Editorial

Moran Industries looks to keep customers satisfied, loyal

Dedication, respect, integrity, vision, enthusiasm. These are corporate values that clearly define Midlothian, Illinois-based Moran Industries Inc. The automotive after-market Franchising company has 190 nationwide locations and includes Mr. Transmission, Multistate Transmission, Atlas Transmission, Dr. Nick Transmission, Alta Mere Complete Auto Imaging and Milex Tune Up and Brake Centers.

Moran Automotive Franchises Not only do such businesses define Moran, they drive it. "Our mission statement is to create a customer experience that results in satisfaction and loyalty," said Barb Moran, the company's president.

Create is a key word for both Moran and her business. Her father started the company in Midlothian in 1956 with one repair facility, so Moran was raised around cars. However, she graduated high school with plans to become a sculptor, only to end up working as a legislative aide for an Illinois congresswoman.

Later, Moran returned to the family business, owning and operating a Mr. Transmission Franchise before being selected by an outside management consulting firm to head the corporation her father built.

"The common link (in all the jobs) has been creating something, building something. With sculpting, I enjoyed creating something from nothing," said Moran, who has been in her current position since 1999.

Her political experience helped Moran with the glass ceiling issues she encountered as a woman in the automotive field, as well as with negotiating and building business relationships.

Being a woman executive in a male-dominated industry has put her personal and professional skills to the test. "I had two mentors," Moran said. "One mentor was Jane Barnes, who was a representative for the state of Illinois. She taught me how to manage family and work, work with men and accomplish results."

Moran said her father was her other mentor.

"I have had issues to overcome," she said. "It is a constantly evolving process. You have to prove your credibility as a woman in the automotive industry."

Moran said that while it is harder for a woman to compete in the industry, there is more receptiveness than people may envision. "Men are very accepting of women coming into this field," she said. "Once I show them my knowledge, it's fine."

Moran said women leaders can bring a little something different to the automotive executive track. "Women are naturally raised to be more nurturing," she said. "In today's work environment, people want to be nurtured in growth and development. I think women can do this and have a better result (than men)."

Accordingly, growth and development are two key features of the company's corporate identity with Moran at the wheel. "In 1999 we had made a decision to make a change in structure, business philosophy and strategy," she said. "Making all those changes doesn't happen overnight.

"Our basic problem was communication, both in getting the positive message out as well as handling negative things. "The key to moving forward is to recognize our strengths and weaknesses and then seek out people who will help us overcome our weaknesses."

In the corporate restructuring that took place in 1999, Moran said 70 percent of the executive staff was replaced. "We put performance standards in place and changed the home team," she said. "We were able to know we all believed in the same thing and could communicate that to our franchisees."

Those changes, which have been taking place over the past four years, have resulted in the local shop owners buying into the new philosophies. "We made a great change in our relationship with our franchisees," Moran said.

"Even in a time of economic slowdown, we have been accomplishing growth. We've been able to hold our own, maintain and even have new store growth."

According to Moran, the company fully supports its franchisees by offering extensive training in its proven business systems. Marketing, technical, operational and administrative assistance also is offered. "We look at it as we are a team, a support system," Moran said. "We act as a networking guide, a facilitator to bring in all of the information from the automotive after-market industry and give it to (franchisees) in a format they can use."

Specifically, the company soon will be rolling out a new advertising campaign designed to increase exposure for franchisees and build up customer bases. A new software program developed just for the business's users also was brought into the mix. The company's franchise Advisory Alliance meets regularly as a forum for local shop owners to discuss their business problems and find successful solutions.

"I have worked with my father throughout the years, and I wanted to continue moving forward with his goals," Moran said. "Our focus is to find the best programs for our franchisees to be successful. If they're successful, we'll be successful."

Want to be a Moran franchisee?
Being your own boss is an exciting prospect and Moran promises that their franchisees are part of a wonderful team. With brand awareness, co-branding opportunities, area development programs and multiple center fee discounts, you may find Moran Industries has just what it takes to put you in charge of your future.