PRICING PARADIGM
The Boyd Group reported increases in its Q1 sales, driven by “higher repair costs due to increasing vehicle complexity…increased scanning and calibration services and general market inflation,” said the company. CEO Tim O’Day told investors during the earnings call that most of the company’s scanning and calibrations are completed by third-party sublets, though Boyd Group benefits from the revenue the services bring in. “Much of the calibration work today is done via mobile, although we are equipping stores with…equipment, with targeting systems and mobile technicians can travel to our stores. We will move work around on a huband-spoke basis to provide some of that work. But I think we’re going to continue to see a growth in revenue around scanning and calibration and we’re going to internalize more of it,” O’Day told shareholders. Total sales for Q1 2023 were US$714.9 million, a 28.4 percent increase compared to US$556.8 million in Q1 2022.
SIMPLY SUPPORTIVE
The Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) bestowed Simplicity Car Care its Franchisees’ Choice Designation at its recent awards gala, recognizing the quality of service the collision repair banner offers to its franchisees. This achievement comes as a result of a survey that asked Simplicity franchisees to assess their company’s leadership, business planning and marketing, franchisee information and selection, and the franchisor-franchisee relationship, according to Simplicity’s press release.
GRAND FINALE
The Fix Network team wrapped up its regional conference meeting series in mid-June with a grand event for its maritime partners in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Starting in May, the network hosted its regional partners for a series of cross-Canada meetings. Quebec franchisees kicked off the event series in Mont Tremblant, followed by Albertan partners in Calgary. Fix Network then held its annual charity golf tournament in partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities in June, in conjunction with its trade show and meeting for Ontario franchisees. “We concluded our Canadian regional conference tour, finishing up in beautiful Halifax to support our Atlantic region,” wrote Zakari Krieger, vice president for Prime Car Care at Fix Network, upon his departure from the Maritimes. “It’s been an incredible few months through this coast-to-coast tour, being part of our networks’ unwavering commitment to the evolution, growth and success of the automotive aftermarket.”
