ZIEBART

Ziebart began in 1959, when Kurt Ziebart established the Auto Rustproofing Company in Detroit, Michigan. Ziebart had arrived in Detroit from Germany in 1953 and began developing his first rustproofing methods while rebuilding a 1953 Packard. He founded the business with Rudy Hermann and Joe Silagy. Silagy later sold his share to George Crossman/Krausmann. The first rustproofing shop opened at 14700 Harper Avenue in Detroit in 1959. In 1963, Roger Waindle, an expert in corrosion studies, acquired the business and renamed it Ziebart Process Corporation. He focused on expanding the franchise network and refining the company’s proprietary rustproofing sealant. Ziebart International Corporation was founded in 1971, with world headquarters in Troy, Michigan, United States. E.J. Hartmann acquired controlling stock in 1970 and introduced an aggressive marketing program. In 1995, Hartmann transferred ownership to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, or ESOP, led by Thomas Wolfe, then the Chief Financial Officer. Thomas A. Wolfe is currently President and Chief Executive Officer of Ziebart International Corporation, a privately owned corporation. Ziebart operates more than 400 locations and approximately 1,200 to 1,300 Ziebart service centers across 37 countries. The 2025 FDD reports 96 total units, including 85 franchise locations and 11 corporate locations. Another independent source reports 187 franchise units as of October 2025, while the 2026 FDD reports 94 US franchised units. Ziebart opened its first international location in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, in 1962. The brand has more than six decades of operating history and offers vehicle appearance and protection services through a global network.

Ziebart operates in the automotive body, paint, and interior repair and maintenance category. Demand is supported by the increasing average age of vehicles and by consumers who want to extend the useful life, appearance, and resale value of their vehicles. Vehicle protection and appearance work can remain a priority when economic conditions weaken. Ziebart’s services include proprietary rust protection, ceramic coatings, paint protection film, window tinting, and detailing. The category includes many local operators along with established national and international brands. Ziebart competes through its global recognition, more than six decades of specialized experience, and proprietary products. Continued vehicle ownership, the increasing complexity and value of modern automobiles, and greater consumer awareness of preventative maintenance support demand in this sector. Its service menu addresses both appearance and protection needs, giving franchisees multiple ways to serve vehicle owners.

The initial franchise fee is $45,000. Ziebart waives that fee for qualified US veterans. The estimated initial investment in the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document is $450,100 to $924,000. The range includes facility setup and leasehold improvements, specialized equipment, initial inventory of proprietary products and consumables, and early operating expenses. Another independent source reports an investment range of $370,820 to $566,100. Actual costs can vary according to location, facility size, local market conditions, the required build out, and whether an existing property is converted. Reported minimum liquid capital requirements include $150,000 and, from another source, $125,000. The minimum net worth requirement is $750,000.

Ongoing royalties are 8% of gross sales, with a minimum weekly payment of $650. That contribution is capped at $30,000 per year. The 2025 FDD lists a North American Liability Fund, or NALF, contribution of $2.00 to $15.00 per rustproofing warranty. Late royalty charges are 2% per month or the maximum permitted by law. A 1.5% credit card surcharge applies when a franchisee pays by credit card. At renewal, a new franchisee pays a renewal franchise fee equal to 15% of the new franchise fee. The reminder card program charges $1.10 for each first and second notice card handled through the franchisee’s computerized reporting system. Central billing for national fleet accounts carries a fee of 3% of the amount charged by the processing franchisee. Field training costs $750 per day plus the franchisor trainer’s airfare. A missed training session carries a $100 cancellation fee plus any nonrefundable airfare. Supplier or product approval can cost $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the franchisor’s time and expenses. Based on the reported investment and capital requirements, Ziebart falls within the mid tier to premium range of franchise investments.

The Ziebart model centers on dedicated service centers that provide vehicle appearance and protection work in a controlled facility. Services range from rust protection to ceramic coatings, paint protection film, window tint, and detailing. Daily responsibilities include managing the service menu, supervising technicians, handling customer inquiries, applying sales processes, and overseeing business operations. The service mix calls for trained technicians and customer service personnel who can perform specialized procedures and work with customers. The format is primarily an in store service center rather than a mobile or kiosk operation.

Initial training lasts approximately six weeks for all Ziebart services and combines classroom instruction at the franchisor’s headquarters in Troy, Michigan, with practical on the job training. The broader training program spans eight weeks and covers technical service procedures, professional sales strategies, and business management. It concludes with in store experience at one of Ziebart’s locations. Initial and ongoing training at the Troy office is provided without charge to franchisees and their employees, although franchisees pay their own travel, lodging, and living expenses. Ongoing support includes field consultants, technology platforms for business management, and marketing programs through the National Media Advertising Fund. The available information does not fully detail the territory structure, but the brand’s expansion approach indicates defined territories and may include exclusivity provisions. Multi unit requirements are not specifically stated. Expansion plans in the Eastern United States and Mexico indicate that multi unit development is encouraged for qualified franchisees. The training and service format point toward an owner operator model in which the franchisee remains involved in daily management and strategic oversight.

These figures come from different sources and should be reviewed carefully during due diligence. Revenue potential is tied to the mix of rust protection, ceramic coatings, paint protection film, window tint, and detailing. The brand reported a 45% year over year increase in leads for franchise development and retail in 2025. That activity resulted in three new franchise agreements and four new locations opened nationwide. The Loan Activity Score is 48 and is categorized as Fair, so prospective buyers should examine the underlying unit level information and operating costs.

Ziebart has grown from its first Detroit rustproofing shop into an international network. The brand currently reports more than 400 locations and approximately 1,200 to 1,300 Ziebart service centers in 37 countries. The 2025 FDD reports 96 total units, including 85 franchise locations and 11 corporate locations. Other data reports 187 franchise units as of October 2025, while the 2026 FDD reports 94 US franchised units. The first international location opened in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, in 1962. Ziebart has operated as a franchised brand for 65 years. In 2025, leads for franchise development and retail rose 45% year over year, resulting in three new franchise agreements and four new locations nationwide.

Expansion activity in the first quarter of 2025 included a new franchise agreement in Utah, a new store opening in Whitehall, Pennsylvania, renewal of the master license in Canada, and a new deal for Mexico. Ziebart has stated plans to expand across the Eastern United States in 2026 and build density in regions with existing demand. In Mexico, the brand is expanding into approximately 40 car dealerships through a new master franchise license. The plan calls for the first 10 locations to open under that model. In 2021, Ziebart signed seven new franchise agreements in locations including Fort Myers, Florida, and Highland, Michigan.