CARSTAR recently celebrated the opening of its 500th store. The milestone was reached with the conversion of two Cincinnati centers owned by multi-shop owner Kevin Rains. Formerly known as Precision Body and Frame and Center City Collision, the auto body shops have rebranded to CARSTAR West Chester and CARSTAR Center City respectively.

CARSTAR has grown significantly in the recent consolidation era, offering franchisees leverage of national insurance relationships, increased buying power and streamlined processes to ease conversions. The brand is on pace to reach its goal of doubling its total unit count to 1,000 over the next four to five years.

“Seeing CARSTAR hit the 500-shop milestone is a testament of the exceptional support we are able to offer our franchisees,” said CARSTAR President Michael Macaluso. “After joining our parent company Driven Brands last year, CARSTAR shop owners have been empowered with more resources needed to grow their business. Our outstanding franchisees play a major role in propelling the brand as we continue to grow. By adding successful, business-minded owners like Kevin Rains to our brand, CARSTAR will continue to be a powerhouse in the paint and collision segment.”

Rains entered the automotive aftermarket industry as an independent shop owner in 2003 when he purchased Center City Collision in Cincinnati, and again in 2015 when he acquired Precision Frame and Body in West Chester, Ohio. Rains observed massive consolidation taking place in the paint and collision industry, which led to his exploration of joining a national brand. CARSTAR states it was able to offer support to help accelerate growth plans, and Rains ultimately rebranded due to CARSTAR’s purchasing power, operations platform and relationships with leading insurance carriers and vendors.

“Joining the CARSTAR franchise network helps me both offensively and defensively,” said Rains. “On the offensive side, I’m aiming to acquire 10 additional body shops in the Cincinnati area over the next five years, and CARSTAR’s support will get me there faster. Converting to CARSTAR is also a wise defensive strategy because it protects my shops against competitors entering the market. Under CARSTAR, I’m able to leverage large-scale opportunities with a national brand, while maintaining freedom and control as a small business owner.”