Maaco

Maaco entered the automotive aftercare industry in 1972, when Anthony A. Martino and Daniel I. Rhode opened the first pilot auto painting center in Wilmington, Delaware. Martino had founded AAMCO Transmissions in 1957, franchised it in 1962, and sold his interest in 1969. The name MAACO came from his initials, Martino, Anthony A. and Co., and built on recognition from his earlier business. Maaco now has approximately 430 franchised units and around 398 locations in the United States and Canada. The system had serviced more than 20 million cars by 2015, including 10 million by the turn of the century. Maaco holds 1.4% of car body shop industry sales, compared with ABRA Auto Body and Glass at 1.1%, and has been cited by Entrepreneur magazine multiple times as America's number one auto body shop. The automotive repair and maintenance services market was valued at USD 779.3 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 1.35 trillion by 2034, with a CAGR of 5.7%.

The global automotive repair and maintenance services market is projected to grow from USD 779.3 billion in 2024 to USD 1.35 trillion by 2034, reflecting a CAGR of 5.7% from 2025 to 2034. The car body repair market was valued at USD 247,536.3 million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 330,158.85 million by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 3.26%. That segment represented approximately USD 239.48 billion in 2024. Collision repair accounted for about 39% of demand, while paint refinishing represented roughly 33%. Americans are keeping vehicles longer and driving more miles annually, supporting continued demand for maintenance and repair. Vehicle upkeep and collision work remain necessary through economic changes. Modern vehicles require specialized tools and technician expertise because of advanced electronic control units and ADAS technologies. Electric and hybrid vehicles create additional demand for specialized repairs. In 2024, Service King added specialized EV repair bays in approximately 38% of its facilities. Around 57% of global repair workshops use AI based diagnostic tools, and roughly 46% use eco friendly paint systems. In 2023, Maaco had moved about 40% of its paint booths to waterborne technology, reducing VOC emissions by 35% across key locations. Insurance driven repair work represents 54% of market demand. The market remains fragmented, with more than 30,000 repair locations in major economies and independent garages holding a 55% share in 2024. Maaco's 1.4% share places the brand within a large field of independent operators.

The initial Maaco franchise fee is $47,000. Veterans and qualified area developers may qualify for discounted fees through specific programs. Total initial investment ranges from $100,000 to $1.40 million, depending on the center format and real estate approach. An Auto Body Conversion Center, the most common format, generally requires $172,500 to $605,500, or in some contexts $196,000 to $644,000. A Ground Up Build or Non Auto Retrofit center is estimated at $622,500 to $1,275,500, with some 2025 FDD projections reaching $728,500 to $3,994,000. Costs include the franchise fee, a $10,000 initial training and opening fee, an initial advertising contribution of $15,000 or $20,000, equipment, signage, and initial computer hardware ranging from $32,500 to $307,000 for a conversion center. The total also includes three months of additional funds, typically $50,000 to $75,000. Required liquid capital is $150,000, although other sources cite $140,000 to $420,000. Net worth requirements range from $300,000 to over $900,000, and the stated credit score requirement is 700+. Ongoing royalties include 4% of gross receipts per week. New centers receive a 4% royalty for the first six months before moving to 8% weekly, while some sources cite a range of 4% to 9%. The weekly marketing fee is $1,200 or the weekly advertising budget for franchisees in the designated market area, whichever is greater. Some sources describe the marketing fee as 5%. The CCC One Base Package Management System Software License Fee is $799 to $973 plus taxes per month. Driven Brands provides corporate support, but Maaco does not offer direct or indirect financing and does not guarantee franchisee obligations.

Maaco centers use a high volume, retail focused operating model, and automotive experience is optional. A high performing shop owned by Brian Greenley in Littleton, Colorado, handles more than 110 vehicles per week and employs 43 people. Many employees have stayed for more than 15 years, showing the importance of recruiting skilled staff and retaining them. Franchisees are expected to devote their full time, energy, and efforts to managing and supervising the center. Available formats include Auto Body Conversion Centers, Ground Up Builds, and Non Auto Retrofit centers. Training includes elite instruction and ongoing field support. The $10,000 initial training and opening fee covers one person, with an additional $2,500 for each attendee. Living expenses during training range from $3,500 to $5,000. Maaco supports real estate selection through data analytics, marketing tied to 70% national brand recognition, and advertising programs. Operational resources include repair systems, production methods, technology platforms for tracking key performance indicators, and regional support teams. Driven Brands also provides purchasing scale for paint, parts, and equipment. Franchisees do not receive an exclusive territory under the Franchise Agreement. Centers must operate at approved locations, while franchisees may solicit business and approach customers without territorial restrictions. Maaco is focused on multi unit growth in the United States and typically requires a minimum commitment of three units to start.

A 2026 FDD referenced in web research reported average gross receipts of $2,081,198 for the top 50% of Maaco centers and a systemwide average of $1,578,050. For fiscal year 2024, 317 centers operating for at least two years reported average annual gross receipts of $1,615,904. Revenue generally comes from individual retail customers at approximately 60%, national and local fleet and trade accounts at 30%, and other commercial opportunities at 10%. Relationships with Enterprise, Hertz, and CARMAX also contribute to the customer mix.

Maaco has approximately 430 franchised units, while various reports place its total network above 400 or even 500 units across the United States and Canada. In October 2013, Maaco acquired 1 Day Paint & Body Centers, a 47 year old brand with 24 centers in California, Nevada, and New Mexico. Most of those locations were expected to become Maaco centers, which would triple the brand's presence in Southern California. Maaco marked its 50th year in business in 2022. Other milestones include painting 10 million cars by the turn of the century and servicing its 20 millionth car in 2015. Arthur Mona joined Driven Brands in 2024 as Senior Manager of Franchise Development for Maaco. The brand reports 70% national recognition and a 1.4% share of the car body shops industry. Its parent company, Driven Brands, is the largest automotive services company in North America. That relationship supports purchasing scale for paint, parts, and equipment. In 2023, Maaco moved approximately 40% of its paint booths to waterborne technology and reduced VOC emissions by 35% across key locations. The company is pursuing multi unit growth in the United States, generally with a minimum starting commitment of three units.

A Maaco owner does not need to be an automotive industry veteran. The retail focused model can suit candidates from varied professional backgrounds, although strong management experience and full time involvement are expected. Qualification requirements include a credit score of 700+, $150,000 in liquid capital, and net worth from $300,000 to over $900,000. Maaco is seeking multi unit operators and generally expects a minimum commitment of three units for new development in the United States. Available territories are in the United States and Canada, with particular focus on new multi unit opportunities in the United States. The source does not identify specific best performing markets. It points to high traffic areas with strong local economies and substantial fleet accounts, such as the setting of Brian Greenley's successful shop in Littleton, Colorado. The franchise agreement term is 15 years, with an option for an additional term.