Honest-1 Featured in Phoenix Business Journal

Honest-1 was recently featured in the Phoenix Business Journal in an article titled, "Honest-1 Auto Care sees big results with an emphasis on cleaner image".

The article, which includes two great photos, focused on how the Honest-1 team reconstructed the brand model to be more customer service focused, and how that new approach has yielded positive results for the growing franchise. The article included information about the sales success and growth the brand has enjoyed, and even points out the big differentiators the brand has created under the new customer-centric model that has drawn in more customers. 

Click HERE for the full article or begin reading below:

Honest-1 Auto Care sees big results with an emphasis on cleaner image

By: Tim Gallen

Taking your car to the mechanic often is not a pleasant experience. But Honest-1 Auto Care has spent the past few years rearranging that expectation. And its efforts are paying off.

The Scottsdale-based chain of automotive repair shops has seen year-over-year sales growth in excess of 30 percent over the past two years. Sales jumped 33 percent from 2011 to 2012, and so far this year, the company’s posting 36.5 percent sales growth over the previous year.

Automotive repair is a $52 billion industry, according to research firm IbisWorld.

Honest-1 Auto Care Continues to Receive Accolades and is Listed on Franchise Business Review’s Top 50 Brand of 2013

Growing Auto Care Company Garners Second Award of the Year from Well-Known Industry Publication

Honest-1 Auto Care, the nation’s only full-service auto care company that is 100 percent ESA® Certified Eco-Friendly, announced a major recognition as an auto care company but also as a top franchisor. Clocking in as one of eight automotive brands, Honest-1 was acknowledged in the “Best of 2013: Guide to Today's Top Franchises,” by FranchiseBusinessReview.com.

The ranking marks the publication’s second award honored to Honest-1 in 2013. Earlier this year, the auto-care company was also featured in their Franchise Satisfaction Awards (FBR50), an awards program that ranks companies based solely on actual franchise satisfaction.

“We are thrilled and honored to be chosen as one of Franchise Business Review’s top automotive brands,” said Rissy Sutherland, COO of Honest-1 Auto Care. “Since we put all of our effort into ensuring our customers and franchisees are happy and successful by providing not only top of the line experiences and service to our retail customers but also to our franchisees as well. We are eager to continue growing and providing top quality service to our customers and growing as a system.”

Looking at industries across several categories, the guide aims to explore emerging trends to determine which franchise concepts are the most popular and those that are working the best in their respective categories, as well as to explore from an investment and financing standpoint.

Based on a survey of more than 26,000 franchisees representing over 350 franchise brands and 125,000 franchise units/locations, Franchise Business Review acknowledged many of Honest-1’s strengths superior training, support and a vast array of franchise offerings to fit most investment levels and situations.

“Coming off a successful Q1 where our actions directly led to these honors from Franchise Business Review, we look forward to continuing the momentum,” said Chip Baranowski, Vice President of Franchise Development for Honest-1 Auto Care.  “There are many exciting things on the horizon for the brand including new territory areas we have never been in before. Our goal remains the same – to expand and prove we are a difference-maker in the industry.”

The brand recently 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. 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.

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 top of the line 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.

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.  

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.

Honest-1 Auto Care Featured in Indianapolis Business Journal

Honest-1 Auto Care was recently featured in the Indianapolis Business Journal in an article titled, "Honest-1 Auto Care Celebrates April Car Care Month with Free Safety Inspection and Seasonal Tips". 

The piece is part of Honest-1's effort to raise awareness of National Auto Care month during April, along with their offer of free safety inspections. The feature gives car owners tips on how to ensure their car stays in its best working condition, especially since recent trends have shown owners are keeping their automobiles on the road longer than ever. Form simple tips like keeping your tires properly inflated to proper acceleration techniques, this is a must-read for any driver. 

Click HERE for the full article or begin reading below:

Honest-1 Auto Care Celebrates April Car Care Month with Free Safety Inspection and Seasonal Tips

April marks National Car Care Month, and with spring entering full bloom, for safety and operation purposes, it is important to make sure your vehicle looks the part for the season. To gear up for the open road, Honest-1 Auto Care (Honest-1), one of the only national full-service auto care company that is 100 percent ESA(R) Certified Eco-Friendly, is offering expert tips for recommended maintenance every car owner can benefit from, based on the auto company's strategic approach to car care.

"With spring underway and the promise of warmer weather, we know our customers will have the itch to hit the road for those dream routes of leisure and exploration," said Rissy Sutherland, COO of Honest-1 Auto Care. "That's why for National Car Care Month, 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 car care tips."

Honest-1 Featured in Daytona Beach News-Journal

Honest-1 Auto Care was recently featured in the Daytona Beach News-Journal in an article titled, "Auto parts retailers, repair chains open more Volusia-Flagler locations".

The article discusses how automobile owners are keeping their cars longer than ever and how auto care shops are capitalizing on the trend, specifically in Volusia-Flagler area. Vice President of Franchise Development, Chip Baranowski, discusses how automobile owners are looking for alternatives to the dealerships and their expansion plans for Florida.

Click HERE for the full article or begin reading below:

Auto parts retailers, repair chains open more Volusia-Flagler locations

By: Jeffrey Cassady 

Lean economy or no, automobile owners have to keep their vehicles in running order. And now that they're holding on to their vehicles longer, that often requires more than just the occasional oil change.

Auto care shops and parts stores are banking on that and are looking to expand in the Volusia-Flagler area.

"In this part of the country, it's almost a rite of passage to get a car when you're 16 or 17," said Marshall Reddy, president of FranNet Florida, a Jacksonville company that advises entrepreneurs looking to buy franchised businesses. "There are some (industries) that are recession-resistant . . . Auto care is one of them."

Honest-1 Auto Care Featured in INBusiness Magazine

Honest-1 was recently featured in INBusiness Magazine of Phoenix in an article titled, "Slowing Down Pays Off in Franchise Expanshion". The article discusses the growth that Honest-1 Auto Care has experienced in the last year, increasing system-wide sales by 36% from 2011 to 2012. Owner Rissy Sutherland talked about what sets Honest-1 apart from industry competitors with its Eco-Friendly approach and customer-centric view, after conducting extensive research to find what was missing for consumers in their automotive experience. The article also includes talk of expansion plans for the Phoenix-area as well as growth plans for the entire company in 2013. Click HERE for the full article or begin reading below: Slowing Down Pays Off in Franchise Expansion by RaeAnne Marsh The first thing Rissy Sutherland and Jack Keilt did when they bought into the Honest-1 Auto Care franchise in 2008 was have the company take a year-and-a-half hiatus from expanding its franchise network. Drawing on their experience as owners of individual franchises, Sutherland says, “We looked at what was important to us as franchisees, from our franchisors … and chose to take everything from the ground up: logos, concept, training, sales processes and the franchising program.” Since implementing the changes, the Scottsdale-based franchise has come back strong. Same-store sales growth from 2011 to 2012 averaged 36 percent, and it has 15 stores in the queue to add to its nationwide network that ended 2012 at 28 stores.