Fix Auto Australia has rounded off another strong year for its network with renewing franchise agreements for second consecutive terms for seven of its franchise locations.
Having been in Australia for just over five years, 2022 saw the franchise agreements for its pioneering, “first locations” come to an end. All seven of the shops ending their first five year term, have doubled down, renewed their agreements, and remain committed to the vision of the rapidly expanding global brand.
Commenting on the renewals, Stuart Faid Vice President Asia, for Fix Network and Head of the Fix Auto Australian business said : “This is the absolute test of whether we are doing things right by our network’s standards, joining our network provides franchisees with access to our tools and resources, as well as our commitment to drive their business to its full potential. This is not just a sales pitch, it’s a promise we make to our shops. They, in turn, hold us to account on that promise and we are focused on delivering on it, all day, every day. When a shop has the opportunity to consider the value we have added to their business and decide whether to go back to how it was, or renew and remain in the family, this decision is made based on whether we lived up to our promises. I cannot stress how important this one measure of success is, to the whole team. I am beyond delighted that everyone has renewed”.
When asked about their decision to renew their partnership with Fix Auto, the franchisees were more than willing to explain their rationale.
Travis Arnold – Fix Auto Morley & Malaga City
“I realised early on, that the business I owned and operated was a tiny fish in a massive ocean when you compare a small body shop that has five full time staff to the likes of a national insurer that services millions of policy holders. I needed to become relevant. Joining the largest network of independent body repairers in the world gave me that relevancy. Since joining, my business has experienced positive growth in all areas and I have now bolstered my position with the acquisition of a second location. Renewing with the network was a simple decision for me. In 2016 I was at risk of becoming an irrelevant body shop in WA, fast forward to 2022 and I am at the start of my MSO strategy with multiple insurer relationships, employing 36 staff and growing year on year. I’m looking forward to the next renewal”.
Steve Lopresti – Fix Auto Osborne Park
“I joined when I saw the industry starting to change for independent shops. Knowing that hundreds of other repairers worldwide had joined Fix Auto to be part of a single group but remained in control of their business felt like a great way to face those changes. Now we leverage the buying power and negotiating power of over 800 shops worldwide with global pricing and support. We could never do that on our own. I also really value being part of a group and being able to meet, share, and solve problems with other shop owners going through the same challenges. They are not competing with you, they are part of the same network, so we support each other and work together. Renewing our agreement means we stay connected to those benefits and continue to work with a bunch of really great people.”
Andy Allen – Fix Auto Wangara
“We became parts of the fix auto family a little over five years ago because we wanted to have the backing and support of the world's largest repair network and the advantage of still being owner operated. Having the support of the team in helping us grow has meant that in the last 2 years we relocated and more than double the size of our business. When time came to renew, it was a simple decision, how could we not? With the increase in work from the insurance companies through the Fix Auto relationships and the operational support from the team at Fix Auto, our business can only continue to go from strength to strength”.
Rodney Tannous – Fix Auto Wollongong
“Being part of the Fix Auto family has provided strength and support to my business in ways that simply are not possible as a stand-alone shop. The corporate team have built strong relationships with work providers and industry stakeholders, which has grown my business exponentially while allowing me to concentrate on just running the business. The structured approach to Business Improvement reporting, benchmarking within the group and industry to help me achieve my full potential has ensured I have thrived even during COVID. The customer satisfaction NPS process is far superior to any individual shop's ability to track and respond to customer feedback. The list goes on but in summary, Fix Auto is a strong, respected network that delivers real value to both members and our insurance partners.
Jason Whittaker – Fix Auto Lake Macquarie
“We initially signed up to the Fix Auto group five years ago because of the changes we saw happening with consolidation. We wanted to stay visible and relevant and knew as a single shop, this was going to be difficult against the large national groups. Since joining Fix, they have supported us operationally and with securing work and have relationships in the industry at a level we simply cannot get. We signed up for another five years because the support we get with securing more customers and the performance management of our business has been invaluable and would be very difficult for us to do on our own. They have the people, processes and systems that mean we can just focus on repairing cars and making our customers happy”.
Lana Pagiamtiz – Fix Auto Mulgrave & Clayton
“I was originally attracted to the Fix Auto network because I could see how consolidators were impacting the industry. Fix Auto gave me the opportunity to stay independent but compete like a consolidator. This decision has really paid off for me. The support that Fix Auto provide is amazing and honestly speaking, we could not accomplish many of the things we have done without them. They really do a lot of the heavy lifting for our business. I can concentrate on running my business and they support us with liaising with insurers, policies, procedures and the analysis of our business data. Then they help us improve by acting on that level of understanding of our performance. Fast forward five years and I have purchased a second Fix Auto location and was delighted to commit for another 5 years with the brand. Since joining Fix my turnover has tripled. I am super excited to see what the next five years bring”.
Ron Mcguire – Fix Auto Shoalhaven
“After 30 years as Mcguires Smash Repairs I decided to join the Fix Auto Group back in 2017 and have not looked back. From going it alone to joining a group, the difference to my shop is huge. The back-up and knowledge available to me is amazing. Whatever the problem, there is someone that can help you solve it, plus the extra set of eyes on your business, helping you perform better, really keeps you on your toes. Renewing for another term was an obvious decision, it has been great for me. Honestly speaking, after all those years, I was becoming complacent. Ultimately, joining Fix Auto proved to be necessary for my continued success in the industry”.
In summary, Faid added “Our mission remains fixed, and what we do is evidenced by our network renewing their commitment to Fix Auto. Moreover, we are the only option in the industry that helps an independent shop owner protect their business, whilst maintaining ownership and control in a rapidly contracting market place. Our industry is driving consolidation as a way of achieving economies of scale, efficiencies, and productivity gains. Lone, independent shops are at increasing risk of being “consolidated out”. Our model gives those shops the ability to retain ownership and control, while delivering those consolidated benefits to our customers. The team and I are passionate about protecting and future proofing those independent businesses and we are excited to welcome them into our network in the coming year and beyond”.