Farhana Naz graduated from Fordham University with a business degree and worked in media research for Nielsen. When her brother-in-law opened his Maaco repair facility in Windsor, NJ, she began helping him part-time with managing the office. That eventually led to working full-time, estimating and helping with production. In 2019, with the support and encouragement from her family, she became a Maaco franchisee herself and purchased her own store.
“Ten years ago, I would never have seen myself in the automotive painting and collision repair industry--now this is my passion,” said Naz. “I absolutely love what I am doing! My favorite part is that every job is different. I love the interaction with the customers, and I enjoy the challenge that each job represents as an opportunity to make someone happy. No two jobs or customers are the same, and the reward comes when the customers are happy and pleased with our service.”
Naz welcomes diversity within her team and notes that there is opportunity for all within the Maaco family-- from estimators, production managers, and production line technicians.
“The benefit of having more diversity on your team is that they bring different ideas from the different backgrounds they come from,” said Naz. “In any of the industries where I have worked, I have seen that the more diverse teams are the most successful.”
Naz also encourages other women to consider the opportunity that running a Maaco franchise holds, citing the support that the Maaco team provides to their franchisees.
“The support that I received from the Maaco team was phenomenal,” said Naz. “They are with you every step of the way, with an in-depth training program, in-shop operations support, virtual coaching, whatever you need to be successful. I call it my Maaco family support team.”
Naz is proud of what she has accomplished in just two years. Their shop repairs and paints an average of 118 cars per month.
“Don’t be afraid to try something different, outside your comfort zone,” said Naz. “As long as you have a great training and support team, you will learn the business. If I can do it and be successful at it, anyone can do it."
“It’s Been a Very Rewarding Journey.”
Mohammad Ali came to America from Pakistan in 1977. After completing his high school and college education, he became a petroleum engineer for a major oil company. One day he saw a franchising advertisement for Maaco in USA Today and decided to investigate the opportunity further.
