Established
1975
Franchise Units
114
Minimum Investment
$63,000
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Total Investment Range
$68,375
Home Based
No
Description
Color Glo International is a premier provider of restoration and repair services for leather, vinyl, plastic, and fabric. With over 45 years in the business, Color Glo offers a mobile-based business model that specializes in eco-friendly, on-site restoration solutions. Their services are popular in automotive, aviation, marine, and residential sectors. Franchisees benefit from low overhead, flexible scheduling, and a scalable model that doesn’t require a storefront.
Why Color Glo as a Business Opportunity
Background
Color Glo International is recognized as a world leader in the restoration and repair of leather, vinyl, velour, cloth, and hard plastics commonly found across the automotive, aircraft, marine, and furniture industries.
Formally incorporated in 1975, the company began franchising in 1982. Since then, Color Glo has expanded into hundreds of markets around the world.
The brand’s products are consistently proven to deliver reliable results and strong value whenever used in the field.
Color Glo first launched its franchise expansion in the United States and has since grown into Canada and more than 50 countries worldwide.
The company specializes in restoring and repairing common wear-and-tear issues such as faded or worn interior surfaces, damaged leather upholstery, headliners, burns, and broken plastic or composite molding.
- Founded: 1975
- Franchise since: 1982
Founders: Everett Smith
Franchise Active Units: 115
Industry Category: Restoration, Repair, and Specialty Services
Headquarters: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Support Training
Initial Training
Color Glo provides a comprehensive initial training program at its professional training facility in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Training includes hands-on instruction, theory-based learning, and in-the-field experience to help prepare franchisees to operate their own Color Glo business successfully.
In addition, the company provides one week of training at your business location for continued support and to help promote a successful launch.
Field Support
The support team offers more than 100 years of combined experience. Franchisees receive one-on-one assistance whenever needed, along with continued mentoring throughout their Color Glo journey. Support is available through phone, chat apps, video communication, or in-person guidance.
Annual Seminars & Regional Get-Togethers
Color Glo hosts an annual seminar in Minnesota that brings together franchisees from more than 50 countries worldwide. This event allows new franchisees to learn from experienced operators while building relationships with other motivated members of the Color Glo network.
Regional gatherings are also held annually throughout various areas of the United States, giving franchisees the opportunity to strengthen skills, gain new insights, and connect with nearby operators.
Online Live Webinars
Color Glo offers live webinars featuring franchisees from around the world who share business success stories, new techniques, and valuable operational knowledge. These webinars are recorded and stored on the private franchisee intranet for future access and review.
Online Marketing Support
The company actively promotes the Color Glo brand through major social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and others. The organization invests significant effort into strengthening brand visibility online, supporting franchisees, and helping generate business opportunities across the network.
Ideal Candidate
Color Glo is looking for motivated individuals who take pride in craftsmanship and value relationship-building.
The Hands-On Entrepreneur: While you can manage a team, the most successful franchisees often start with a "do-it-yourself" spirit to master the craft.
Detail Oriented: You should have a keen eye for color and texture—the difference between a good repair and a "Color Glo" repair is in the invisible details.
B2B Networking Skills: Much of the high-volume work comes from building relationships with dealership managers, boat yard owners, and interior designers.
Investment Capability: Candidates should have a clean credit history and the liquid capital required for the initial setup.
Location: Flexible, though high-density areas with significant automotive or marine traffic offer the fastest growth potential.
Financial Detail
- Initial Franchise Fee: $40,000
- Start-Up Fee: $21,500 plus shipping costs
- Travel and Living Expenses While Training: $500 to $2,500
- Business Premises and Vehicle: Franchisees are not required to purchase or lease separate business premises or vehicles for the Color Glo business. Existing residences or garages may be used for storage, and an existing personal vehicle may be used for transportation.
- Equipment and Supplies: $200 to $300
- Working Capital: $500 to $1,500
- Additional Funds (3 Months): $500 to $1,500
- Estimated Total Investment: $63,000 to $68,375
- Maintenance Fee: 4% of gross sales or $300 per month, whichever is greater
- Annual License Fee and Product Purchases: $2,500
- Audit Fee: Cost of audit
- Insurance: Estimated at $1,500 to $3,000 per year, excluding automobile liability insurance
- Transfer Fee: $10,000