Maaco of Roanoke, Va. recently converted from an independent auto body shop to a franchise.

It’s no secret that the economy is struggling. Although things are better today than they were a few years ago, the U.S. is still a long way away from a truly stable economy, and small businesses across the country are feeling the burn.

Joining a franchise means stability, support and a strong business model – a leg up from trying to found your own company. Plus, franchises handle the little things like advertising and promotions that take away from your ability to focus on everyday management. And franchises don’t just appeal to potential owners – people with existing independent businesses are also turning to franchises to boost visibility and improve sales and overall business practices.

Take the Belcher family of Roanoke, Va. When their independent auto body shop, Action Auto Paint and Body, was struggling, they decided to become part of the Maaco franchise. Now, post-rebranding, not only the shop has boosted its sales and production figures dramatically – it’s gone from near-closure to profitability. That’s the kind of turnaround every business owner dreams of!

The Belchers credit Maaco’s extensive franchisee training and support network with the turnaround. In addition, because Maaco handles time-consuming details like local advertising, the Belchers are able to focus on managing the day-to-day aspects of the business, enabling their team to prioritize and maximize efficiency.

You can learn more about how the Belcher family teamed up with Maaco to turn their business around at Automotive Body Repair News.