Franchisor Stories
Christian Brothers Automotive is a franchised auto repair brand with a real-estate-backed buildout model, strong home office support and royalties tied to net profits.
Christian Brothers Automotive is a faith-based franchise opportunity in the auto repair sector that is built on Christian principles like "Love your neighbor as yourself.” Christian Brothers Automotive offers customers transparent, honest auto repair services in a clean, welcoming environment featuring amenities like shuttle service.
Inspired by a conversation at church, Christian Brothers Automotive was founded in 1982 by Mark Carr in Houston, Texas and began franchising in 1996. Today, Christian Brothers Automotive operates more than 300 locations in the United States.
Mission: Christian Brothers Automotive's core mission is to transform auto repair by offering honest, transparent and compassionate service, guided by the biblical principle "Love your neighbor as yourself.” Christian Brothers aims to build trust and provide peace of mind through knowledgeable technicians and exceptional customer service..
Vision: The Christian Brothers Automotive vision is predicated upon further expansion while enhancing franchisee support with advanced training and tech and improved shop environments while leveraging their core values to attract new customers and franchise operators.
Franchising with Christian Brothers Automotive offers several key benefits that make it an attractive opportunity for prospective franchisees:
Christian Brothers Automotive is undergoing targeted and expedited expansion in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Kansas, Virginia and Georgia while touting further options in the Midwest and South. Visit the Christian Brothers Automotive website for more information on current franchising opportunities.
Initial Costs: The estimated initial investment required to begin operation of a Christian Brothers Automotive franchise ranges from $550,250 to $680,400. The 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document breaks these costs down as follows:
| Type of Expenditure | Min | Max |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $135,000 | $135,000 |
| Equipment, Furniture & Software | $255,000 | $280,000 |
| Shuttle Vehicle | $30,000 | $50,000 |
| Shuttle Vehicle Wrap | $1,750 | $3,400 |
| Inventory | $11,000 | $12,000 |
| Security Deposits | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| Signs | $0 | $0 |
| Insurance & Business License | $15,000 | $60,000 |
| Marketing/Advertising (First Year) | $35,000 | $40,000 |
| New Store Opening Marketing/Advertising | $20,000 | $30,000 |
| Pre-opening Training Travel/Salary | $7,500 | $10,000 |
| Other Payments | $5,000 | $15,000 |
| Additional Funds (3 Months) | $30,000 | $40,000 |
Initial Franchise Fee: The initial franchise fee for a Christian Brothers Automotive franchise is $135,000, which is due in full upon the signing of the franchise agreement. A discount on the initial franchise fee is available for qualifying current or former members of the United States Armed Forces.
Ongoing Fees: Christian Brothers Automotive franchisees are responsible for the following ongoing fees, according to the 2025 FDD:
| Type of Fee | Amount |
| Continuing Royalty Fees | 50% of split profits/month |
| Administrative & Accounting Fees | $550/month |
| Operating Systems & Internet Failover | $475/month |
| IT Support Fee | $200/month |
| Lease Payments | $22,000 - $38,000 base rent/month |
| Software Maintenance/License Fees | $875/month |
ROI Potential: According to the 2025 FDD, the 280 Christian Brothers Automotive franchises operating for the entirety of FY 2024 reported the following net sales:
| Sales Range | Average | Median | High | Low |
| >=$4.5M (9) | $5,488,777 | $5,349,142 | $6,418,503 | $4,578,841 |
| >=$4M and <$4.5M (16) | $4,197,510 | $4,199,194 | $4,463,971 | $4,007,612 |
| >=$3.5M and <$4M (28) | $3,721,933 | $3,667,098 | $3,987,010 | $3,530,548 |
| >=$3M and <$3.5M (47) | $3,228,492 | $3,236,382 | $3,491,659 | $3,001,769 |
| >=$2.5M and <$3M (86) | $2,752,539 | $2,728,776 | $2,982,521 | $2,506,045 |
| >=$2.25M and <$2.5M (34) | $2,373,270 | $2,365,699 | $2,496,716 | $2,257,581 |
| >=$2M and <$2.25M (34) | $2,114,137 | $2,105,190 | $2,242,471 | $2,010,194 |
| >=$1.75M and <$2M (12) | $1,889,745 | $1,907,702 | $1,991,775 | $1,751,917 |
| >=$1.5M and <$1.75M (8) | $1,668,123 | $1,694,448 | $1,748,016 | $1,533,100 |
| <$1.5M (6) | $1,370,569 | $1,386,019 | $1,447,659 | $1,264,100 |
| Total (280) | $2,877,457 | $2,745,881 | $6,418,503 | $1,264,100 |
Christian Brothers Automotive selects the site for the franchise and presents it to the franchisee for approval. The franchisor or an affiliate purchases the land and constructs the building, which is then leased or subleased to the franchisee. Christian Brothers also provides specifications for fixtures, equipment and office furniture and provides the required exterior signage as part of the total project cost. Additionally, the franchisor assists in recruiting the initial team.
The Principal Operator must successfully complete a multi-phase management training program involving 60 hours of online training, two weeks of in-office training at headquarters in Houston, four weeks of hands-on training at a certified training location and two weeks at a location operated by a certified field trainer. The Service Manager is also required to complete a one-week training program in Houston. For opening support, the franchisor provides 75 hours of on-site training at the franchisee's location starting one and a half weeks prior to opening.
Regular coaching through a designated Performance Consultant is provided. The franchisor assists with establishing systems for pricing services and parts, ordering inventory and maintaining supplier relationships. Ongoing support includes administrative and accounting services such as payroll processing, bank reconciliations and the preparation of monthly financial reports. Franchisor personnel are also available during normal business hours via a telephone helpline to assist with troubleshooting operational problems.
Franchisees are required to use a specific suite of technology tools, including the Tekmetric point-of-sale system (POS) and accounting software. Christian Brothers Automotive provides the "FUSE" middleware to link these systems and requires a cell-based internet failover system to ensure continuous operations. The initial technology package includes approximately eight personal computers, four tablets and two multi-function printers at an estimated cost of $23,100.
Automotive experience is not required. In fact, more than 85% of Christian Brothers Automotive franchisees start with no prior automotive background. The brand is looking for owners with leadership/team management and sales/influence experience who align with its core values.
Franchisees are required to personally supervise the business as the Principal Operator and must adhere to standardized operating hours of 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Operational compliance involves offering only franchisor-approved services, maintaining a minimum staff of one service manager and three technicians and ensuring all equipment is kept in safe working order. Additionally, owners must maintain the facility according to specific manual standards (including a mandatory remodel every 15 years). To protect the brand reputation, the franchisor prohibits both the franchisee and their spouse from seeking public office.
Christian Brothers Automotive offers in-house loan administration services to assist franchisees with the closing and funding of their startup loans. A fee of $2,500 applies if using CBAC's services, while a $4,000 fee is charged if the franchisee facilitates their own financing due to the increased administrative burden. Honorably discharged members of the U.S. Armed Forces may also qualify for a 10% discount off the initial franchise fee.
“I just read a management book by Jim Collins, Good to Great, and he gives an analogy about the importance of not only having the right people on the bus but making sure they’re all sitting in the right seat. Christian Brothers Automotive does that. I’ve been very impressed with everything I’ve seen. We’ve met trainers when they’ve come out to the other stores in the Tampa area and they are always very professional and obviously know what they’re doing and what pitfalls franchisees need to look out for. There’s probably not a lot they haven’t seen.”
- Jud Cook, Multi-Unit Franchise Owner — Riverview, Apollo Beach and Valrico, Florida.
The U.S. auto repair market is currently worth more than $46 billion and is expected to reach a valuation of nearly $55 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of more than 3%. Growth in the U.S. auto repair realm is being driven by aging vehicles, technological complexity and a gradual shift away from the purchase of new vehicles (due to increasing prices as a result of market uncertainty, supply chain constraints and tariffs).
Overall, the American auto repair sphere presents promising opportunities for growth and investment.
Christian Brothers Automotive distinguishes itself in the auto repair sector via its faith-based, "people-first" approach, focus on transparency, integrity and neighborliness, complimentary amenities, detailed digital inspections, strong warranty program and deep community involvement.
In terms of competition, Christian Brothers Automotive faces competition including Firestone Complete Auto Care, Grease Monkey, Pep Boys, AAMCO, Midas and Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers. However, Christian Brothers Automotive’s unique focus on service, community involvement and faith sets the chain apart in a crowded marketplace.
Embarking on a franchise journey with Christian Brothers Automotive involves a structured process designed to ensure mutual alignment and success. Here's a step-by-step outline from initial inquiry to final approval:
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