CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts announced it has expanded its business development team to position itself for more growth across the U.S. and Canada.
CARSTAR's business development team now includes three new leaders from the automotive franchise industry. CARSTAR says that this team will "serve as business consultants to independent shop owners, helping them evaluate their businesses and determine how the CARSTAR business model can benefit their operations."
Leading the team is Ryan Keller, AVP of franchise development, who joined the company from Driven Brands, Inc., where he managed MAACO’s store conversion program. He also brings franchisee perspective as a former owner of several Econo Lube N Tune stores. A graduate of California State University with a B.S. in Business Administration, Keller is responsible for managing CARSTAR’s growth initiatives, enhancing the franchise sales process and overseeing independent stores' transition into the CARSTAR family.
Supporting Keller will be two directors of network development for the eastern and western U.S. Mark Behrens, director of network development – California, will focus on the expansion of the CARSTAR brand into California and adding new franchise partners to existing CARSTAR markets. Formerly franchise development manager for Puroclean, a franchised emergency services company, Behrens brings extensive experience in franchise conversion and insurance industry partnerships.
In the northeastern U.S., Keith McCrone, director of network development – Northeast, will focus on strengthening the CARSTAR network in current and new markets. He's a collision industry veteran who most recently was VP of sales and operations for Fix Auto USA. His previous experience includes AUTOonline, Mitchell International, I-CAR International and MAACO.
Behrens and McCrone join Dave Blackwell, director of network development – South, Southeast and Midwest, and Lloyd Taylor, director of network development – Northwest and Central, on the team.
“We're excited to bring the resources of this expanded business development team to the independent auto body shop owners around the country,” said David Byers, CEO of CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts. “The knowledge they have of the collision industry, their experience as franchisees and business entrepreneurs, and their expertise in guiding independent shop owners through the process of joining the nation’s largest auto body repair MSO all will be incredibly powerful in building the CARSTAR brand across North America.”
More information:
CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts franchise opportunities