MAACO Franchise

Tony Martino opened the first Maaco center in Wilmington, Delaware, in 1972. The company expanded during the following decade and became associated with its recognizable “Uh oh, Better Get Maaco” advertising. Its roots are in automotive painting and body repair, rather than a general mechanical-repair shop.

Maaco joined the Driven Brands family in 2008. In 2015, Roark Capital Group acquired Driven Brands, and Maaco marked its 20 millionth serviced vehicle that same year. Driven Brands subsequently became a publicly traded company.

The current franchise model brings together retail paint, spot repair and fleet services. Those service categories allow a center to work with both individual motorists and organizations managing vehicles. Its franchise materials also describe national paint and equipment supplier relationships and online operating tools for owners.

Maaco’s official resale website describes an initial three-week program covering management and technical skills. It also identifies Franchise Business Consultants who provide continuing field support. That description is published for the resale pathway; the schedule and requirements applicable to a particular new center or transfer should be confirmed in its current franchise documents.

For center development, Maaco’s franchise FAQ describes assistance with site selection, lease negotiations, construction and equipment installation. Its ownership process includes a discussion of real estate and marketing strategies, an operations overview, discovery day and an onboarding plan.

Ongoing resources include the operating tools and online portal described on the main franchise website. The resale website also identifies local marketing managers who help coordinate media plans and local initiatives. These resources complement the owner’s responsibilities for hiring, team management and daily center operations.

Maaco combines a longstanding automotive paint and body-repair identity with several customer channels: retail painting, spot repairs and fleet service. Owners can build a business around vehicle appearance and repair needs while using the brand’s supplier relationships and operating resources.

The current franchise website emphasizes candidates with experience building teams and hiring managers. This makes the opportunity relevant to a business-minded owner who can lead staff, manage service delivery and maintain customer communication. The company’s consumer website says an automotive background is not required, but running a repair center still depends on capable employees and consistent operating standards.

For questions about service scope, premises, equipment, staffing and owner responsibilities, read our automotive franchise model comparison.