Automotive Glass Companies Ranked in Annual List

Entrepreneur Magazine has released its list of top 500 franchises for 2015 and five companies that offer AGRR services are on the list—Novus Glass, SuperGlass Windshield Repair, Ziebart, Techna Glass and Glass Doctor.

“The process began in July 2014, when we asked franchisors to participate in our survey. Each submission was vetted before being entered for data analysis; 927 companies made the first cut. Of those, the top 500 made the Franchise 500 ranking, based on financial and statistical data from July 2012 through July 2014,” according to www.entrepreneur.com.

“[A]ll companies, regardless of size, are judged by the same criteria: objective, quantifiable measures of a franchise operation. The most important factors include financial strength and stability, growth rate and size of the system. We also consider the number of years a company has been in business and the length of time it’s been franchising, startup costs, litigation, percentage of terminations and whether the company provides financing. Financial data is analyzed by an independent CPA,” according to the website.

Novus Glass came in at No. 113 on the list. The franchise was founded in 1972 and has more than 1,600 franchisees throughout the globe. Approximately 290 of these franchisees are in North America. The franchise investment is between $46,770 and $229,495, with an 8 percent royalty fee. The franchise agreement is 10 years and renewable. The fee for the franchise is $14,995. Approximately $20,000 is needed in liquid cash to get the location off the ground.

“Novus is pleased to be part of the Franchise 500 yet again, which we have been since 1988,” says Keith Beveridge, senior vice president of Novus. “Our ranking is consistently the highest in the auto glass replacement industry and we have been continuously No. 1 in the windshield repair category since the inception of the list. Our continual ranking is a testament to the hard work and devotion of the Novus franchisees both in the United States and throughout the world as well as the Novus staff.”

SuperGlass Windshield Repair also made the list at No. 170. The company was founded in 1992 and has 295 locations internationally. Approximately 270 franchisees are in North America. The total investment needed to start this franchise is $9,500 to $28,500, with a franchise fee of $9,500 to $28,500. The agreement is for 10 years and renewable, with a 4 percent royalty fee. A potential franchisee needs $15,000 in liquid cash to be considered.

Another franchise to make the list is Ziebart at No. 171, which offers automotive glass repair and replacement, along with other services. It was founded in 1959 and has more than 360 locations throughout the world. Approximately 160 are based in North America. The investment needed is $172,000 to $331,000. The agreement is for 10 years and renewable, with a $30,000 franchise fee and a 5 to 8 percent royalty fee. Approximately $100,000 is liquid cash is needed.

“Ziebart International Corp. is proud to be included in Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2015 Franchisee 500,” says Daniel Baker, president.” … In 2015 Ziebart International Corp. is celebrating 56 years as a franchisor.”

Techna Glass was founded in 1991 and came in at No. 369 on the list. It has more than 50 locations in North America. The franchise investment is from $41,600 to $175,700, with a franchise fee of $10,000 to $25,000. The agreement is for 10 years and renewable, with a 6.5 percent royalty fee. Approximately $5,000 to $75,000 is needed in liquid cash for a potential franchisee.

“We’re so excited,” says Chris Burrei, Techna Glass’ director of franchising. “They surprise you and they didn’t let us know ahead of time. I happened to be out of office when the notice came in. It is so awesome. We were just incredibly jazzed. We’ve been working really hard on this franchising program for 10 years.”

Glass Doctor made the list at No. 439. The franchise, founded in 1962, is listed as having approximately 175 locations in North America. Total investment for franchisees is $108,800 to $289,000, with a franchise fee of $28,000 and a renewable 10-year agreement. The royalty fee is 5 to 7 percent. Financial requirements for liquid cash range from $45,000 to $50,000.

“It is always an honor to make the Entrepreneur 500 list! Our brand continues to grow because of the commitment we have to support our franchisees as well as the commitment we have to support the industry. I’m very excited about 2015,” says Mark Liston, president of Glass Doctor.

Several automotive glass or related companies that were also mentioned but not ranked include Alta Mere the Automotive Outfitters/SmartView Window Solutions and BumperDoc Franchises.