Meineke News

David and Crystal Wood, franchise owners of two Meineke Car Care Centers located in Cambridge and Kitchener, Ontario were honored September 15th by the International Franchise Association (IFA) as 2009 “Franchisees of the Year.” The award was presented at the IFA's Public Affairs Conference held in Washington D.C. The award is bestowed upon franchise owners who have helped elevate their brand’s reputation and customer loyalty.

“Both Crystal and David are outstanding franchisees who have demonstrated true entrepreneurial spirit over their relationship with Meineke,” said Meineke CEO and Chairman Ken Walker. “Our franchisees are very success-oriented people by nature. The incredible leadership, attitude and business savvy demonstrated by them both has helped them establish two outstanding Meineke Centers, each staffed by an unstoppable team dedicated to growing both the Meineke brand and a loyal customer base.”

David previously worked as an automotive technician at various dealerships before joining Meineke, working towards ownership. Crystal was involved in recreational leadership/support with seniors and gave up her career to work with future husband David at Meineke. They acquired their first franchise in 2003 and added the Kitchener center in 2006. Success for them has been shown in consistently hitting Meineke performance markers in vehicles serviced, jobs-per ticket, and customer retention. Their service to the chain and fellow dealers is demonstrated by being very active with the Meineke Canada dealer group. David also serves as Chairman of the Meineke Canada Dealer Regional Council and on the National Council.

“It is such an honor to be recognized for the hard work done by the teams at our Meineke locations,” commented franchisee Wood. “Being selected by Meineke Corporate and then honored by the prestigious IFA is motivation to continue the successful efforts we’re doing in our Centers and in the communities we serve.”

IFA is the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising. The Public Affairs Conference and the annual IFA Franchisee of the Year Award presentations are supported by founding sponsor ADP Small Business Services. This year, 60 franchisees from member organizations, including international business owners, were presented with an IFA “Franchisee of the Year” award.

Beginning in Houston, Texas in 1972 with a single muffler shop, Meineke Car Care Centers has expanded product and service offerings while demonstrating steady growth, both domestically and internationally. Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, since 1986, Meineke is today the second largest specialist automotive service franchise in the Americas with approximately 900 worldwide locations. Meineke Canada opened its first location in London, Ontario in 1981 and continues to enjoy rapid expansion and growth.