Established
2011
Franchise Units
240
Minimum Investment
$150,000
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Total Investment Range
$250,000
Home Based
No
Description
Collision 1 is a leading auto body repair franchise that has established itself as a trusted name in the automotive service industry. With a commitment to quality, customer satisfaction, and innovation, Collision 1 offers comprehensive collision repair services, including dent removal, frame straightening, paintless dent repair, and full-service auto body restoration. Their state-of-the-art facilities and skilled technicians ensure that every vehicle is restored to its pre-accident condition with precision and care.
Operating under a franchise model, Collision 1 provides entrepreneurs with the opportunity to own and operate a business backed by a reputable brand. Franchisees benefit from a proven business model, extensive training programs, and ongoing support, enabling them to deliver exceptional service and achieve business success.
Why Invest in Collision 1?
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Established Brand Reputation: Collision 1 has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality auto body repairs, earning the trust of customers and insurance companies alike.
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Comprehensive Training and Support: Franchisees receive thorough training in all aspects of the business, including technical skills, customer service, and business operations, ensuring they are well-equipped to succeed.
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Proven Business Model: The franchise offers a tested and scalable business model, with operational procedures and marketing strategies designed to drive growth and profitability.
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Growing Industry Demand: The increasing number of vehicles on the road and the rising need for collision repairs present a lucrative opportunity for franchisees to tap into a growing market.
Background
Established Year:
Collision 1 was founded in 2011 by Jim Keller, an experienced entrepreneur in the auto body repair industry, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The company was created to provide independent collision repair operators with a platform to access corporate-level support, marketing resources, and operational guidance while maintaining their independence.
Founders and Ownership:
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Founder: Jim Keller
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Ownership: Collision 1 operates as a legal franchise in Washington State, while 1Collision combines elements of both a franchise and a banner network. Independent auto body shops can join the network to leverage brand support without giving up their ownership.
Brand Journey and Company History:
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Initially started as a network supporting independent collision repair shops.
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Expanded rapidly through acquisitions and mergers, including a merger with CSN Collision Centres in 2020, creating a combined network of approximately 240 shops across the U.S. and Canada.
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The network focuses on improving business operations, marketing, insurance partnerships, and customer service for member shops, enabling smaller operators to compete with larger national brands.
Franchise Units / Market Presence:
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Collision 1 and 1Collision have a combined 240+ locations in North America.
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The network continues to grow by recruiting independent shops and multi-location operators across the U.S., prioritizing locations with high vehicle traffic and demand for collision repair services.
Industry Category:
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Automotive services, specifically collision repair and auto body restoration.
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Focuses on providing high-quality repairs, including dent removal, frame straightening, paintless dent repair, and full-service auto body restoration.
Key Differentiators:
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Supports independent shop owners while preserving their autonomy.
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Offers a proven business model with operational support, training, and marketing resources.
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Maintains a reputation for quality service and reliability with insurance companies and customers.
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Leverages technology and industry partnerships to improve efficiency and profitability for its network members.
Support Training
Collision 1 offers a comprehensive support and training program to ensure franchisees are well-prepared to operate their businesses successfully:
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Pre-Launch Support: Assistance with site selection, lease negotiation, and facility setup to ensure a smooth launch.
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Operational Training: In-depth training on business operations, including customer service, inventory management, and financial management.
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Technical Training: Hands-on training in collision repair techniques, equipment usage, and safety protocols to ensure high-quality service delivery.
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Marketing Support: Access to marketing materials, advertising strategies, and promotional campaigns to attract and retain customers.
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Ongoing Support: Continuous support through regular communication, performance reviews, and access to a network of fellow franchisees for sharing best practices.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal franchisee for Collision 1 is an individual who possesses the following qualities:
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Business Acumen: Strong understanding of business operations, financial management, and customer service.
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Leadership Skills: Ability to lead and motivate a team, ensuring high standards of performance and customer satisfaction.
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Passion for the Automotive Industry: Genuine interest in the automotive services industry and a commitment to delivering quality repair services.
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Investment Capability: Sufficient financial resources to cover the initial investment and ongoing operational costs.
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Location Preference: Interest in establishing a business in areas with a high volume of vehicles and a demand for collision repair services.
While prior experience in the auto body repair industry is beneficial, it is not mandatory, as Collision 1 provides comprehensive training to equip franchisees with the necessary skills and knowledge.
Financial Detail
| Investment Category | Estimated Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total Initial Investment | $150,000 – $250,000 | Includes franchise fee, equipment, facility setup, and initial working capital. |
| Franchise Fee | $35,000 | One-time fee granting the right to operate under the 1Collision brand. |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of gross sales | Ongoing fee for continued use of the brand and access to support services. |
| Advertising Fee | 1% of gross sales | Contribution to national and regional marketing efforts. |
| Working Capital | $50,000 – $75,000 | Funds required for initial operations and to cover early-stage expenses. |
| Break-even Timeline | 18 – 24 months | Estimated time to reach profitability, varying based on location and operational efficiency. |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Collision repair services, insurance partnerships, paintless dent repair, and auto body restoration. | Diverse income sources contributing to overall revenue. |