John L. Francis has over 50 years of industry experience and has owned and operated Francis Automotive Services Inc. for more than 35 years. John’s most important business philosophy as a shop owner is to “be honest, speak from your heart, and always be authentic”, so it’s no mystery why he’s been so successful.
For years Francis Automotive, an industry-acclaimed full-service auto repair shop in West Chester, PA, has not only supported the YMCA and Toys for Tots but has led the industry in developing a child safety brand.
John is an Automotive Service Association (ASA) member and served on the ASA Mechanical Division Operations Committee for many years. John also represented the ASA in Washington, D.C., where he gave demonstrations to members of Congress on the importance of providing repair professionals with open access to service information. These presentations were instrumental in the information availability agreement that was eventually signed between the ASA and the automobile manufacturers.
John is a past National Chairman of the Automotive Management Institute. He has served as the Chairman of ASA CARS. John also served on the ASE Board of Directors for 8 years and served as an AMi trustee for many years as well. He’s been featured in AutoInc magazine and is a two-time runner-up for NAPA Tech of the Year. John is a recipient of the AMi Alpha Award. Not only is John an extraordinary business professional, but his commitment to the industry and his peers is second to none. John lives in Atglen PA, he is married and has 3 children, 8 beautiful grandchildren, and 3 wonderful labs.
John is also a part-time Business Development Coach for Elite Worldwide and works with shop owners to improve their financial position.
Talking Points:
Years in industry: | 50 plus years | |
Years business ownership: | 38 | |
Number of technicians: | 3 | |
Number of service advisers: | 1 | |
Number of lifts: | 5 | |
Number of bays: | 5 | |
Days open: | Mon – Fri | |
Annual estimated volume: | $750K | |
Percent Repair vs Maintenance vs Other: | 60% – 40% | |
Technician training hours per year: | 16 | |
Service adviser training hours per year: | 16 | |
Specialty: | Child Seats and Child ID | |
Association memberships: | ASA since 1980 | |
Industry accreditations: | AMAM | |
SMS: | Mitchell | |
Paperless: | Yes | |
DVI: | Bolt On | |
Primary supplier: | World Pac & Federated | |
Supplier marketing program: | Bosch Service Center | |
Performing hybrid repairs: | Yes | |
Succession plan: | Yes | |
Biggest challenges: | Technician Shortage: | |
Part-Time Business Coach: | Yes, Elite Worldwide |
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