Big O Tires LLC

Founded: 1962 Franchising since: 1962
A group of tire dealers came together in 1962 and started Big O Tires, a franchise that is now based in Englewood, Colorado. Each Big O center offers a variety of auto repair services, including brake, alignment and front-end repair, as well as tire and ride control products.

Big O Tires has centers across the western United States and in Canada.

In 1996, Big O Tires was acquired by TBC Corporation and today operates as a subsidiary of the Florida-based company.

12650 E. Briarwood Ave., #2D Englewood, Colorado 80112

Phone: (800)622-2446

Franchisor is a privately-held company with 200 employee(s); 12 employee(s) in franchise department.

Franchise Growth

Year	U.S. Franchises	Canadian Franchises	Foreign Franchises	Company Owned
2008	509	1	0	13
2007	545	1	0	0
2006	538	1	0	0
2005	557	1	0	0

Where Seeking Franchisees

Exclusive territories available.
Territory size: 5-mile first option rights

Total investment: $275.8K-843.3K Franchise fee: $30K

Ongoing royalty fee: 6% Term of agreement: 10 years, renewable

Type of Financing Available

	In-House	Third Party
Franchise Fee	No	Yes
Startup Costs	No	Yes
Equipment	No	Yes
Inventory	No	Yes
Accounts Receivable	No	Yes
Payroll	No	Yes

Third-party financing source(s): the SBA & other commercial lenders

Qualifications
Net worth requirement: $300K-600K
Cash liquidity requirement: $100K-200K
Business Experience:

• General business experience
• Strong management skills

Operations

• 33% of all franchisees own more than one unit
• Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 8
• Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (70% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

Training

• Available at headquarters: 4 weeks
• At franchisee's location: 2 weeks at opening
• Ongoing

Ongoing Support

• Newsletter
• Meetings
• Toll-free phone line
• Grand opening
• Internet
• Security/safety procedures
• Field operations/evaluations
• Purchasing cooperatives

Marketing Support

• Co-op advertising
• Ad slicks
• National media
• Regional advertising

Franchise 500® rank:
#134 (2009); #170 (2008); #224 (2007); #107 (2006); #77 (2005);

America's Top Global Franchises:
#94 (2006);