2011
240
$150,000
$35,000
$250,000
No
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.
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.
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.
Proven Business Model: The franchise offers a tested and scalable business model, with operational procedures and marketing strategies designed to drive growth and profitability.
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.
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:
Founder: Jim Keller
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:
Initially started as a network supporting independent collision repair shops.
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.
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:
Collision 1 and 1Collision have a combined 240+ locations in North America.
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:
Automotive services, specifically collision repair and auto body restoration.
Focuses on providing high-quality repairs, including dent removal, frame straightening, paintless dent repair, and full-service auto body restoration.
Key Differentiators:
Supports independent shop owners while preserving their autonomy.
Offers a proven business model with operational support, training, and marketing resources.
Maintains a reputation for quality service and reliability with insurance companies and customers.
Leverages technology and industry partnerships to improve efficiency and profitability for its network members.
Collision 1 offers a comprehensive support and training program to ensure franchisees are well-prepared to operate their businesses successfully:
Pre-Launch Support: Assistance with site selection, lease negotiation, and facility setup to ensure a smooth launch.
Operational Training: In-depth training on business operations, including customer service, inventory management, and financial management.
Technical Training: Hands-on training in collision repair techniques, equipment usage, and safety protocols to ensure high-quality service delivery.
Marketing Support: Access to marketing materials, advertising strategies, and promotional campaigns to attract and retain customers.
Ongoing Support: Continuous support through regular communication, performance reviews, and access to a network of fellow franchisees for sharing best practices.
The ideal franchisee for Collision 1 is an individual who possesses the following qualities:
Business Acumen: Strong understanding of business operations, financial management, and customer service.
Leadership Skills: Ability to lead and motivate a team, ensuring high standards of performance and customer satisfaction.
Passion for the Automotive Industry: Genuine interest in the automotive services industry and a commitment to delivering quality repair services.
Investment Capability: Sufficient financial resources to cover the initial investment and ongoing operational costs.
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.
| 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. |
