COLUMBUS, Ohio — Matt and Debra Boily have done something many would be weary to do while people are working from home: They’ve opened an automobile franchise.

“There was always the unknowns and risks of opening a new business but then when the pandemic showed up it was like wait a minute how are we going to do this,” Matt Boily said.

 

What You Need To Know

  • Matt and Debra Boily opened Mr. Transmission Milex franchise in Columbus during pandemic
  • Moved from Seattle, WA, chose Ohio because of growing demographic

  • Have faced challenges with people not driving as much, but also opportunities

  • New Mr. Transmission Milex store located at 2233 Morse Road, Columbus, OH 43229

 

The couple had already made the decision to move nearly 2,000 miles from Seattle, WA to open their business in Ohio before COVID-19 hit.

“The Columbus-area is very diverse and growing area when we did demographics on it and we always wanted to open a franchise,” Debra Boily said.

But, while many businesses have had to reinvent their wheels during this time, Matt Boily said they haven’t had to.

“We've been able to on the fly build these processes into our new business. The good part about it is it was while we were opening and when we were trying to get our other business process together."

It’s an opportunistic perspective that’s helping this couple make their Mr. Transmission Milex store a success.

“Some people they're not driving but on the flip side if a car sits for a while, doesn’t get driven, doesn’t get started, that’s not good for it either so that may drive the need for repairs as well.”

And for those who do come through the doors, Debra Boily said they’ve been very welcoming.

“The gratitude they give back to us. It’s really heartwarming, especially during the pandemic as its going because we don’t get to go out and meet people.”