With a family history of Maaco ownership, Kurt Seifert learned the fundamentals of the business at an early age.
Kurt’s story with Maaco began long before he bought a franchise location in Ferndale, Michigan.
“Back when I was eight years old, my dad bought his first Maaco in Dearborn,” he recalled. “I grew up in this business.”
Kurt’s done it all — cleaning out the sandpaper buckets as a kid with his dad; training as a detailer under his uncle; and working as a painter when he was home from college for the summer. This allowed him to learn the ins and outs of running a shop and cemented his desire to carry on with the family business.
After graduating with a degree in business management, he began managing the Ferndale location in the mid-1990s. By 2002, he purchased that shop and made it his own.
Now in his third decade as a franchisee, Kurt represents the best of what Maaco ownership can be: a blend of deep operational knowledge, a steadfast focus on customer satisfaction, and a lasting dedication to the Maaco brand.
Adapting While Staying True to the Core
There have been plenty of changes in the automotive industry over the last 30 years, including Maaco’s evolution from a “cosmollision” service model to offering a broader range of services. Yet for Kurt, who has experienced this transformation firsthand, Maaco’s foundational services remain as relevant — and indispensable — as ever.
“The business is evolving, but it’s the same at its core,” Kurt explained. “Cars are still rusting. People are still hitting things. The work is there.”
Keeping the shop modern and competitive has always been a priority for Kurt. Over the years, he made strategic updates, such as investing in state-of-the-art paint booths, refining materials and processes, and meeting certification standards to elevate the quality of work. He remains dedicated to every customer and every vehicle with care, whether it's a full paint job, collision repair, or fleet maintenance.
Leading Through Relationships
Kurt’s Maaco shop has been a staple for the Ferndale community, operating from the same building for decades. A significant reason for the business’s continuing success is Kurt’s leadership. His approach is both accessible and firm — he fosters an open, supportive environment while maintaining high standards for his team.
“I trust my team to maintain our high standards. We do things right the first time, so our customers are happy,” he explained. “Every morning, I share the plan for the day and allow my employees to follow the schedule. What I do is step in to manage the logistics to make the shop run smoothly from start to finish for each vehicle.”
Kurt’s leadership style has extended the “family” aspect of the business to include his team members. Back in the late 90s, he hired a couple of employees whose kids would spend weekends in the shop helping with tasks like sweeping and cleaning. Today, those same kids now work for Kurt.
“They're now my main paintline guys,” Kurt explained. “I think it all comes down to the fact that they seem to like me, they understand what the expectations are, and I always make sure there is plenty of work for everyone.”
Lessons in Longevity
Over the years, Kurt shows up for the same two things every day: the people and the potential.
“I genuinely enjoy being here,” he says. “I like the team, I like the customers, and I believe in the business.”
To Kurt, the collision repair and auto painting business is more than cars — it’s about building relationships, delivering on promises, and giving people a great experience. He’s found that the Maaco business model makes this easy to achieve, provided you are willing to put in the work.
“This is not a passive business. You need to be present,” he said.
Being present for Kurt means arriving at the shop by 7 a.m. and ensuring everything is set up and ready to go for the day.
Looking Ahead
While many business owners in other industries may be bracing for a possible economic recession, Kurt remains confident. He is certain about the enduring relevance of Maaco’s services and the value they continue to provide customers:
“In some ways, I think we’re recession-resistant,” he explained. “People are still getting into accidents, still hitting curbs, still needing paint. There’s no one who can compete with our brand recognition.”
His commitment to serving Maaco customers remains as steady as it was 30 years ago: “At the end of the day, I look back and say, ‘What a great day. Let’s go do this again tomorrow.’”
