ABRA Auto Body & Glass announced the opening of its newest franchise repair center in Mankato, Minn. The company now operates 54 independently-owned franchises and 231 company-owned locations for a total of 285 in 22 states.
The new ABRA repair center is located in Mankato, Minn., about 90 minutes south of downtown Minneapolis. The franchise is owned and operated by Jerry and Geralynn Kottschade, who are well-recognized in the community as operators of Jerry’s Body Shop. Jerry purchased Ben’s Bee-Line Auto Collision Shop in 1971 and built a successful collision repair business from there. Over the past 44 years, the couple has helped shape the collision repair industry and continues to serve on high-profile industry boards, with Geralynn cofounding the Women’s Industry Network (WIN).
“With the ABRA partnership in place, we look forward to continuing our reputation as a leading collision repair provider in the community,” said Jerry Kottschade, co-owner of ABRA-Mankato. “Our I-CAR Gold Class certification, aluminum repair capabilities and Reader’s Choice Award recognition, combined with ABRA’s innovative service model and operational excellence philosophy, set us apart as a preferred option for vehicle owners and insurance partners.”
Mark Wahlin, ABRA’s vice president of franchise development/relations said, “We are extremely proud to welcome Jerry’s Body Shop to our group of ABRA franchisees. Their presence and reputation in the Mankato market fits perfectly with our mission to be the best auto body and glass company in America. We are thrilled with the exemplary leadership and values the pair hold.”
Geralynn earned the AzkoNobel Most Influential Woman of the Year award in 2000, and the couple has donated six vehicles to Recycled Rides in recent years.
“These values are well respected and well aligned with ABRA’s mission to serve the communities in which we operate,” said Wahlin.
ABRA plans to continue expanding in the months and years ahead as part of its aggressive national growth strategy. It is actively seeking new opportunities to acquire repair centers. Interested parties in major markets should contact Scott Gerling, vice president of corporate development, at [email protected] or (763) 585-6210.
For franchise opportunities in small and midsize markets contact Mark Wahlin, vice president of franchise development/relations, at [email protected] or (763) 585-6315).
