As a recession-resistant, need-based business that benefits from consumers keeping cars longer, Moran Family of Brands continues to evolve, adapt and grow while serving customers across North America. By Erika Ortega
As a recession-resistant, need-based business that benefits from consumers keeping cars longer, Moran Family of Brands continues to evolve, adapt and grow while serving customers across North America.
“New car sales are down,” said Peter Baldine, Chief Growth Officer of Moran Family of Brands. “New cars are extremely expensive today, and people are hanging on to them a lot longer. The average vehicle on the road is 12.8 years old, and about 15 years ago, the average was 7.”
Offering franchisees a mature business model, a high-need services blueprint and strong unit economics, brands such as Mr. Transmission® and Milex are thriving. Due to the automotive nature of the business, entrepreneurs often are surprised to learn that the all-in cost to own a Moran Family of Brands franchise is about $350,000.
In addition to franchisee training, support and a veteran ownership program, Moran Family of Brands facilitates scalability while leveraging overhead through its co-branding program.
“You can own and operate both franchises, Mr. Transmission and Milex, in the same building and enjoy two separate revenue streams,” Baldine said. “For franchisees, it increases top-line sales, margins, customer base and reach. For customers, co-branding provides a one-stop shop for automotive services needed under the same roof.”
With a fine-tuned structure, Moran Family of Brands is a great fit for individuals with business, sales and marketing experience. As part of the International Franchise Association’s VetFran program, the parent company is also committed to recruiting veterans for both franchise ownership and employment opportunities.
“Seven percent of the U.S. population is made up of veterans, and 21% of our franchisees are veterans,” Baldine said.
Mr. Transmission and Milex specialize in transmission services, oil changes, diagnostics and the repair of air conditioning, radiator and cooling systems. Following Moran Family of Brands’ acquisition of Canada’s Mister Transmission in 2025, the company formed a leadership team focused on three pillars: franchisee support, growth and development, and administration and finance.
“Our original plan was to allow for six to eight months of integration, but things were going so well that we decided to expedite the process,” Baldine said. “Instead of duplicating franchisee support efforts, we restructured the company and created a unified North American team.”
Erika Ortega