Moran Family of Brands awarded Grant Humston and Melissa Riedesel, new franchise owners of Milex Complete Auto Care in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the 2022 Franchisee of the Year honor for its automotive division.
A combination of quality customer service, trustworthy car repair, and community engagement is helping fuel sales at the couple’s location. The successful strategy garnered Moran’s top honors in record time. Humston and Riedesel opened their Milex location, which is 5,000 square feet and operates out of five bays, in 2018. It specializes in offering a wide array of automotive repair and maintenance services.
Focusing on family values and straightforward, honest service enabled the location to exceed sales expectations. The store became the fastest in the Moran system to surpass $1 million in sales in 2021. And it has already duplicated the feat in 2022.
“It is a tremendous honor to be selected by our peers as Franchisees of the Year, especially while still being relatively new to the system,” Riedesel said. “We have worked very hard to connect and collaborate with other franchise owners, and it is a great feeling to be recognized by others across Moran Family of Brands.”
Humston has a long history of success in the auto repair industry. He is an ASE Master Technician and served as an auto tech and shop manager in multiple locations in Iowa and Arizona for more than 20 years. Riedesel handles the store’s human resources, payroll, and administrative duties. She also works with a home-based travel agency.
“As we were examining our options of owning an auto repair franchise in Cedar Rapids, we were immediately drawn to the family atmosphere throughout the Moran system. They operate with the same philosophy we have in treating our customers — just like family,” Humston said.
This is the first Milex Complete Auto Care shop in the state of Iowa. The national franchise has 40 locations across the country.
Community Outreach Makes Impact
Moran believes everyone has a duty to have a positive impact on the local community. The aftermarket auto repair and window tinting franchisor is committed to the well-being and betterment of everyone through charitable contributions and community outreach both nationally and in local communities. Humston and Riedesel embraced Moran’s philosophy and are making strides in their own community.
Giving back to the people in Cedar Rapids is good for both the soul and their business. Being part of community events helps generate buzz about the brand and allows Milex to get a jump on the competition.
“I’m a people pleaser. I like helping and being out there helping people in the community. Not only is it good to do community service, but it’s good for business,” Riedesel said.
Peer Network Resources
Moran’s franchise owners have access to a network of peers they can rely on for advice and best practices. Riedesel takes a no-nonsense approach to sharing information. She prioritizes giving prospective franchisees honest feedback and in-depth details on the hurdles they had to conquer to help their business thrive.
Riedesel relied on Moran’s peer network to provide guidance and motivation as they set sales targets and goals. Their Milex shop defied expectations when it joined the ranks of Moran’s top sales locations shortly after it opened.
“The goals we set when we opened, we’re smashing them right and left,” she added.
Join Moran’s Team
Moran has the keys to a successful future for people who are considering investing in an auto repair franchise. We have more than 32 years of experience in franchising, and our brands have a proven history of success. Moran’s philosophy of dedication, respect, integrity, vision, and enthusiasm helps franchise owners secure loyal customers.
To learn more about Moran, request franchise information, and schedule a time to talk with someone from our team.