John and Karen Manelas both hold a Bachelor of Science degrees in Electrical Engineering. They worked in our fields for 15 years before deciding to go into business for themselves. They looked at restaurants, flower shops, engineering firms, etc. They decided on automotive because a love of vehicles and they both perceived the level of service from the industry left much to be desired...especially as it pertains to treating female customers. So, they decided to purchase a shop from a burnt-out business owner. (He is still with us as our operations manager, 16 years later!) We took a very big risk, borrowed money from a relative, the bank and the SBA. They went from making about $150K/year combined to about $50K in their first year in business.
John and Karen purchased their first location in April 2004. They expanded into their 2nd location in 2011. They bought out a former 20 group member in Maine in 2013 as their 3rd location. They purchased a former Chevy/Chrysler 14 bay dealership in 2014. In 2016, they purchased an import auto service business and converted it to an Auto Care Plus (store #5). In 2017, they purchased a Volvo Specialty Repair Shop which they decided to then re-brand and create a new brand for us calling it Euro Care Plus. In 2019, we did our first non-acquisition "build to suit" venture erecting an 8 bay facility with upstairs offices for their Corporate headquarters. They also decided to lease the rest of that building where we are preparing to open a Hybrid/EV specialty division to be named Electrified Auto Care. They now have 7 locations (5 of which they own the dirt). 6 Locations in NH and one in ME.
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