AAMCO Launches New, Tailored Point Of Sales System To Enhance Operations

Release Date: 12/21/2016

World’s Largest Franchise of Transmission Specialists Continues Technology Upgrades for Franchisees.

AAMCO, the world’s largest chain of transmission specialists and leader in total car care, today announced it has adopted a new point of sale (POS) system to provide greater transparency for local shop owners. The new POS system began rolling out to AAMCO centers in December and is expected to be in all AAMCO shops nationwide in 2017. The POS system is just the latest in a string of technology upgrades the brand has invested in to continue to ensure its tools are the best available to franchisees.

“Our goal is to drive higher sales and profitability for AAMCO franchisees by allowing them to improve the in store customer experience, drive efficiency in their business, and capture valuable data to identify and realize opportunities,” said Jim Gregory, CFO of AAMCO Transmissions, Inc. “We’re developing an industry leading suite of integrated technology products including the new Consumer Finance platform, Franchise Relationship Management system, and Customer Relationship Management platform that all launched in 2016. We have an exciting roadmap planned for 2017 to meet our goal of investing in technology to drive improved customer experience and higher franchise revenue and profit.”

Through its partnership with ALLDATA LLC, an AutoZone company and the leading provider of manufacturers’ automotive repair information and solutions for the professional automotive service and collision repair industries, AAMCO’s tailored system creates estimates and invoices for customers much easier and faster, driving revenue for franchisees. The POS system is cloud-based and links to AAMCO’s existing Customer Relationship Management and Franchise Relationship Management systems to help franchisees seamlessly monitor, analyze and manage their business.

Jeff Szekely, a franchisee operating 5 successful AAMCO locations in the Pacific Northwest, is one of the franchisees involved in the early deployment of the new point of sale. “We now have a POS system that brings our operations up to speed with emerging technology. We have the ability to run the shop, build estimates, and order parts more effectively and more easily,” said Jeff. “I think the technological advances made by AAMCO in 2016 have set us up to continue to drive the business and provide superior customer service for many years to come.”

AAMCO’s suite of tools will continue to grow and evolve over the next year with a mobile component to go hand-in-hand with the POS system, as well as enhanced analytics. The new mobile tablets will expedite service before a customer even steps foot inside the center. With the integration of this new technology, AAMCO will be providing local owners with one of the most comprehensive toolsets available today in order to simplify operations and grow their businesses.

For over 50 years, AAMCO’s locally owned and operated independent service centers have employed the latest technology. Expert technicians diagnose a repair, fix it right the first time, and back it with a nationwide warranty. Known as the world’s leading transmission expert, the company has evolved into a total car care brand providing a variety of services including brake repairs, tune-ups, shocks and struts, routine maintenance and more. AAMCO was named to Entrepreneur’s 2016 Franchise 500®, ranking at the top of the transmission repair category. Based on system size, growth rate and financial strength, the brand also earned a spot on Entrepreneur’s “Best of the Best” list.

With nearly 650 centers across North America, AAMCO is actively seeking single- and multi-unit operators who are passionate about the brand and committed to providing the highest quality service. Interested candidates should have a minimum net worth of $250,000 and liquid assets of at least $65,000 per unit. Depending on the real estate site selected, franchisees can expect the total investment to be approximately $227,400 – $333,000 with a $39,500 initial franchise fee. Reduced franchise fees are available for honorably discharged veterans.

To learn more about franchise or conversion opportunities with AAMCO, contact Kim Robinson, director of franchise development, at 866-379-5649 or krobinson@aamco.com or visit aamcofranchise.com.

About AAMCO

AAMCO is the world’s largest chain of transmission specialists and a leader in total car care services. AAMCO has nearly 650 automotive centers throughout the United States and Canada. Established in 1963, AAMCO centers are proud to have served more than 45 million drivers. For more information, visit aamcouniversity.com, aamco.com or www.aamcoblog.com.

About ALLDATA
ALLDATA, founded in 1986 with more than 100,000 automotive repair and collision shop subscribers, is the leading provider of manufacturers’ service and repair information, shop management software and customer relations tools for the automotive repair and collision industries. Professional automotive repair shops across North America depend on ALLDATA for their automotive repair information needs and to purchase parts from more than 3,400 AutoZone Commercial program locations.

ALLDATA Repair® is the leading provider of comprehensive, factory-correct repair information for the automotive industry—and it includes expert repair support in ALLDATA Community. ALLDATA Collision® is the single source of OEM collision repair information, delivering unedited and regularly updated information for structural repairs, mechanical and diagnostic information. The ALLDATA Mobile app, combined with a tablet, makes vehicle information and ALLDATA Repair available right at the vehicle to speed repairs. ALLDATA®Manage OnlineTMis a comprehensive shop management system that offers anytime, anywhere access to create quotes and invoices, electronically order parts, manage bays and technicians and track shop profitability. ALLDATA Tech-Assist provides one-on-one assistance by phone from ASE Certified Master Technicians to help diagnose and solve tough repairs. Visit www.alldata.com for more information.

SOURCE AAMCO

FirstLight Home Care Reports Record Franchise Growth in 2016

Release Date: 12/19/2016

Leading non-medical home care franchise has grown to nearly 150 locations across the U.S.

FirstLight Home Care, a national provider of non-medical home care for adults, announced its 2016 earnings. The company, with 143 franchise locations, saw a 46 percent increase in system wide revenues and a 20 percent increase in new FirstLight franchise locations across the country.

FirstLight Home Care distinguishes itself from other industry brands by offering assistance to a wide demographic of adults in need. The company provides over 80,000 hours of service to more than 3,500 clients weekly, including seniors, new mothers, veterans, adults with disabilities, and those recovering from illness, injury or surgery, who need help on short term or long term basis.

“In home care is not just the fastest growing healthcare industry; it is the fastest growing of all industries,” said Jeff Bevis, FirstLight Home Care chief executive officer. “Studies consistently show that older adults prefer to age at home. With help and support, they can typically do so.”

“The demand for the quality, affordable non-medical home care services FirstLight Home Care provides is going to continue to grow,” he added.

In a study released in December 2015, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) stated that the compound annual growth rate for home care services from 2014-2024 would be nearly five percent, the highest among all industries. With this kind of dramatic industry growth will come job creation; an estimated 760,400 new jobs during this period. FirstLight is currently employing over 3,600 caregivers weekly.

This year, FirstLight Home Care was named Top Franchise for Veterans by Franchise Business Review. The company also made the Franchise Times Top 200+ list, 2016 Inc. 5000 ranking and was honored at number 21 for all private businesses based in the Cincinnati metro area.

For more information about FirstLight Home Care’s franchise opportunities, visit www.firstlightfranchise.com.

About FirstLight Home Care

FirstLight Home Care is a top rated non-medical home care provider with a network of offices that provides care for more than 3,500 clients in over 30 states. The company has created a new standard in home care by combining best practices with innovative approaches to make them an emerging market leader in a rapidly-growing industry. Companion and personal care services can be provided at private residences, assisted living and retirement communities, nursing homes, adult-family homes or group homes. Clients include seniors, new mothers, and individuals recovering from surgery, adults with disabilities and anyone who might just need a little extra care or assistance. Visit www.firstlighthomecare.com to learn more.

SOURCE FirstLight Home Care

AAMCO Franchisee Performs Exemplary Service to Community

Release Date: 12/14/2016

Local Franchisee Steps Up To Help Save Keller, Texas Non-Profit In Danger of Closing.

AAMCO Transmissions, Inc. (“AAMCO”), franchisor of the world’s largest branded chain of transmission specialists and an industry leader in total car care services, announced today the owner of its Keller, Texas service center has provided exceptional service to his community. AAMCO of Keller owner, David Gerda, is well known in the community for his activity with time and money with local non-profits, schools and community programs.

When Gerda was contacted about the potential closing of Haven’s Horses Equine Rehabilitative Facility, he felt compelled to get involved to help save this facility from closure. “I was contacted by one of my customer’s niece who does pro bono work for Christ’s Havens Children’s Home, and immediately pledged help in any way possible,” said Gerda.

Haven’s Horses is currently operated by Christ’s Haven for Children, a residential foster home in Keller, offering clients of all ages with disabilities the opportunity to participate in unique therapies using horse riding. These therapy sessions help individuals with various disabilities, such as autism, cerebral palsy and down syndrome. When Haven’s Horses recently announced it would be closing due to lack of funding, Gerda began contacting his many business and personal friends in the community.

“Haven’s Horses impacts so many lives in our community,” continued Gerda. “Between the outstanding staff and those who benefit from riding, I couldn’t bear to see it come to an end. We are currently planning events to help raise funds, and I look forward to the support of the local community for this wonderful facility. We have a generous community that understands the importance of this facility and I am positive our community will respond to raise the $35,000 needed to allow Apache’s Angels to take over and operate this facility.”

Apache’s Angels is a 501C-3 non-profit organization that has dedicated 100 percent of its resources to providing scholarships, equipment and horses to Equine Rehabilitation facilities, including Haven’s Horses.

For more than 50 years, AAMCO’s network of locally owned and independently operated automotive service centers have understood the importance of being connected to their local community.

For more information, or to make a donation to support Haven’s Horses, please visit www.apachesangels.org or Apache’s Angels Foundation on Facebook at www.facebook.com/apachesangelsfoundation. To learn more about AAMCO of Keller, please visit www.aamcokellertx.com or call 817-431.0009.

AAMCO was named to Entrepreneur’s 2016 Franchise 500®, ranking at the top of the transmission repair category. Based on network size, growth rate and financial strength, the brand also earned a spot on Entrepreneur’s “Best of the Best” list. Additionally, AAMCO has been consecutively ranked on Franchise Times’ Top 200+ for the last two years.

About AAMCO

AAMCO is the world’s largest branded chain of transmission specialists and a leader in total car care services. AAMCO has nearly 650 franchised automotive centers throughout the United States and Canada. Established in 1962, AAMCO-branded centers are proud to have served more than 45 million drivers. For more information, visit: aamcofranchises.com, aamcouniversity.com, aamco.com or aamcoblog.com.

SOURCE AAMCO

Always Best Care Announces New Owners Of Saint Paul, Minnesota Territory

Release Date: 12/12/2016

Always Best Care® Senior Services, one of the leading senior care franchise systems in the United States, announced that it has opened its third franchise in Minnesota. The company provides senior care services in the Saint Paul area and surrounding communities, including Saint Croix Valley.

Always Best Care is one of the nation’s leading providers of non-medical in-home care, assisted living placement services and skilled home health care. The company delivers its services through an international network of more than 200 independently owned and operated franchise territories throughout the United States and Canada.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ken and Erica Crawford to the Always Best Care family,” said Jake Brown, President of Always Best Care. “Ken and Erica have strong relationships with area hospitals, social workers, senior communities and resources throughout Saint Croix Valley. The network they have established within the community, coupled with their hands-on management style and passion for quality healthcare will translate well into their new business.”

Ken has 25 years of experience as a facility manager for a non-profit organization that aided individuals with disabilities. Erica, who has a masters in public affairs, plans to combine her philanthropic passion with her 15 years of experience in corporate account management. In addition, Judy Gustafson, Erica’s mother and a retired nurse of 40 years, is serving as the company’s care coordinator.

“After working within the healthcare industry for many years, it became clear to me that additional services were needed in our area,” said Ken. “Always Best Care is a leader in senior care, which is one of the reasons why Erica and I are proud to offer its award-winning services to local families in need.”

By working with case managers, social workers, discharge planners, doctors, and families, Always Best Care franchise owners provide affordable, comprehensive solutions that can be specifically matched to meet a client’s particular physical or social needs. The hallmark services of the Always Best Care include non-medical in-home care and assisted living finder and referral services, with skilled home health care now being phased in throughout the country.

For additional information on services available through Always Best Care of Saint Croix Valley, or for a free evaluation, please call (651) 774-9979 or visit AlwaysBestCare.com/MN/Lake-Elmo.

About Always Best Care
Founded in 1996, Always Best Care Senior Services is based on the belief that having the right people for the right level of care means peace of mind for the client and family. Always Best Care assists seniors with a wide range of illnesses and personal needs, and currently provides more than 4 million hours of care every year. Franchise opportunities are available to individuals interested in leveraging the company’s clear strategy and proven track record for delivering affordable, dependable service to seniors in their local areas.

Always Best Care also offers an exclusive program called Always in Touch, a telephone reassurance program that provides a daily phone call to seniors and disabled adults who are living alone and have limited contact with the outside world. Always in Touch is the only absolutely free national telephone reassurance program of its kind anywhere in the USA and Canada. For more information on Always in Touch, or to request an application, visit www.Always-in-Touch.com.

SOURCE Always Best Care Senior Services