Pickups Plus Columbus, OH Franchisee is First Franchise to Become a ValuGard Distributor
CINCINNATI, May 7, 2004 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Pickups Plus, Inc. (OTCBB: PUPS), a
leading retailer and national franchiser in the $38 billion truck and SUV
aftermarket accessory industry, today announced its Columbus, OH Franchisee is
the first to become a distributor for its new ValuGard product and service
offering. Through its recently announced acquisition of Auto Preservation (AP),
the Company can offer automotive dealerships a single source solution for their
outsourcing needs, including care and warranty products (under the ValuGard
label) and the sale and installation of pickup truck and SUV accessories. These
products include paint sealant, undercoating, fabric protector and anti-rust
compounds plus a full line of prep/recon products.
In addition to providing automotive dealerships this complete service offering
directly within its own markets, the Company has programs for Distributors,
Jobbers, and Detailers throughout the United States. Its independent franchisee
in Columbus has agreed to become a Distributor within their market for the
ValuGard offering. The turnkey offering will provide distributors with
everything they need to operate and service local automotive dealerships with
this premier service including; certified training program, full line of
ValuGard car care and environmental protection products and ongoing sales and
marketing support. Acting as a distributor in the Cincinnati market alone, AP
processed over 15,000 vehicles for automotive dealerships last year and
generated over 1.5 million dollars in revenue.
"It is very gratifying to bring a complimentary service offering to our
franchisees, and see it be so well received," said Mr. Jesson, President and
Chief Executive Officer of Pickups Plus. He continued, "Pickups Plus has a
proven template to capture and grow the consumer market through its retail
stores. The addition of the ValuGard offering now provides us an entree into the
automotive dealerships which should enhance our company store and franchisee
revenues."
Larry McCoy, the company's Columbus, OH franchisee said, "After attending the
Automotive International Prep Excellence training program and reviewing the
local market potential, I am very excited about offering the ValuGard services
in conjunction with a line of accessories to the local automotive dealers." He
continued, "The ValuGard service should add six figures to our revenue in just
the first year. Our exclusive distribution agreements for certain accessory
products it will enhance the dealerships ability to better satisfy customer
requests. Because our business is built on repeat customers and referrals, our
real benefit comes from establishing a long-term relationship with these
consumers at the time they purchase their vehicle."
Pickups Plus, Inc. is a leading operator and franchiser of retail automotive
parts and accessories stores catering to the light truck market, which is
considered to be the fastest growing segment of the motor vehicle market in the
United States. There are currently six franchised locations in operation and two
Company owned-stores. The Company intends to pursue an aggressive expansion
strategy by opening additional company-owned stores and franchise locations to
become the first nationwide chain in its growing, but highly fragmented
industry. For more information about the Company go to www.pickupsplus.com and
look for updates in the Chairman's Letter which will be posted monthly.
SOURCE: Pickups Plus, Inc.
CONTACT:
Pickups Plus, Inc.
Sean Hayes, 860-633-0377
shayes@Pickupsplus.com
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