to the company’s future sales health.

“We have cornerstone regions where we are very strong such as Arizona, Minnesota and the Pacific Northwest,” Baranowski said. “But growing into Ohio, for example, we hope demonstrates to customers our approach to auto service works  because of the customer-centric values we have in place – honesty, a comfortable experience, and a meaningful car care education for customers. We can’t wait to roll up our sleeves and keep things going.”

Honest-1 prides itself on servicing the customer from all capacities. From an informational standpoint, their technicians have a wide scope of knowledge to impart for general and more advanced transmission-based service work on their website, tips that help preserve the long-term efficiency of one’s vehicle. They provide all scopes of service work, from basic oil changes to full transmission diagnostics and complete auto repair services, to ensure the customer feels comfortable that every single repair job or recommendation will help improve the vehicle and is actually necessary.

Aiming to fix the auto care customer experience, H-1 also took the time to re-define how the entire experience should look and feel, from the customer service members at the front desk to the waiting areas and top-quality amenities available while customers wait. Plus, Honest-1 utilizes technology to review repairs with their customers by showing the customer their vehicle and service issues in a 3D interface to visually see their vehicle needs, and not just hear it from their customer service manager. These, in addition to their consistent and trusting social media voice, demonstrate why Honest-1 “gets” their customer more than any other auto care company.

“We work hard to be not only a company servicing vehicles, but one that is a partner to each customer,” said Sutherland. “That’s why we encourage everyone to come into the shop to receive a FREE safety inspection. We also encourage our customers to ‘like’ us on Facebook to learn additional details about how we plan to work together to grow Honest-1 and our communities to the next level.”

Honest-1 Auto Care plans to expand into additional markets around the country including, Phoenix, Atlanta, Nashville, Indianapolis, Miami, Orlando, Raleigh, Charlotte, Michigan, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Denver, and many others. For more information about Honest-1 franchising, visit www.h1franchise.com.  

Honest-1 Auto Care Named 2013 Military Friendly Franchise ®


Honest-1 Auto Care was ranked in the top 10 percent of all franchises nationwide and named a 2013 Military Friendly Franchise® by Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs.

Honest-1 Auto Care the only national full-service auto repair and maintenance franchise that is 100 percent ESA® Certified Eco-Friendly, honors military veterans by offering service members a discount of more than 15 percent off the franchise fee for qualified military veterans from any branch of the military service. This program helps military veterans make an easier transition to civilian life by using their background and training to launch a new civilian career. With a dedication to servicemen and servicewomen, Honest-1 Auto Care looks to our nation’s heroes to help grow their business.

“There should be much gratitude given to our veterans and current men and women in the armed forces,” said Chip Baranowski, Vice President of Franchise Development for Honest-1 Auto Care. “For the sacrifices they make and dedication they show on a daily basis, Honest-1 offers incentive initiatives to give back to servicemen and servicewomen. Their willingness to learn, honor and exceptional work-ethic makes them ideal candidates for any franchise system, and especially for Honest-1.”

Being selected as a Military Friendly Franchise® places Honest-1Auto Care in an elite group and is testimony to Honest-1’s commitment to supporting military veterans interested in franchise opportunities.

“One in four returning service members indicate interest in owning their own business,” said Sean Collins, director for G.I. Jobs.  “Franchises are a perfect fit for service members, who bring unparalleled operational skill sets and work ethic but are often unclear how to start a business.” 

The 2013 Military Friendly Franchises® list was compiled via a data-driven survey overseen by an advisory board of industry experts. The survey results list were independently tested by Ernst & Young based upon the weightings and methodology established by Victory Media.

Aiming to fix the auto care customer experience, Honest-1 took the time to re-define how the entire experience should look and feel, from the customer service members at the front desk to the waiting areas and top-quality amenities available while customers wait. Honest-1 is not only the best option for all consumer bases, who need all scopes of service work, from basic oil changes to full transmission diagnostics and complete auto repair services, but one that any car owner would feel comfortable spending time in. Plus, Honest-1 utilizes technology to review repairs with their customers by showing the customer their vehicle and service issue in 3D interface to visually see their vehicle needs, and not just hear it from their customer service manager.

Honest-1 Auto Care plans to expand into markets around the country including, Phoenix, Atlanta, Nashville, Indianapolis, Miami, Orlando, Raleigh, Charlotte, Michigan, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Denver, and many others. For more information about Honest-1 franchising, visit www.h1franchise.com.  

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Honest-1 Auto Care Presents 2013 Franchise Awards at National Company Conference


Emerging Auto Care Company Honors Top Franchisees and Regional Developers

Honest-1 Auto Care announced the winners of several awards given to franchisees and regional developers throughout its extensive network. The awards were presented during the brand’s national conference in Carefree, Ariz. from May 6 – 8, 2013.

“Not only were we excited to host our network of hard-working and exceptional franchisees and regional developers, but the chance to recognize individuals for their successes with these awards was really special,” said Rissy Sutherland, COO of Honest-1 Auto Care. “The individuals honored with these awards are what make Honest-1 Auto Care the ambitious and growing brand that it is today.”

Some of the System-wide winners for the 2013 conference included:
·         Image Award: Fred Haynes (Burnsville, MN)
·         Highest Sales Increase: Tracy and Kristin Steward (Phoenix, AZ), who experienced a 63 increase in sales from 2011 to 2012
·         Rookie of the Year: Randy Rada (New Hope, MN) for:
o   Community involvement;
o   Outstanding lobby design;
o   Highest average weekly sales of any shop open less than 18 months, and;
o   Average weekly car count of 102
·         Outstanding Achievement and Contribution: Tracy and Kristin Steward (Phoenix, AZ) for:
o   Community involvement;
o   Out-of-the-box marketing ideas;
o   Amazing store sales growth;
o   Testing of new reports and systems;
o   Shop tours for Discovery Day
·         Region Developer of the Year: Jim Henkel (Cottage Grove, MN) for:
o   Transferred one agreement
o   Opened four locations;
o   Sold two new franchise agreements;
o   Conducted field and classroom training;
o   Testing systems and programs
·         Highest One Week Car Count: Dan Morris and Heather Imel ( South Daytona, FL), 178 cars during Week 27

“Company-wide, 2012 was a very important year for Honest-1,” said Jack Keilt, President and CEO of Honest-1 Auto Care. “Not only did we grow into markets we’ve never been in before, but our franchise owners and regional developers demonstrated total dedication to making our system profitable by enhancing the levels of quality service we provide to each customer. With that continued mission underway, we expect even more great successes in 2013.”

Over the past year, Honest-1 has signed development deals for 9 units through an aggressive Region Developer (RD) concept. In 2013, the RD’s signed into the system are working to develop a minimum of 15 units in five major markets. Honest-1 Auto Care plans to expand into markets around the country including, Phoenix, Atlanta, Nashville, Indianapolis, Miami, Orlando, Raleigh, Charlotte, Michigan, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Denver, and many others. For more information about Honest-1 franchising, visit www.h1franchise.com.  

Monday, May 13, 2013

Honest-1 Featured in Courier News

Honest-1 was recently featured in the Courier News in an article titled, "Auto repair shop in Flemington touts service and quality". 

The article, which includes an awesome headline and nice photo of Honest-1 owner Barry Lasher, talks about Honest-1 and what the brand offers the community. The article showcases Barry as someone looking for a career transition and included the reasoning why he was attracted to Honest-1. This article also included tips for car care provided by Honest-1. 

Click HERE for the full article or begin reading below:


Auto repair shop in Flemington touts service and quality

By: Erica Lamberg

Barry Lasher, 39, worked in information technology before his transition to a career as an auto mechanic and shop owner. With a degree from New York Institute of Technology, Lasher worked for various companies in their information technology departments following graduation. He resides in Princeton Junction in Mercer County and is the married father of three young sons.

About two years ago, Lasher first discovered Honest-1 Auto Care when researching franchise opportunities. He said he liked the brand’s focus on family experience and eco-friendly practices, as well as the idea of owning his own business. He was becoming disenchanted with the cubicle life and was looking for a career change. To ramp up his education, Lasher learned about cars on the weekends from his brother-in-law, whom is a mechanic in South Jersey. Last October, Lasher made the decision to open Honest-1 Auto Care located at 464 Route 202 North in Flemington.

Friday, May 10, 2013

Honest-1 Hosts Annual Conference

Honest-1 Auto Care was excited to kick off their Annual Conference this week. Franchise owners and Regional Developers from across the country came together to share best practices to ensure their customers have an even better Honest-1 experience in the coming year. The conference was held at the Carefree Resort & Conference Center in Carefree, Arizona. The week featured many amazing speakers, great rounds of golf, and an exciting casino night full of winners. 

Check out some of the photos from the festivities:
Work hard, play hard.

Careful!
Hoping to win big!
Mark Porcelli was the big winner of casino night!

Our vote for Best Dressed at the Cowboy Dinner: Kristin Steward 
Rissy is a real cowgirl!

Attendees paying close attention


Tod Swet, Mike Still, Rick Sage, Jack Keilt, Chip Baranowski, Rissy Sutherland, and Braden Poole


Friday, May 3, 2013

Franchisee Spotlight: Tracy and Kristin Steward


Originally from Arkansas, Tracy graduated from Hendrix College with a degree in Business and Economics followed by attending the University of Central Arkansas where he graduated with an MBA. After graduating, he moved to Phoenix in 1993 to take a job with FHP Healthcare, later purchased by PacifiCare Health Systems and finally by United Healthcare. He stayed there for 17 years, eventually becoming the director of the provider contract loading department managing 150-plus employees.  His wife, Kristin, originally from Pennsylvania, graduated with a degree in psychology from Hendrix College in Arkansas and later went on to get her Elementary Education Teacher Certificate and Masters in Education. She currently runs an in-home pre-school. 

How did you learn about the brand?
After working for United Healthcare I was looking for new opportunities and I met with a franchise consultant. I looked at a number of different concepts ranging from temporary agencies  to senior care but working in the auto industry really fascinated me.

Why did you choose an opportunity with Honest-1?
We ended up choosing Honest-1 for a number of reasons. Coming from the healthcare industry I had a deep root in service and helping people; Honest-1’s system and their eco-friendly approach to the industry was very intriguing. The most important thing we liked about this model is the relationship building and the fact that we have a physical location so we can be a focal point in the community.

What makes your business unique in the community?
The reality is that we stick to our morals and we’re always honest whether the situation is good or bad.  We strive to be open and honest with our customers so they are never surprised. We help our customers make a plan so they are prepared for any issues with their vehicles.  Respect in this industry for the customer and their car is important to us. In order to build long standing relationships with our customers we seek to earn that respect through everything we do. 

Are you involved with any charities or do any community outreach with your business?
We feel very strongly that giving back to our community is not an option but a responsibility. Personally, I enjoy being a part of Cub Scouts with my boys. I am the treasurer of our local Cub Scout pack and Pinewood Derby Committee Leader. Unofficially, we’ve partnered with several community organizations with several donation drives including Arizona Helping Hands, Packages From Home and the Susan G. Komen Foundation and like being active with them.  We also do a pretty prominent pajama and children’s book drive through the Pajama Program and have given away discounts to veterans for Memorial Day in the past.

What challenges have you overcome to get where you are now?
One of the greatest advantages of purchasing the shop was that I came in with some really great employees and recently have had added to that; to us the most important thing is having the right people doing the right things so that we can continue to build relationships with our customers.

What are your expansion or development plans? What is your end goal with Honest1?
I have plans to open another shop by 2014 and our end goal is to be the go-to auto care solution in the community.

Do you have any other interesting hobbies or passions?
My wife, Kristin, and I have four children and our family is our true passion.