AAMCO Continues To Drive Professional Developement Through AAMCO University Training Facility

Leader in Total Car Care Announces First Service Center Owners to Graduate School of Franchise Ownership

HORSHAM, PA -- July 30, 2015: AAMCO, the world's largest chain of transmission specialists and leader in total car care, continues to raise the bar on excellence in automotive maintenance repair and individualized customer service through its comprehensive training programs offered at AAMCO University. The specialized training facility, which opened in Newnan, Ga., earlier this year, is part of AAMCO's long-term strategy to drive operational excellence and growth systemwide. Most recently, the company celebrated the first graduates of AAMCO University's School of Franchise Ownership, in which nearly 10 franchise owners successfully completed its newly expanded curriculum focused on business ownership.

Under the direction of qualified instructors, AAMCO University offers a wide range of programs at its School of Franchise Ownership, School of Management, School of Technical Excellence and School of Franchise Support. Its expansive curriculum goes beyond the classroom by incorporating hands-on demonstrations, webinars and on-demand video, as well as in-field programs that are specifically designed to meet the needs of AAMCO's franchisees, managers and technicians.

"Ongoing training is a key component to our business growth and development, and we are committed to providing the tools and training essential to generating success for our franchisees," said Brian O'Donnell, senior vice president of franchise sales at AAMCO Transmission, Inc. "Through AAMCO University, we've established a world-class program for our franchisees, as well as employees at all levels of the AAMCO chain. The School of Franchise Ownership is designed to build the skills necessary to own and operate a profitable business. In addition to this program, AAMCO U. offers an extensive curriculum to develop new and enhance existing skills in employees, enabling us to stand out in the industry."

New AAMCO franchise owner Gary Denton recently graduated as part of the business ownership program's inaugural class. Denton currently owns and operates the AAMCO service center located in Prescott Valley, Ariz. Prior to joining the brand, the entrepreneur owned several construction companies in Phoenix before deciding to retire from the business and relocate to Prescott Valley. He plans to open another location in Prescott over the next few years.

"The training offered at AAMCO University was very engaging and thorough in explaining how to run and operate a successful business," said Denton. "After completing the coursework, I feel confident in what I have learned and know that my extensive business background will allow me to be successful in this new venture. I look forward to expanding the brand's footprint in the Prescott market in the near future."

AAMCO University provides ongoing training and support for its franchisees and staff members at its state of the art facility in Newnan, Ga. Traditional classroom courses are held in an auditorium, while specialized technical courses are taught in its full service auto shop located on campus, both using the latest training techniques. The facility is highly connected, utilizing advanced video and recording technology, allowing the courses to be offered online via the Learning Management System live or on-demand; the LMS system offers over 300 courses. Additionally, AAMCO partners with vendors to offer in market expert training for employees at all levels of the organization.

For over 50 years, AAMCO's locally owned and operated independent service centers have employed the latest technology. Expert technicians diagnose a repair, fix it right the first time, and back it with a nationwide warranty. Known as the world's leading transmission expert, the company has evolved into a total car care brand providing a variety of services including brake repairs, tune-ups, shocks and struts, routine maintenance and more. AAMCO was recently named to Entrepreneur's 2015 Franchise 500®. The system size, growth rate, and financial strength also earned the brand the top spot in the transmission repair category on Entrepreneur's "Best of the Best" list.

With nearly 700 centers across North America, AAMCO is actively seeking single- and multi-unit operators who are passionate about the brand and committed to providing the highest quality service. Interested candidates should have a minimum net worth of $250,000 and liquid assets of at least $80,000 per unit. Depending on the real estate site selected, franchisees can expect the total investment to be approximately $240,325 − $346,700 with a $39,500 initial franchise fee. Reduced franchise fees are available for honorably discharged veterans.