1982
300
$530,000
$135,000
$645,000
No
Christian Brothers Automotive (CBA) offers a unique franchise opportunity in the automotive repair industry, combining exceptional customer service with a strong faith-based foundation. Founded in 1982 by Mark Carr in Houston, Texas, CBA was established with the vision of creating an auto repair shop that customers would trust and feel comfortable visiting. The company began franchising in 1996 and has since grown to over 300 locations across the United States.
CBA's commitment to honesty, integrity, and community service has set it apart in the competitive auto repair market. The brand's "Nice Difference®" philosophy emphasizes treating customers with respect and providing transparent, high-quality service. This approach has fostered strong customer loyalty and a positive reputation in the communities it serves.
Proven Business Model: CBA's franchise system is designed for scalability and success, with a focus on operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Strong Brand Recognition: The company's commitment to quality and customer service has established a reputable brand with a loyal customer base.
Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive extensive training and ongoing support, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge to succeed.
Faith-Based Values: CBA's Christian principles guide business practices, fostering a positive work environment and community involvement.
Established Year: 1982
Founder: Mark Carr
Ownership: Privately held
Christian Brothers Automotive (CBA) was founded in 1982 in Houston, Texas, by Mark Carr, with a vision to create an auto repair business built on honesty, integrity, and exceptional customer service. From its very beginning, the brand differentiated itself in the automotive repair industry by adopting a faith-based, customer-first philosophy, famously branded as the "Nice Difference®." This philosophy emphasizes respect, transparency, and quality service—core values that continue to drive the company today.
Franchising History:
CBA began franchising in 1996, after proving the viability of its business model in its original Houston location.
Since then, the brand has expanded to over 300 locations across multiple states in the USA.
The franchising model focuses on providing franchisees with extensive training, support, and a strong operational framework to replicate the brand’s success.
Brand Journey and Market Presence:
Christian Brothers Automotive is recognized as one of the leading automotive repair and maintenance franchises in the United States, particularly in regions like Texas, Florida, and Georgia.
The company operates in the auto repair industry, offering services such as oil changes, brake repairs, engine diagnostics, and maintenance packages.
CBA has carved out a strong reputation for combining technical excellence with a service-oriented, community-focused approach.
Ownership and Leadership:
The company remains privately owned, maintaining its founding principles while supporting growth through franchising.
Leadership emphasizes mentorship, franchisee support, and operational excellence to ensure every location aligns with the brand’s high standards.
Industry Category: Automotive Repair & Maintenance
CBA competes with other national and regional auto repair chains but distinguishes itself through faith-based values, customer service, and a family-oriented work culture.
Additional Notes:
The franchise appeals to entrepreneurs who value integrity and community involvement.
The brand has maintained steady growth in the U.S., and its loyal customer base contributes to sustainable revenue for franchise owners.
Christian Brothers Automotive (CBA) places strong emphasis on supporting franchisees to ensure long-term success. The company provides comprehensive, structured training programs and ongoing support in several key areas:
Before opening a location, franchisees receive extensive pre-launch training designed to familiarize them with CBA’s operational model:
Online Pre-Training: An initial online program introduces the business model, company culture, and operational expectations.
Headquarters Training: Franchisees participate in a two-week intensive training at CBA headquarters, covering technical knowledge, business operations, customer service, and leadership skills.
Hands-on, real-world experience is a crucial part of preparation:
Certified Field Location Training: Franchisees spend four weeks at an operational franchise location, learning day-to-day operations.
Field Trainer Support: Following this, two weeks with a Certified Field Trainer provides mentorship and practical guidance to manage operations effectively.
After launch, CBA continues to assist franchisees in running a successful business:
Business Operations Guidance: Ongoing advice on workflow management, staff scheduling, customer service standards, and inventory control.
Performance Monitoring: Regular check-ins and performance reviews help identify areas for improvement and ensure operational efficiency.
CBA helps franchisees attract and retain customers through structured marketing initiatives:
Marketing Onboarding: A 10-month onboarding process guides franchisees in local marketing, advertising campaigns, and digital promotion strategies.
Brand Resources: Access to marketing templates, materials, and best practices to maintain consistent brand messaging.
CBA believes in empowering franchisees with ongoing knowledge:
Workshops and Seminars: Opportunities to attend training sessions on new services, technologies, and management practices.
Online Learning Portal: Access to resources for self-paced learning on automotive services, management, and customer relations.
Franchisees benefit from the experience of seasoned operators through mentorship programs.
Participation in regional and national conferences encourages networking, knowledge sharing, and best practices implementation.
Guidance on equipment, software, and vendor relationships ensures smooth operational setup and ongoing efficiency.
CBA negotiates favorable vendor agreements, reducing costs for franchisees and providing access to high-quality supplies.
Summary:
CBA’s support system is designed to take franchisees from startup to established business with confidence. The combination of pre-launch training, hands-on experience, operational guidance, marketing support, ongoing learning, and mentorship ensures that franchise owners are well-prepared to grow their business and maintain the brand’s high standards.
Christian Brothers Automotive (CBA) seeks franchisees who align with its core values and have the qualities, skills, and resources necessary to successfully operate an automotive service business. The ideal franchisee profile can be broken down as follows:
Franchisees should be self-motivated, proactive, and driven to grow their business.
They should embrace the responsibilities of business ownership, including decision-making, problem-solving, and long-term strategic planning.
Strong leadership skills are critical for managing teams of technicians, service advisors, and support staff.
Experience in managing employees, delegating tasks, and fostering a positive workplace culture is highly valued.
Franchisees must have the financial resources to invest in the franchise, including the franchise fee, infrastructure, working capital, and marketing budgets.
Ability to sustain operations during the initial growth period before the business reaches break-even is essential.
CBA franchisees should be committed to serving their local community and building strong customer relationships.
A passion for providing exceptional customer service aligns with the brand’s “Nice Difference®” philosophy.
Christian Brothers Automotive is faith-based, and franchisees should embrace integrity, honesty, and ethical business practices.
Franchisees who share these values are more likely to maintain consistent brand standards and foster customer trust.
While prior automotive industry experience is helpful, it is not always required if the franchisee has strong business management skills.
A genuine interest in the automotive repair and maintenance industry helps franchisees stay engaged and committed to excellence.
Ideal candidates should understand the importance of location selection for customer traffic and market potential.
Willingness to operate in suburban or urban markets with a target demographic that values quality auto service.
Franchise ownership is a long-term investment, and the ideal franchisee is ready to commit to building a sustainable business over years, not months.
Summary:
Christian Brothers Automotive is looking for franchisees who combine business acumen, leadership skills, financial readiness, community focus, and alignment with the brand’s values. Those who meet these criteria are well-positioned to succeed in growing a profitable and respected automotive repair franchise.
| Financial Component | Details / Range |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $530,000 – $645,000 |
| Minimum Cash Required | $530,000|
| Franchise Fee | $135,000 |
| Infrastructure Cost (Equipment, Furniture, Software) | $255,000 – $280,000 |
| Marketing Budget | 5% of gross sales |
| Working Capital | ~$50,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 50% of monthly "split profits" |
| Expected ROI | Varies by location; detailed financial performance info available upon request |
| Break-Even Time | Typically 2 – 3 years |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Standard auto repair services, maintenance packages, and additional location-specific services |
Notes:
The investment range includes initial franchise fees, build-out costs, equipment, signage, and pre-opening expenses.
Ongoing royalty and marketing fees are structured to support brand growth while providing franchisees with operational guidance.
Revenue streams may also include seasonal promotions, preventive maintenance packages, and upsell services like tire rotation or diagnostics.
