Owning a business isn’t for everyone, but for some, it’s a calling. You know who you are. But if you haven’t started a company but have thought about being a business owner for years, it’s probably because you’ve been thinking, what do I sell? How do I get started? What if I build a business and nobody comes? Those are all good, smart questions. We’ve all read the statistics about how numerous businesses fail. Which is one reason a lot of business owners think about franchising. Of course, franchises can flop, too, for a variety of reasons (Blockbuster never saw Netflix coming…), but generally, if you buy into a good one, you at least have a strong brand name going for you and a business model that has bee ... read more

Do you have a backup camera? If you have an old car, probably not. If you’re getting a new car, you soon will. If all goes as planned, starting May 1, 2018, all new cars sold in the United States will be required to have a backup camera installed. In other words, it has been decided that automobiles are safer with backup cameras than without them. That begs the question, for any driver who doesn’t own a backup camera: Is it time to buy one for your car? There’s really only answer: yes. But if you need more convincing, consider these three points. It’s an issue of safety. If backup cameras are important enough safety features for new cars, it’s important enough for old cars, right? You wouldn’t drive your kids in a vehicle without seatbelts, a rear-view mirror and headlights. Maybe we’re all pushing our luck when we drive without a backup camera ... read more

Winter mornings can be cold, dark and dreary affairs. While no one cherishes the idea of rolling out of bed and climbing into a freezing cold car, there are steps you can take to making your morning commute a little bit nicer.  Installing a remote starter for your car can benefit your comfort, your car health and even your safety. Keep Warm The most noticeable benefit of using a remote car starter is the feeling of a nice, toasty car interior on those bitter-cold mornings. A remote starter can warm up your car for you while you get ready in the morning; that way by the time you make your way outside, you only have to briefly brave the icy winter air before enjoying the comfort of your lovely, warm car. Improve Long-Term Engine Performance A remote starter isn’t just beneficial for your personal comfort, it can actually be good for your car’s health, too. By startin ... read more

With the new year, many business owners begin comparing year-to-year sales figures, and some independent auto repair shops don’t necessarily like what they’re seeing. Are your sales stagnant? Or worse yet, did your sales drop? Maybe you’re having trouble keeping reliable help. If you already own an auto shop and performance hasn’t been meeting your expectations, we urge you to consider the Moran Family of Brands. The Moran Family of Brands is more than just an auto repair franchise; it’s a one-stop shop that can provide you with opportunities to expand and grow your business while offering trusted “one-stop” service for your community’s car care needs. In fact, we are one of the leading franchisors in the automotive aftermarket industry. So, if sales have been stagnant or if you’re looking for a way to expand your business, c ... read more

When you’ve had as much success as John and Jaime Blanton, there is plenty for which to be thankful this holiday season. But the Blantons, who own an Alta Mere/SmartView store in Denton, Texas, are grateful for more than just their store’s prosperity. Their loving family, supportive community and dedicated employees are all reasons for which the Blantons can give thanks. John, an ASE certified technician and former member of the U.S. Coast Guard, opened Barebones Auto Repair in 2011. The goal was, and always will be, to offer customers quality service at a reasonable price. He and his wife, Jaime, expanded their business by becoming Alta Mere/Smartview franchisees in 2016 after cultivating a loyal customer base, and they continue to see success. Jaime, who earned her B.A. in Journalism from Texas Christian University and her M.A. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Louisville, play ... read more

With the sun setting earlier in the last few weeks after the end of daylight saving time, most commuters are driving home at dusk or even in total darkness each evening. To stay safe in the darkness, it’s important to take time for necessary safety precautions. That means properly maintaining your headlights to keep you, your passengers and other drivers safe on the roads. Clear, Bright Headlights Make a Difference Headlights are obviously a necessary component of your car, and it’s important to keep them in top working condition for many reasons. Properly adjusted and cared-for headlights can literally make the difference between life and death. Headlights allow you to see road markings, signs and unexpected obstacles. Over time, headlights inevitably get covered in grime, and the bulbs dim and burn out. Bright, clear headlights will give you the advantage of an extra second ... read more

Paint protection film is a unique service offering that will not only protect your car's paint job, but also ensure that every aspect of your car's maintenance and preservation is taken care of for the secondary automotive market. Many drivers don't realize that paint protection film is something that automotive accessory shops can offer their customers, and that ignorance can end up costing customers when it comes time to sell or trade in their car. The world is a scary place for a brand-new car; with all the flying rocks, errant shopping carts, door-slamming passengers and unexpected hail storms, a car's paint job has to survive a lot. And paint can be surprisingly delicate, especially if it is routinely exposed to high heat or sunlight which softens it. Damage to your car's paint job is not easily fixed without repainting the entire car, and color-matching to patch up a small area is nearly i ... read more

Moran Family of Brands announced its annual Franchisees of the Year, an award voted on by fellow franchise owners throughout the system. These franchisees have set the bar high for their peers through their consistent effort and unyielding commitment to excellence. So, what’s their secret? We caught up with Alta Mere Franchisee of the Year Randy Durham of Plano, TX to find out what sets his business apart. Randy was an engineer in his prior career, and he always enjoyed working on cars. His desire to own a business is what spurred him to look at franchising to begin with, and when he was introduced to Alta Mere, he found a business that fit both his preferences and his community’s needs. Randy was impressed by the model of a store that sold automotive accessories that could outfit a car from top to tires, and he was impressed by the product offerings. He felt it was a great business opportun ... read more

August is known for being the hottest month of the year. They’re not called the “dog days” of summer for nothing! But surviving the rest of the summer can be easy if you’re equipped with the right automotive accessories to help you out. You won’t want to be caught without these accessories from your local Alta Mere Automotive Outfitters as we finish out the season! Remote Starter When you’re getting ready to leave the comfort of the air-conditioned indoors, it can be a dreadful thought to consider the heat and humidity awaiting you in your vehicle. Even with the windows cracked, the temperature inside your car can rise by more than 150° in very little time. By using a remote starter, you can avoid much of the unpleasantness of entering a hot c ... read more

Summer Vacation Trip Hazards Sunshine, warm weather and easy driving mean summertime is the perfect opportunity to take a road trip with friends and family. Unfortunately, those long car trips can come with some hazards, including rough roads, car trouble and sun damage. Luckily, there are steps you can take to dodge those road blocks and keep your vacation running smoothly. Brace Yourself for Wear and Tear Before you embark on your epic vacation, it’s important to make sure your car is in top form. The road can really wear down your car over time, so it’s best to be prepared. Regular oil changes, preventative maintenance and proper brake care will help stay you off the side of the road, and keep you cruising toward your destination. A broken-down vehicle is a sure-fire way to ruin a vacation in a heartbeat. Make sure to schedule a pre-trip maintenance appointme ... read more