Automotive Aftercare Franchise Launches Partnership with Born
In Detroit & Mission 22, Unveils Museum Exhibit
- Ziebart announces a partnership with Born In Detroit Apparel,
LLC, with a specially-branded clothing line available for purchase
and all proceeds to be donated to Mission 22 – a national
non-profit supporting military veterans & their families.
- Ziebart unveils a new exhibit of its 65-year history now being
featured in the Detroit Historical Museum. Founder Kurt Ziebart's daughter cut the ribbon in honor
of father's legacy.
- Ziebart reveals its new advertising campaign, featuring a
knight mascot and the new tagline, "Your Vehicle's Best
Defense."
TROY, Mich., March 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ziebart
International Corporation (Ziebart) – the worldwide leader in
premium automotive appearance and protection services for 65 years
– marked the milestone anniversary with an announcement of a
charitable partnership that will benefit military veterans
nationwide, as well as a creative new ad campaign and brand mascot
to launch the brand into the future.
During a celebratory event, Defending Our Legacy: Ziebart's
65th Anniversary, Ziebart revealed the company's
first ever mascot: A knight in shining armor, standing ready to
protect and defend vehicles for the next 65 years and beyond. Along
with the knight, comes Ziebart's new tagline: Your Vehicle's
Best Defense. Both the knight and the tagline will be seen in
commercials across the country throughout the year.
"As we mark 65 years of innovation and quality, we extend
gratitude to our franchisees, customers, employees and community
that kept us successful all these years," said Thomas A. Wolfe, President and CEO of Ziebart.
"Our newly announced charitable partnerships and museum exhibit
honoring our founder pay homage to those who got us here. The
introduction of our new knight mascot stands as a symbol to the
defense every vehicle needs that will carry our franchisees into
the future."
Celebrating Detroit-Roots
Ziebart was founded in
Detroit by Kurt Ziebart in 1959. As demand for rustproofing
services soared, the brand began franchising in 1963, and quickly
expanded service offerings to now include auto detailing, paint
correction and protection, window tinting, bed lining, and
accessories. Today, Ziebart operates more than 400 locations, with
1,300 service centers in 37 countries.
As a nod to its Detroit-roots,
Ziebart announced it is partnering with Born In Detroit Apparel,
LLC, a shop dedicated to showcasing the vibrant companies and
products that make Motown iconic. Limited-edition, Ziebart-branded
Born In Detroit apparel, including T-Shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and
tumblers, will be available to purchase through its online store
intermittently throughout the year.
"Born In Detroit was founded on a mission to honor the
incredible companies and organizations that were built here in
Motown," said Anthony Tomey, CEO of
The Tomey Group and Co-Owner of Born In Detroit Apparel, LLC. "From
the very invention of rustproofing, to continuing to grow and
innovate 65 years later, we are thrilled to partner with Ziebart as
the brand furthers Detroit's
legacy as the automotive capital of the country."
Committed to Supporting U.S. Veterans
The
collaboration with Born in Detroit
also comes with a charitable component: All proceeds from Born In
Detroit's Ziebart store will be donated to Mission 22, a national
veteran non-profit organization that provides support to veterans
and their families. Ziebart chose to donate to Mission 22 at the
recommendation of Morgantown, VA franchise owner – and Air Force
veteran – Nick Lambie. This furthers
the brand's already well-established commitment to supporting U.S.
veterans. In fact, as a proud member of VetFran, Ziebart offers a
significant military discount, waiving the entire initial
franchising fee for veterans. With a third of their U.S. franchise
owners coming from military background, both VetFran and
Entrepreneur have recognized Ziebart as a top franchise for
veterans.
"I'm honored to work for a company that not only makes it
possible for veterans to enter the franchising space with ease, but
also one that backs causes that are important to their franchise
owners," Lambie said. "I'm proud to support Mission 22, a
veteran-found organization that provides invaluable services to
veterans and their families, helping to get us through all of the
ups and downs that come upon returning home."
"We are incredibly grateful for Ziebart's generosity during such
a momentous time for the company," said Nick Ostrowski, Mission 22 Ambassador. "It's
companies like Ziebart, who recognize the challenges many veterans
face when re-entering the workforce, that make it possible for
organizations like Mission 22 to continue to provide the necessary
support to veterans and their families. We're humbled to have
veterans like Nick Lambie in our
corner, advocating for those who have served."
Defending Our Legacy: Ziebart's 65th Anniversary
Event
Ziebart kicked off its 65th Anniversary
with a celebratory event at the Detroit Historical Museum on
March 28. As guests walked into the
America's Motor City exhibit, they were greeted by Detroit local artist Desiree Kelly, live-painting a mural on a car
door, while the University of
Michigan's Victor the Frisbee Dog opened up the event.
Company Founder Kurt Ziebart's
daughter, Doris Ziebart-Hagedorn,
gave a heartwarming speech about what this milestone means to her
and her family, as she and her older siblings watched their father
create the art of rustproofing and build Ziebart International
Corporation from the ground up. International Franchise Association
(IFA) CEO and President Matt Haller also addressed the crowd,
recognizing Ziebart as one of the top 100 oldest franchise brands
in the world, giving insight into the strength and longevity of a
franchise business model.
Capping off the event, was the unveiling of Ziebart's new
exhibit in the Detroit Historical Museum. Wolfe, Ziebart-Hagedorn,
and the knight mascot stood together as they cut the ribbon to the
exhibit, which features photos and artifacts from the last 65 years
of Ziebart's history. The exhibit will be on display through
June.
For more photos, videos, and soundbites from Ziebart's
65th Anniversary celebration event, please visit the
Ziebart Media Room. To purchase items from Born In Detroit's
Ziebart line, visit Born In Detroit – Ziebart Apparel Partnership
Supporting Mission 22. For more information on Ziebart, including
franchising opportunities, visit ziebart.com.
ABOUT ZIEBART
Founded in 1959, Ziebart International
Corporation is the worldwide leader in premium automotive
appearance and protection services that extend the life of
vehicles. Ziebart operates over 400 locations, with 1,300 service
centers, in 37 countries. Ziebart continues to grow and offers
domestic and international franchising opportunities, a
best-in-class investment for qualified prospects. For more
information about Ziebart including franchise opportunities, please
visit ziebart.com.
ABOUT BORN IN DETROIT
APPAREL, LLC
Founded in Detroit,
Michigan in conjunction with 8 Mile Vodka in 2015, the Born
In Detroit tagline that was featured on the 8 Mile Vodka bottle,
was then trademarked, and brought to life in 2020. Born In Detroit
reflects the vision and passion of two sets of brothers and a close
friend, who were all Born in Detroit. This is not just
another apparel company, it's an apparel company with a
cause. The brand is a way for the community that was born in
Motown, part of the big three, or local hard-working families, to
show off their stomping ground and pride in their hometown,
Detroit. The apparel line features
clothing and products showcasing the trademarked Born In Detroit
and the ability to customize and collaborate with schools and other
brands. Born In Detroit, along with their sister company, 8
Mile Vodka, supporting their roots, and their community, is
something they strive for each day. For additional information on
Born In Detroit apparel, please visit www.BornInDetroit.store.
ABOUT TOMEY GROUP
The Tomey Group was founded in 2003
by Fawzi Tomey, President, and is
family owned and operated, and headquartered in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Siblings,
Anthony Tomey; CEO, Michael Tomey, CFO and Christine Tomey, Chief Compliance Officer, along
with their uncle Tony Tohme, Chief
Administrative Officer, run the daily operations for the group.
Opening their first Jimmy Johns
location in 2003 in Novi,
Michigan, the Tomey Group has expanded and currently owns
and operates over 50 Jimmy Johns throughout Southeast Michigan. The Tomey Group are proud
of their local roots in Michigan
and continue to support the community through charitable
initiatives and providing job opportunities to currently over 650
employees. The partners are also co-owners for specific brands that
further show their pride and represent their hometown through the
award-winning vodka, 8 Mile Vodka and Born In Detroit apparel
brand. The mission of the Tomey Group is to provide outstanding
customer service, deliver top-quality products and provide a
workplace environment that makes each employee feel part of the
Tomey family. For additional information about the Tomey Group,
please visit www.TomeyGroup.com.
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SOURCE Ziebart