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

Moran Family of Brands President & CEO Barb Moran-Goodrich recently appeared on an episode of the “Recalculating” podcast, which focuses on small business and entrepreneurship. Moran-Goodrich spoke with program hosts Dan Perkins and Don Mazzella on a wide range of topics such as about the history of the company, the auto repair field and the future outlook of the industry. Here are some of the topics discussed in the interview: Company overview and history Her professional background and time with Moran Family of Brands The state of the auto repair industry and employment opportunities in the future Franchise ownership opportunities in the auto repair field The newly created Moran Future Auto Tech Internship Program. Listen to Moran-Goodrich’s full interview in the of “Recalculating” podcast below

Most of us plan to hit the road for our summer vacation this year,according to AAA. It’s a great way to see the sights and unwind without breaking the bank. Unfortunately, not everyone on the road is looking for family fun. Some are looking for easy targets to break into cars. Those who go on vacation are particularly susceptible to car break-ins during the summer, and that’s why July is Vehicle Theft Prevention Month. You shouldn’t let this phenomenon deter you from taking that trip you’ve been anticipating, however. Instead, you should use it as an opportunity to be s ... read more

Summer brings constant threats to your vehicle’s clean exterior and interior. The heat isn’t the only thing that seeks to destroy the upkeep you perform on your vehicle — UV rays, insects and other hazards unique to summer are all conspiring to damage your car’s finish. To fight off all these harmful elements, you’ll need a special set of tools and tasks. Keep your paint job sparkling and your upholstery dust- and stain-free through the challenges of summer conditions with these tips. Tip 1: Wash Your Car Frequently Dirt, pollen and other environmental contamination begins to swirl more densely during the summer. There’s evidence that smog becomes more persistent and prevalent during the warmer months. Additionally, tree sap that lands on your car from growing trees could harden and adhere to your car’s exterior. This could completely ruin your paint job in the affected areas. Y ... read more

In the heat of summer, we’re sure you remembered basic vehicle maintenance tips for helping your car deal with sunlight and increasing temperatures. The rising mercury level in your thermometer isn’t the only thing that makes summer so hard on your vehicle. Summer weather brings extreme temperatures and heavy thunderstorms, which can lead to unique hazards. Here’s a list of things you might have forgotten in preparing your vehicle for the summer conditions. Tires When the weather gets hotter, the air in your tires will expand, so the first thing you’ll want to do is make sure they are not over-inflated. You will also need to check your tires for cracks, low treads and other imperfections that could be dangerous in the long run. The heavy, sudden rains that can often happen in the summer can test your tires, and the worst time you want to discover your tires need to be r ... read more