Maaco and Meineke have partnered to launch “Cars and Stripes,” a four-week video series chronicling the process of restoring a 2011 Chevy Silverado to gift to a deserving veteran. The first video of the series was shared on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, and a new video will be released every Wednesday through Dec. 2 on each brand’s Facebook page (Maaco and Meineke Car Care USA).
“We understand that the freedoms we enjoy are a direct result of the sacrifices our service men and women make,” said Danny Rivera, president of Meineke. “This campaign is our way of showing our gratitude.”
Meineke in Norcross, Georgia, owned by Kurani Car Care, performed a 23-point inspection on the truck and made all under-the-hood repairs to ensure the vehicle was road-worthy. Then, the truck was transported to Maaco Myrtle Beach, owned by retired U.S. Army Colonel Joe Johnson, for auto body repair and painting. The truck was gifted to Jason Hess, a U.S. Navy veteran who served 10 years. Jason and his family have overcome many hurdles as they’ve adjusted to civilian life over the past year, including a house fire that caused them to lose their home and belongings.
“Restoring the appearance and safety of vehicles is what our companies do best, but we can also restore pride,” said Jason Ryan, newly appointed president of Maaco. “Partnerships that support veterans are a priority because we’re proud to honor those who serve.”
Maaco and Meineke have a long history of military support, including offering discounts on Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and Veterans Day for active, retired and reserved service men and women. Recently, both companies were included on Entrepreneur Magazine’s list of top 10 brands making it easier for veterans to become franchisees because of the 25 percent discount on initial licensing fees offered to qualifying veterans.
This year, more than 500 Meineke shops across the United States collectively provided nearly 20,000 free oil changes for veterans on Veterans Day, worth about $500,000. During the month of November, Maaco also launched Maaco’s Month of Miracles, a program where Maaco franchisees donate $10 from each service to charity. The program is expected to collect up to $40,000 to be donated to charities, including veteran-support groups AMVETS and Hope for the Warriors.
