Turbo Tint

Franchise investors often grapple with the critical decision of where to deploy capital, facing the inherent risks of selecting a brand that may lack market traction, robust support, or transparent financial performance. The challenge lies in identifying a franchise opportunity that not only operates within a high-growth industry but also offers a proven, scalable model backed by significant corporate experience. Turbo Tint emerges as a compelling answer to this investor problem, presenting a specialized franchise opportunity in the rapidly expanding automotive, architectural, and paint protection film installation market. Established in 2020, Turbo Tint is not a new entrant but rather an evolution from Alta Mere, an automotive accessories brand boasting over 30 years of industry experience, underscoring a foundation of deep market knowledge and operational refinement. This strategic brand development was a collaborative effort between the Moran Family of Brands, a recognized leader in the automotive aftermarket franchise industry, and seasoned franchisee Greg Goodman, alongside his son Chandler Goodman, who successfully operated an Alta Mere store for a quarter-century. While some sources indicate the company’s foundational roots trace back to 2018, its formal establishment in 2020 reflects a deliberate strategic launch into the specialized film installation sector. Turbo Tint operates as a proud member of the Moran Family of Brands, with Barbara Moran-Goodrich serving as CEO and Co-Founder, and Pete Baldine as President, providing a formidable leadership structure. The corporate office and training center for Moran Family of Brands is located in Midlothian, Illinois, though Orlando, Florida, USA, is also listed as a home office for Turbo Tint, indicating a dual-hub operational strategy. Barbara Moran-Goodrich has further solidified the brand’s expansion potential by partnering with Franchise Update Chairman Gary Gardner to form Clear Window Solutions, LLC, a new franchise ownership group specifically focused on scaling the Turbo Tint brand, demonstrating a high level of strategic commitment and investment in its growth. As of February 2025, Turbo Tint reported 20 locations, with other sources indicating a more aggressive growth trajectory with over 25 locations across the United States and a projected 66 franchised units by 2026, all operating as franchised units with no company-owned stores, highlighting a pure franchise growth model. The brand currently focuses its operations exclusively within the United States, without a presence in Canada or other international markets. Turbo Tint strategically positions itself in a segment of the automotive aftermarket where the automotive tinting film market alone was valued at USD 8.6 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach a substantial USD 17.4 billion by the end of its forecast period, signifying an expansive and rapidly growing total addressable market for the Turbo Tint franchise opportunity. This market positioning, coupled with a streamlined business model that emphasizes a high-end, customer-friendly experience, makes Turbo Tint a significant contender for astute franchise investors.

The automotive aftermarket glass and automotive tinting film markets, where the Turbo Tint franchise operates, represent a substantial and growing economic sector, offering significant opportunities for specialized service providers. The automotive tinting film market alone was valued at a robust USD 8.6 billion in 2025 and is projected to nearly double, reaching an impressive USD 17.4 billion by the end of its forecast period, indicating a strong compound annual growth rate and a highly attractive environment for investment. This rapid expansion is propelled by several key consumer trends that drive sustained demand. Consumers are increasingly prioritizing vehicle customization, seeking aesthetic enhancements and functional improvements for their automotive assets. Furthermore, growing health consciousness among vehicle owners contributes to demand for UV protection films, which mitigate harmful sun exposure. Enhanced privacy and security are also significant drivers, as window films offer an added layer of discretion for vehicle occupants and contents. The rising cost of new vehicles often leads consumers to invest in maintaining and upgrading their existing cars, including services like paint protection film (PPF) installations, which preserve vehicle aesthetics and resale value. Secular tailwinds benefiting the Turbo Tint franchise specifically include the inherent resilience of the automotive aftermarket, which often performs well regardless of broader economic cycles as car owners delay new purchases and instead invest in maintaining and enhancing their current vehicles. The high-margin nature of specialized services like window tinting and paint protection film, combined with a relatively low inventory requirement compared to other retail models, creates an attractive operational framework with strong profit potential. The industry category attracts franchise investment due to its essential service nature, recurring customer base, and the opportunity for specialized expertise to command premium pricing. While the broader automotive aftermarket can be fragmented, the specialized film installation segment allows brands like Turbo Tint to carve out a distinct niche with a focused service offering. Macro forces such as advancements in film technology, which offer superior performance and durability, and increasing consumer awareness of the benefits of protective films, continue to create significant opportunities for growth within this specialized segment, making the Turbo Tint franchise a timely investment.

Embarking on a franchise investment requires a clear understanding of the financial commitments involved, from initial buy-in to ongoing operational costs, to avoid common pitfalls of undercapitalization or unexpected fees. The initial franchise fee for a Turbo Tint franchise is $45,000, which positions it as a mid-tier investment compared to many franchise categories. For investors eyeing multi-unit expansion, Turbo Tint offers a structured fee schedule for 2026, with the initial franchise fee set at $45,000 for a single unit, $99,000 for three units, and $165,000 for five units, providing clear incentives and a pathway for scalable development. The estimated initial investment for a Turbo Tint franchise ranges from $295,510 to $415,400 as of February 2025, encompassing a comprehensive array of expenditures. Other estimates for 2025 further refine this range to $296,000 to $415,000, while projections for 2026 indicate a slightly higher range of $301,010 to $434,900, reflecting potential increases in setup costs. It is noteworthy that an earlier investment range cited in 2021 was considerably lower, at $212,000 to $282,000, illustrating the evolution of build-out and equipment costs over time. These investment figures cover critical elements such as the initial franchise fee itself, essential training expenses, sophisticated technology systems, necessary construction or leasehold improvements, specialized equipment, initial inventory of films and supplies, and crucial initial operating expenses to ensure a smooth launch. The minimum liquid capital required to open a Turbo Tint franchise is $70,000, with other sources citing $80,000 for 2026 and $65,000, underscoring the need for readily accessible funds to cover immediate operational needs and working capital. Furthermore, a minimum net worth of $400,000 is required for 2026, ensuring that prospective franchisees possess a solid financial foundation. Ongoing fees include a weekly royalty fee of 7% of gross sales or a minimum of $175, whichever is greater, transitioning for new locations from month 7 for the first three years to 7% of gross sales or a minimum of $2,100 per month, whichever is greater, reflecting a graduated royalty structure. A late royalty fee of 1% to 3% of weekly gross sales is also in place. Contributions to the Creative Funds, or advertising fund, are 1% of gross sales or a minimum of $250 per month, whichever is greater. Additionally, new locations are required to contribute $5,000 per month for local advertising for the first six months, subsequently becoming 7% of gross sales or a minimum of $2,100 per month from month 7 for the first three years, demonstrating a significant initial marketing investment. Turbo Tint supports its franchisees with a $6,750 discount on the initial franchise fee for honorably discharged veterans who meet VetFran program guidelines, making the opportunity more accessible. Third-party lenders, including SBA lenders and 401(k) rollover specialists, partner with Turbo Tint to assist franchisees with funding needs, providing critical resources for securing the necessary capital for this compelling franchise opportunity.

A critical aspect of evaluating any franchise opportunity is understanding the day-to-day operating model and the depth of corporate support provided, as these factors directly impact franchisee success and satisfaction. The Turbo Tint franchise operates on a streamlined business model explicitly focused on high-end automotive, architectural, and paint protection film installations, designed to deliver a superior customer experience. Daily operations for a franchisee typically involve managing customer appointments, consulting on film options, executing precise film applications using proprietary techniques and innovative technology, overseeing inventory management for various film types, and implementing local marketing initiatives to drive traffic and build brand awareness. The model is specifically engineered for high margins and low inventory requirements, particularly leveraging window tinting as a high-margin service, contributing to strong profit potential with reduced overhead. While specific staffing numbers are not explicitly detailed, the operational efficiency built into the model suggests a core team comprising skilled technicians capable of specialized installations and customer service representatives focused on delivering the brand’s high-end experience. Turbo Tint provides comprehensive initial training, a cornerstone of its support system, ensuring new franchisees are fully prepared to launch and operate their businesses effectively. This program includes essential online training modules through Moran University, followed by an intensive one week of classroom training conducted at the Moran corporate office in Midlothian, Illinois. This classroom instruction is complemented by a practical one week of field training, during which franchisees shadow existing operators to gain hands-on experience and observe daily activities in a live operational setting. In total, the training regimen consists of 64 hours of on-the-job training and 61.5 hours of classroom training, a robust program designed not only to impart the business system but also to equip franchisees with a strategic approach for quick ramp-up and effective market share acquisition. The extensive support structure for Turbo Tint franchisees is a significant advantage, benefiting from being part of the Moran Family of Brands, which brings over 30 years of franchising experience to the table. This encompasses crucial assistance with business plan development, refinement of operational strategies, and access to modern marketing techniques designed to attract and retain customers in a competitive landscape. Franchisees receive ongoing corporate support, dedicated marketing assistance, and access to innovative technology platforms that simplify operations, enhance efficiency, and elevate the overall customer experience. This comprehensive support is available from day one via phone or email, ensuring immediate assistance. The franchisor also conducts thorough market research to strategically identify prime franchise locations, providing a data-driven advantage for new store placements. Furthermore, no prior automotive experience is required to become a Turbo Tint franchisee, broadening the appeal and accessibility of this compelling franchise opportunity. Turbo Tint is rapidly expanding with available territories across the U.S., and master franchise opportunities are also available, empowering master franchisees to recruit, train, and support other franchisees within their designated regions.

For potential investors, understanding the financial performance of existing units is paramount to assessing the viability and potential return on investment of a Turbo Tint franchise. Turbo Tint provides clear financial performance representations, as detailed in Item 19 of its Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), offering crucial transparency for due diligence. According to Turbo Tint's 2023 FDD, locations that were operational for the entirety of FY 2022 reported an impressive average gross sales of $852,518.04. Projecting forward, the average gross sales for 2026 are reported to increase significantly to $987,189.35, indicating a strong and consistent upward trend in unit-level revenue performance. Another independent source corroborates this robust performance, citing yearly gross sales of $915,503. These figures are further bolstered by the fact that at least one store reported gross sales of $1,000,000 and above in 2022, showcasing the high-performance potential achievable within the Turbo Tint franchise system. The potential for strong owner-operator earnings is also highlighted, with estimated earnings ranging from $82,396 to $109,861, providing a tangible estimate of the income a hands-on franchisee could expect. This profitability is underpinned by Turbo Tint's operational philosophy, which is described as a high-margin business model, specifically capitalizing on the substantial demand for window tint and paint protection services. Window tinting, in particular, is identified as a high-margin service, contributing significantly to the overall profitability. The business model is further characterized as high-margin and low-inventory, a combination that inherently contributes to strong profit potential with reduced overhead, enhancing the attractiveness of the Turbo Tint franchise. This operational efficiency and focus on high-margin services are key drivers behind the impressive financial performance. The estimated franchise payback period, a crucial metric for investors, is projected to be between 4.3 and 6.3 years. This relatively swift return on initial investment, when combined with the robust average gross sales and the inherent high-margin nature of the services offered, underscores a strong and financially sound model for the Turbo Tint franchise. Further validating its standing in the franchise community, Turbo Tint holds an FPI Score of 81, categorized as Excellent, reflecting a positive overall assessment of its operational health, franchisee support, and financial performance.

The growth trajectory of a franchise brand provides critical insights into its market acceptance, operational scalability, and future potential, and Turbo Tint is demonstrably on a rapid expansion path. The brand is experiencing significant growth, with more than 12 locations currently open and an additional 40+ locations in various stages of development as of February 2025. This aggressive expansion is further evidenced by reports indicating 20 locations open as of February 2025, with other sources projecting over 25 locations across the United States and a substantial 66 franchised units by 2026, all operating without company-owned units, signifying a strong reliance on the franchise model for expansion. A clear indicator of this acceleration occurred in March 2023, when signed agreements for 46 more stores were announced, with an ambitious anticipation of having between 18 and 21 stores operating by the close of 2023, showcasing a proactive and strategic growth strategy. The inaugural Turbo Tint store opened its doors in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in October 2020, establishing the brand's initial footprint. This was swiftly followed by subsequent openings, including Delray Beach, Florida, in 2021, and Orlando, Florida, in 2022, demonstrating a clear geographical expansion strategy. A notable milestone was reached in May 2023 with the opening of a new franchise in Austin, Texas, marking the fourth location nationwide and its debut in the significant Texas market, further diversifying its presence. Turbo Tint’s competitive advantages are deeply rooted in its specialized service offering and robust corporate backing. Its focus on automotive, architectural, and paint protection film installations allows it to capitalize on high-demand, high-margin services within the broader automotive aftermarket. Being a member of the Moran Family of Brands, a leader with over 30 years of franchising experience, provides an invaluable competitive moat, including access to established operational strategies, sophisticated marketing programs, and a proven support infrastructure. The brand's streamlined business model, which prioritizes a high-end, customer-friendly experience and leverages innovative technology, differentiates it in the market. This model is designed to be high-margin and low-inventory, a strategic adaptation that contributes to strong profit potential and low overhead, making it resilient to various market conditions. Recent corporate developments, such as the formation of Clear Window Solutions, LLC, in partnership with Franchise Update Chairman Gary Gardner, specifically to expand the Turbo Tint brand, underscore a deliberate and well-funded strategy to scale the business and adapt to evolving market demands, ensuring its continued competitive edge and growth.

Identifying the ideal franchisee profile and understanding territory availability are crucial steps for prospective investors seeking to align with a brand's growth vision and maximize their investment potential. The ideal candidate for a Turbo Tint franchise is characterized by strong business acumen and a proactive approach to leveraging a proven operational system within a dynamic, high-growth industry. Importantly, no prior automotive experience is required, significantly broadening the pool of eligible entrepreneurs and emphasizing that success hinges more on management capabilities and adherence to the franchise model than on technical automotive expertise. The brand seeks individuals who are adept at managing a streamlined operation, dedicated to delivering a consistently high-end customer experience, and capable of effectively implementing the brand's comprehensive marketing and operational strategies. The clear encouragement for multi-unit development is evident in the structured franchise fee schedule for 2026, which offers a single unit for $45,000, three units for $99,000, and five units for $165,000. This tiered pricing model clearly signals that Turbo Tint is actively seeking ambitious franchisees who are prepared to scale their investment across multiple locations, capitalizing on the brand’s rapid growth trajectory and the expanding market for its services. Turbo Tint is in an active expansion phase, with a wide array of available territories across the U.S., categorized into available and limited markets. States with available markets include Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Virginia, offering extensive geographic options for new franchisees. The franchisor diligently conducts thorough market research to pinpoint prime franchise locations, ensuring strategic placement for optimal success. While the specific timeline from the signing of the franchise agreement to the grand opening is not explicitly detailed, the comprehensive initial training program, comprising 64 hours of on-the-job and 61.5 hours of classroom training, coupled with robust corporate support, is meticulously designed to facilitate a rapid and efficient ramp-up process. The franchise agreement term length is not available, but the brand’s long-term growth plans and extensive support system suggest a commitment to enduring partnerships.

For discerning franchise investors navigating the complexities of market selection and financial commitment, the Turbo Tint franchise presents a compelling opportunity that warrants serious due diligence. This investment thesis is fortified by the brand's robust unit economics, with average gross sales projected at an impressive $987,189.35 for 2026 and an estimated payback period ranging from 4.3 to 6.3 years, indicating a strong return on the initial investment. The strategic backing by the Moran Family of Brands, a leader with over three decades of franchising experience, provides an invaluable layer of corporate support and operational expertise, effectively mitigating common investor fears regarding market saturation or a lack of proven guidance. Turbo Tint’s specialized service offering within the rapidly expanding automotive tinting film market, valued at USD 17.4 billion, positions it within a high-demand sector with significant growth potential. The comprehensive training program, combined with continuous corporate assistance and an excellent FPI Score of 81, further underscores the brand's commitment to franchisee success. This combination of strong financial performance, strategic market positioning, and extensive support makes the Turbo Tint franchise a robust contender for those seeking to diversify their portfolio within the automotive aftermarket. To conduct thorough due diligence and make an informed investment decision, prospective franchisees require access to the most comprehensive and independent data available. PeerSense provides exclusive due diligence data including SBA lending history, FPI score, location maps with Google ratings, FDD financial data, and side-by-side comparison tools. Explore the complete Turbo Tint franchise profile on PeerSense to access the full suite of independent franchise intelligence data.