Expansion Pace Continues for CARA Collision & Glass as 9th Location Opens in Fridley
2 September 1997
Expansion Pace Continues for CARA Collision & Glass as 9th Location Opens in FridleyST. PAUL, Minn., Aug. 29 -- CARA Collision and Glass may be the "new kid on the block" when it comes to the damaged vehicle repair business in the Twin Cities, but they're making up for lost time. The ninth CARA location opened in Fridley this July, just 10 months after CARA opened the doors to its first repair shop. "With three weeks under our belt, our business is booming, and it's growing every day," said Manager Rick Johnson. "We've expanded the menu of services to include auto glass repair and replacement, paintless dent removal and stolen and recovery repair." CEO Randy McPherson commented, "We're pleased that our ninth location is now open, serving collision repair needs in Fridley and the northern suburbs. We understand how traumatic it is to have your vehicle damaged in an accident. Our goal is to make vehicle repair as easy, quick and painless as possible, so our customers can get back on the road again soon." CARA offers many services to help achieve this goal: -- Rental Car -- Free Towing (up to $45) -- Mobile Glass Repair -- Free Pick-Up and Deliver -- Free Detailing -- 24 Hour Emergency Glass Service -- Second Work Shift (in selected locations) "With an Experienced Management Team in Place, CARA is Poised for More Growth" The sign will barely be up at the Fridley CARA location before it's time to welcome more members to the team. CARA's first repair facility in Duluth is slated to open this fall, with six more locations on the drawing board for 1997 and early 1998. "The only way we can effectively manage this rapid growth is with a top notch management team to lead the way," said McPherson. "I strongly believe in surrounding myself with the most talented and committed people I can find. There's no better team than the one we've assembled at CARA -- a team prepared to lead us successfully into the 21st century." Recent industry news coverage on Randy McPherson and his new concept, CARA Collision & Glass "A thorough, thoughtful business-builder and promoter, he (McPherson) will certainly have an impact on the industry beyond the Twin Cities area." -- Russell Thrall III, Editor Collision Repair Industry Insight July, 1997 "McPherson and Gutt have big plans for CARA. In years to come, this idea, which originated at McPherson's own kitchen table, may become a force to be reckoned with." -- Eleanor Yap Automotive Body Repair News July, 1997 "Randy McPherson helped make collision repair franchising a reality in the 1980s with the ABRA group of collision repair stores. Now he's taking the concept one step further (with CARA)." -- Chris Kemp New Jersey Automotive June, 1997 "According to McPherson, the partnership's success is due to finding the partner with the right skills and the right vision." -- Jane Schreier Jones The Marketer Spring, 1997 SOURCE CARA Collision and Glass