Brand Honors Top Franchisees, Expands Dealer Reach and Launches Gold Shield
- Ziebart had one of the strongest revenue years in its history and celebrated major franchise milestones.
- At its annual conference, the brand honored top-performing franchisees for sales success and customer service.
- Ziebart also introduced Gold Shield, a program that helps dealerships offer its protection products.
- The company continues to grow by combining new technology, dealer partnerships and franchise support.
Ziebart is having an impressive year.
A worldwide leader in premium automotive appearance and protection services for over 65 years, Ziebart reported one of the strongest revenue years in its history, achieved impressive franchise milestones and just launched an innovative dealership program called Gold Shield.
But why rest on your laurels?
Ziebart’s annual conference centered on the theme “Double Down on Success,” a fitting nod to this year’s Las Vegas setting.
The event, which brought together Ziebart’s entire franchise family – the brand operates over 400 locations with more than 1,000 car dealer partners in 37 countries – was also an opportunity to recognize owners for achieving sales success and exceptional customer service.
Dozens of awards were given, ranging from Customer Experience Rising Star (Fort Meyers, Fla.) to Multi-Unit Top Achiever (West Seneca, N.Y.).
“These awards reflect the strength of our franchise system, the momentum of our brand and the kind of leadership that drives Ziebart forward,” says Chief Executive Officer and President Thomas A. Wolfe.
The Heart of Ziebart
Among the most meaningful moments was the presentation of the inaugural Heart of Ziebart Award to the Chief Financial Officer of multi-store owner Mattiacio Group, Zach Mattiacio.
“The Heart of Ziebart Award was created to recognize someone who reflects the values of this brand in everything they do, and Zach is that person,” Wolfe says. “His leadership, character and ability to bring people together have made a lasting impact across our franchise family.”
With 24 Ziebart stores open across New York, Florida, Indiana and Ohio and another in development, the family-owned Mattiacio Group is the largest Ziebart franchisee.
“It means more than I can put into words to receive the very first Heart of Ziebart Award,” says Mattiacio. “When I think about what the heart of Ziebart means, it’s about lifting someone up when needed; it’s about sharing an idea that might help someone at another store; it’s about passionately doing everything you can for the Ziebart family.”
The Mattiacio Group also led this year’s honorees with nine traditional awards, including the Dealer of the Year Award.
Proven Model Scaled Nationwide
Another highlight of the conference was a look at what’s ahead for Ziebart, including new dealership partners and the launch of the iBart app, a tech tool designed to enhance customer and franchise owner experiences.
Leadership also shared updates on the Gold Shield Protection Program, an initiative that allows car dealerships across the country to offer Ziebart’s protection products and services, including fabric protection, leather conditioning and paint protection, directly to their customers.
“Whether there’s a Ziebart down the street or not, we want dealers to have access to our products and services, our expertise and a program that helps them stand out in a competitive market; that’s the goal,” says Vice President of U.S. Franchise Operations Jason Theisen.
Aftermarket Expansion
This was all welcome news for Ziebart franchisees, especially as the light-duty aftermarket in the U.S. is poised for substantial expansion. The Auto Care Association has reported that consumers will spend $435 billion to repair and maintain their vehicles this year, with that figure expected to exceed $500 billion by 2028, according to After Market Matters.
For franchise owners, Ziebart’s focus on automotive appearance and protection provides a profitable niche, offering detailing, paint correction and protection, window tint, Rhino-Linings® Sprayed-On Bedliner, corrosion protection and a variety of enhancements for vehicles after purchase.
The brand’s time-tested franchise model supports those multiple revenue verticals.
People Drive Success
Technology advances and innovative new partnerships may have been star attractions at Ziebart’s Vegas conference, but as CEO Wolfe notes, none of it is possible without people.
“The successes we’re celebrating are the result of franchisees and store leaders who continue to raise the bar, invest in their businesses, and create meaningful growth while staying true to the values that define Ziebart.”
More on Gold Shield
What is it: The Gold Shield Protection Plan allows dealerships to integrate Ziebart-backed protection services directly into their operations.
What’s different: Car dealers have historically sent vehicles off-site to a nearby Ziebart location for protection services.
What’s offered: Dealerships can offer fabric protection, leather conditioning and paint protection using Ziebart products applied on-site by their dealership teams once trained by Ziebart.
Who’s it for? Ziebart is making the program available to all qualified car dealers across the U.S.
Visit the Ziebart website for more information.
