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.  

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 Ranks in RedHotFranchises.com’s 2013 “HOT 100 FRANCHISE LIST”

Honest-1 Auto Care(Honest-1), the nation’s only full-service auto repair and maintenance franchise that is 100 percent ESA Certified Eco-Friendly, has been ranked #29 in the 2013 “HOT 100 FRANCHISE LIST” by RedHotFranchises.com. The rankings were determined by the board members of RedHotFranchises.com, who have more than 50 years of combined experience with franchisors, franchisees, franchise suppliers and other leading franchise experts.

“Our experienced leadership team, whose members have all owned and operated their own small businesses, has put tremendous emphasis in keeping Honest-1 profitable, even rolling profits back into the business to spur further growth of the brand,” said Chip Baranowski, Vice President of Franchise Development for Honest-1 Auto Care. “This ranking validates Honest-1 as not only the leader in the auto repair and maintenance segment, but also as an emerging player poised for long-term success throughout the franchise industry.”

Those considered for the “HOT 100 FRANCHISE LIST” are franchises and business opportunities that exhibit superlative performance. Franchises included in the list have been chosen from a crowd of over 3000 different companies, due to their outstanding business models.  Franchises and business opportunities are ranked based on a variety of factors including management, franchisee satisfaction, franchise support, growth rate, financial stability and profitability.

“Franchisee satisfaction and support is paramount to our brand’s longevity and attraction,” said Rick Sage, Director of Marketing of Honest-1 Auto Care. “Our franchisees validate the support we provide as a brand. If they need help directing their business, connecting with accounting firms, or setting up a profitability model, the Honest-1 executive team is always accessible throughout the franchisor and franchisee relationship.”

For more information on Honest-1’s ranking on the 2013 “HOT 100 FRANCHISE LIST” by RedHotFranchises.com, please click HERE.

Honest-1 continues to display outstanding growth, with system sales up over 35 percent in 2012. With plans for 15 new locations in 2013, the brand is well positioned for aggressive growth this year, as it continues to bring unique auto care solutions to additional markets across the country.

“We’re looking forward to a successful and profit driven year in 2013,” said Baranowski. “Our previous growth and achievements will help us push forward and drive Honest-1 toward even higher numbers.”

With territories available in all 50 states with the exception of North Dakota, South Dakota and Hawaii, people with a passion for business and individuals who possess a great entrepreneurial spirit are prime candidates for the Honest-1 franchise system.