What’s it like to own your own business as a Crackmasters dealer? We sat down with Richard, owner of Crackmasters Lloydminster/1st Choice Auto Detailing to get his take.
How long did you think about opening your own business before you bought into the Crackmasters brand?
My partner and I talked about it for about 6 months before we took the plunge. We wanted to be in the automotive industry, and he did a lot of research to find what would be a good fit for us. We started 1st Choice Auto Detailing in June of 2005 and became Crackmasters in October of the same year.
What lead you to the Crackmasters brand?
We were considering add-on services that would be a natural fit for our business. Crackmasters has an international reputation of being the best in windshield repair and replacement.
Is there a reason you choose the dealership route, rather than launching your own concept?
With a dealership, especially one as reputable a Crackmasters, you get an established product/service. It’s tested, it works, and there’s a thorough training process you can lean on as you find your way.
What made you choose the Crackmasters brand, as opposed to another auto glass repair company?
The Crackmasters system is the only windshield repair system that can achieve a quality long-crack repair. And we’re able to stand on the warranty – lifetime warranty on installs against leaks and defects, lifetime warranty on rock chip repairs, and free rock chip repairs on new installs for three months. It’s better than any other warranty in the industry.
What would you say is the key to your success as a Crackmasters dealer?
Service, absolutely. It’s the cornerstone we hang our hat on. We’re able to deliver on our windshield repair and replacement promises without costing a fortune, and people really appreciate that.
What’s your favorite thing about running a Crackmasters dealership?
We’ve made great friends with the team at the corporate office, and they’re really supportive of us as an independent dealer. They’re always available to answer questions, and they always tell us the truth, even if it’s hard.
I’m never just a number in a sea of other dealers to them.
What’s your favorite thing about running your own business?
I’m my own boss, and I am the only person responsible for my success.
Can you tell me a little about the team you have working with you? How many employees do you have?
I have two women doing our auto detailing, one woman who also works on glass, and I handle most of the auto glass repairs and replacements, as well as the Scorpion installation.
We all have stake and vested interest in this business and we share the successes, as well as shortcomings. And we take those shortcomings and turn them into the learning experiences so we can grow together.
Is this your only business?
Yes.
Are you invested in other business lines with Crackmasters?
Yes, we added the Scorpion Coatings Canada line about 5 years ago. That’s now about 15% of our overall business. It’s so durable and good-looking, people have us do their truck beds, then want their garage floors and decks done.
What advice would you give to someone considering a Crackmasters dealership?
You have to be in it 100%. Do your research. And maintain a commitment to quality service. It can take years to establish yourself, but it’s important to take pride in what you’re doing and treat your customers with respect. The rest will take care of itself.
If you’re interested in taking control of your future and opening your own business, give us a call at 888-349-2729 to talk about the Crackmasters opportunity. You can also fill out a dealership interest form to kick start your auto glass career today.
