AAMCO TRANSMISSIONS, INC. TURNS 40

By: AAMCO Transmissions and Total Car Care | 1,023 Shares 222 Reads

BALA CYNWYD, PA (Monday, September 01, 2003) - AAMCO Transmissions, Inc. celebrates the 40th anniversary of its first franchised center during the month of September, 2003. Founded by Robert Morgan in 1963, AAMCO has long been the leader in the field of transmission repair, earning it the title of "world's largest transmission specialist".

Drafting the Blueprint

In the early 1960's, Robert Morgan uncovered a tremendous need related to automotive repair. He recognized that transmissions had greatly increased in complexity, while the skill level among mechanics had not kept pace with technology. By providing customers convenience and cost efficiency in transmission service, Morgan turned his concept into a national icon, which still dominates in the automotive aftermarket. Specialty repair facilities from brake shops to quick lubes began dominating the industry, with AAMCO leading the way.

Morgan's talent for spotting trends was not limited to the automotive field, as he also possessed an instinct for marketing that was razor sharp. His tagline "Double A-beep-beep-M-C-O" made AAMCO Transmissions a household name, driving the recognition rate among the motoring public to an amazing 98%.

Morgan was also a franchising pioneer-growing the company from a single transmission repair center to a national franchise, at a time when franchising was just getting started. Today, AAMCO is comprised of over 700 centers in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.

Standing the Test of Time

In 40 years, AAMCO has serviced over 20 million customers, creating a reputation of excellence in a competitive, and at times, unforgiving business climate. Few franchises enjoy the staying power AAMCO has known. The company's resilience and record of achievement is notable, especially compared to the three-quarters of franchise systems that, according to the Small Business Administration, fail to continue past the 12-year mark.

AAMCO continues to excel in its fourth decade, under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Keith Morgan, son of Robert, and President and Chief Operating Officer Mark Wurth. Taking over as CEO in 1992, Keith's challenge in leading a second-generation company to new heights was great. Of roughly 20 million family-owned businesses in the U.S., only one third make it successfully past the first generation.

AAMCO defied the odds against both franchised and family-owned businesses when the company began producing record sales. When Wurth joined AAMCO in 1999, the veteran company entered the new millennium with a graceful resurgence that remains today.

"AAMCO is a permanent fixture on the industry landscape-a position earned through tireless hard work and dedication," says AAMCO CEO Keith Morgan. "From my father I learned the importance of quality of service, brand name awareness, and customer relationship. In my own experience as CEO, I've recognized the need to adapt to a changing business atmosphere. I am proud of our company and look forward to our continued prosperity."

AAMCO's COO and President Mark Wurth, adds, "It is not by chance AAMCO has performed as well as it has. Our technicians are the best in the field, trained and certified in state-of-the-art, advanced transmission diagnosis, repair and maintenance. Likewise, our commitment to our customers is seen each and every day, as our centers meet every customer with a smile. Our franchisees have much to be proud of. AAMCO's achievements over four decades will serve as the foundation to a highly successful future."

The first franchised AAMCO center in Newark, NJ, continues to operate under the same ownership. AAMCO has been recognized repeatedly in the annual "Franchise 500" issue of Entrepreneur Magazine. AAMCO television commercials have been awarded the CLIO Award, the highest recognition in advertising.