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From the June 12, 2008 Ice Cold Air featured in the NBC Television Show Daytime …Click below for the story:

April 30th, 2008 - Grad Revs Up Career With Franchise
By MARK HOLAN The Tampa Tribune

SOUTH TAMPA - Ashley Butler met Allyn Ayers standing in line at Panera Bread. She was 22 and nearly done with her business degree at the University of South Florida.

He was 62 and beginning to divest himself from the daily operations of the discount auto repair chain he founded 40 years earlier. "I told her business is not for the weak or the lame, but whatever you want to do you can do," Ayers said. Butler, a Port Tampa native and Robinson High School graduate, promised to call Ayers after finishing her degree.

When she followed up about six months later, he hired her as an assistant. He also attended her 2006 graduation and met her family. "I liked her potential; the way she carried herself," Ayers said. "She asked tough questions." Butler soon became the auto chain's first female franchise owner, taking over Ice Cold Air at 803 W. Hillsborough Ave. Today she owns the busier and larger store at 410 S. Dale Mabry Highway.

"Allyn taught me in layman's terms the simplicity of business and how hard work and time invested can reward a young person," said Butler, 24. As a young black woman, the 5-foot-3 Butler doesn't fit the profile of the typical auto shop owner. "I thought that was going to be a big deal," Butler said. "At first, the workers were tougher than the customers," she said of the Hillsborough store. "But I got them to respect me and grow with me."

A few customers still mistake her for the receptionist. Butler said one of her regular customers gave her a name tag identifying her as the owner to help avoid confusion. "You have the random customer who thinks my tech Keith is the owner," she said. Technician Keith Cox said Butler brings a positive attitude. "We can be having the hardest day in the world, and she makes it fun," said Cox, who has worked at the Dale Mabry store for about 10 months.

Butler oversees two employees, handling the books and other administrative work. "Sometimes I'm out in one of the bays holding something in place," she said. "I don't act like I know everything."

Ayers said he is glad he gave Butler an opportunity. "I've heard nothing but incredible reports," he said.

February 2008 - GIVE A PINT/GET SOME QUARTS: Ice Cold Air to Give a Free Oil Change to March Blood Donors

Ice Cold Air, a Clearwater based company that provides auto repair services at 19 area locations, will give all Florida Blood Services' lifesaving blood donors during March 2008 a coupon for a FREE oil change! "Our business has continued to grow because we take a proactive approach to auto repair and our community involvement. By donating our time and resources to help build awareness of a need right here in our community, we can help our friends and neighbors," said Robin Hughes, Ice Cold Air President. "We believe this is extremely important to the future wellbeing of our community." Click here for full story

February 2008 - Local Auto Repair Franchise Launches Their Own Local Economic Stimulus Package by Giving Away Franchise Location

Ice Cold Air, a West Central Florida based company that provides auto repair services at 19 locations, announced this week they will be giving away a franchise to help a would-be entrepreneur in today’s slowing economy. The company has an extensive history of community involvement. “It is the opportunity of a lifetime. We are looking for someone looking who wants to promote themselves from an employee to a business owner,” says the President of Ice Cold Air, Robin Hughes. Hughes said, “we will offer the necessary training and assistance to get the franchisee up on their feet and hit the ground running.” The winner will not have to pay the company’s standard franchise fee of $40,000. The winner will be announced April 16th. “We picked tax day because that will be the last day the winner will have to file taxes as an employee,” said Hughes... Click here for full story

As seen in the Tampa Bay Business Journal click here

February 2008 - Auto Repair Shop Open During Extensive Environmental Clean-up

INVERNESS, Fla. – A local auto repair shop is undertaking an extensive environmental remediation process to clean up their property from old fuel storage tanks.  Brian and Nancy Doane, owners of the Inverness location of Ice Cold Air at 102 Main Street, said “this situation is not our fault, but it is our problem, and we are taking the necessary steps to ensure the environmental safety of our community.”  They have owned the shop since 2005 when the shop was converted from an old gas station. 
           
The extensive project begins on January 7th and is expected to take eight weeks.  A large fence will be erected to secure the work area.  Workers plan to excavate the contaminated soil and remove it from the property to resolve any environmental issues. 

Even though the location will look more like a construction site than an auto repair shop, Ice Cold Air will be open for business during the project.  Nancy Doane said, “we are hoping our customers and neighbors come in to get their cars serviced, regardless of how much construction equipment is parked out front. We need everyone’s support during this time. Help us while we help the environment.”  Brian and Nancy would love to see their customers stop by or call them at 352-726-1828.

Story Featured in the Citrus County Chronicle - click here to read the news story

January 2008 - January is National Blood Donor Month, Local repair Shop Works To Help Blood Bank In A Unique Way.

Ice Cold Air, a Clearwater-based company that provides auto repair services at 19 locations, is helping promote awareness of January’s Blood Donor month by offering to donate a free oil change to anyone that has recently given blood. The supplies at the local blood bank are at an all time low for many blood types, and donations are appreciated more now than ever. Robin Hughes, president of the Tampa Bay area’s leading repair facility, comments, “our business has continued to grow because we take a proactive approach to auto repair, and our community involvement. By donating our time and resources to help awareness of a need right here in our community, we can help immediately with our friends and neighbors. We believe this is extremely important to the future well being of our community.”

The local blood banks is always looking for help with a need of over 2,000 units of blood every day, consistent donations are vitally important. There is a need for blood each and every day of the year. By giving blood now, you are helping to ensure this precious gift is on-hand for the patients who need your help to survive an accident or illness. We all depend on this perishable resource. Blood is an emergency medicine and must always be readily available.

Anyone wishing to take advantage of the Free Oil change offer, should just bring in their ‘I donated blood today’ sticker or other proof of donation, from the local blood bank to any of the 19 Ice Cold Air locations. Visit www.icecoldair.net for a list of locations or call 800-838-COLD. The oil changes will be preformed right away if possible, if not, consumers will get a gift certificate that they can use in the future.

December 2007 - Free Oil Changes For Anyone Who Donates A Toy To “Toys for Tots”

Ice Cold Air, a Clearwater-based company that provides auto repair services at 19 locations, is offering to donate a free oil change service to any person that brings in a toy for the Marines “Toys for Tots” program. Starting November 13th and Continuing until December 12th.

Robin Hughes, president of the Tampa Bay area’s leading repair facility, “For the second year in a row we have worked to help the Marines with this worthwhile program. Previous years we gathered hundreds of toys for kids, and this year we are working to make it even better than before. Too often people forget that there are children right here in our community that need a little help. I believe that supporting this great program can make a big difference in the lives of hundreds or even thousands of children. We have decided to dedicate our time and resources to this worthy cause. Our clients are excited about it and so are we.”

The oil changes will be freely given to anyone with a toy for the Marines program, no strings attached. “Our community has been very good to us. This is simply a way to give back to the community.” “We anticipate collecting hundreds of toys like before, and hope that this year is better than ever.” The donations will be accepted at all 19 Ice Cold Air locations. The toys must be in the original packaging and unwrapped. People wanting to take advantage of this special should call or stop by any Ice Cold Air location.

Ice Cold Air Receives Coveted GREEN STAR AWARD from the Hillsborough County Environmental Protection Commission.

Ice Cold Air located at 803 W. Hillsborough in Tampa has been awarded the GREEN STAR AWARD in recognition for successfully utilizing Best Management Practices and Pollution Prevention Strategies to achieve an environmentally friendly auto repair facility. “This is an amazing achievement and I am proud to receive this award for our constant efforts to protect the environment and better the community” says Ashley Butler, owner of this Ice Cold Air location.

About the Program

The Green Star Program is an industry friendly program that encourages automotive repair facilities to go above and beyond environmental compliance through the use of Best Management Practices (BMPs) and Pollution Prevention (P2) strategies.  EPC utilizes a compliance workbook developed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) specifically for the auto repair industry.  In March 2005, a joint workshop with FDEP was held introducing the workbook and the Green Star Program to the auto repair industry.  The program has a checklist that emphasizes the use of BMPs and P2 strategies that each facility must implement in order to be considered a Green Star.  This information is reviewed by EPC staff to ensure completeness.  Once the review is complete, an on site inspection is performed to verify that what is reflected on paper is actually being conducted by the facility.  Facilities that successfully implement the BMP and P2 elements are certified as a “Green Star” facility. 
(Source http://www.epchc.org/greenstar.htm)

Repair Shop to Raise Money for Recent Local Family Tragedy

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – (7/12/2007) – The Ice Cold Air at 1406 4th Street North in St. Petersburg will hold a car wash this Saturday, July 14th. The local repair shop’s manager and his family will wash cars to raise money for victims of a recent local tragedy.

Like many area residents, Tom Lockwood was shooked by the recent carbon monoxide tragedy that killed two young boys, Jules and Parker Baudin, in New Port Richey. “This family faced adversity when they were forced to leave their home in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina and relocate to our community. The death of these boys is a tragedy that has rippled through the entire community and we wanted to find a way to help them after they have gone through so much,” said Lockwood.

Lockwood’s heart was moved by the family’s situation needing help from the community to send the boys home to be buried in Louisiana with their grandfather. Lockwood and his family decided that they would hold a car wash at the auto repair shop that he manages. On this Saturday, between 8am – 3pm, Lockwood, his wife and teenage children will be washing cars for donations that will be forwarded to the Baudin’s Family Trust at Whitney Bank.

1st Anniversary Celebration in Tampa!

Wow how time flies! The Ice Cold Air located at 803 W. Hillsborough in Tampa is celebrating its 1st Anniversary on Saturday June 2nd.

“Our first year has been fantastic and we wanted to thank our customers and the community for making this year so special to us,” said Ashley Butler, owner of the Tampa Ice Cold Air location. “The celebration will include tons of free food, fun, and raffle drawings for prizes.” Customers can win fantastic prizes that will save them money. Prizes included in the raffle drawings are a One Year Free Oil Changes, Free Car Care Club Card, Free A/C Evac & Recharge, $50 off any brake service, and other exciting discounts.

Butler said, “Our customers are responsible for making this past year so terrific and I am hoping to see all of them at the event along with new customers enjoying the celebration.”

Take advantage of this celebration by visiting Ice Cold Air at 803 W. Hillsborough in Tampa on Saturday June 2nd for food, fun, and prizes. Why wait on the fantastic deals that will be offered at the event? Call 813-236-8545 and make an appointment in advance…you don’t want to miss this!

DOWNLOAD this flyer and bring it to the store for even greater savings!

Customer Appreciation Day in Zephyrhills!

The Ice Cold Air located at 6609 Gall Blvd in Zephyrhills is throwing its First Annual Customer Appreciation Event on Saturday May 19th .

“We wanted a fun way to say thank you to our loyal customers,” said Doug and Jeannie Cade, owners of the Zephyrhills Ice Cold Air location. “We decided to throw a party with tons of free food, fun, and raffle drawings for prizes.” Customers can win fantastic prizes that will save them money. Prizes included in the raffle drawings are a Free Car Care Club Card, Free A/C Evac & Recharge, $50 off any brake service, and other exciting discounts.

Cade said, “Our customers count on us to provide reliable auto repair services at great prices. So we are hoping to see those familiar faces smiling and having a good time, eating free food and winning discounts for future auto repairs. And of course new customers are invited to come and enjoy the festivities as well.”

People wanting to take advantage of this special event should visit Ice Cold Air at 6609 Gall Blvd in Zephyrhills on Saturday May 19th for food and fun. If you want to get a jump on the fantastic discounts available that day, please call 813-782-7000 and make an appointment in advance…you don’t want to miss this!

DOWNLOAD this flyer and bring it to the store for even greater savings!

December 2006 - Free Oil Changes For Anyone Who Donates A Toy To “Toys for Tots”…A Huge Success!!!

Ice Cold Air, a Clearwater-based company that provides auto repair services at 21 locations, offered to donate a free oil change service to any person that brings in a toy for the Marines “Toys for Tots” during this holiday season. Ice Cold Air is reporting a tremendous response from the community with over-flowing boxes of toys in many of our locations. Ice Cold Air donated the hundreds of toys received to Toys for Tots to help needy children in the community.

According to Robin Hughes, president of the Tampa Bay area’s leading repair facility, “This year we decided to join with the Marines and support this worthwhile program. We are thrilled with the results and the outpouring of toys from our community. Our entire staff is elated to be a part of this program and overwhelmed by the fantastic results. Too often people forget that there are children right here in our community that need a little help. I believe that supporting this great program can make a big difference in the lives of hundreds or even thousands of children. Dedicating our time and resources to this worthy cause has been a remarkable experience.”

The oil changes were freely given to anyone with a toy for the Marines program, no strings attached. “The Tampa Bay Area community has been very good to us. This is simply a way to give back to the community.”

The donations were accepted at all 21 Ice Cold Air locations. We look forward to offering the same program next year! For more information, visit www.icecoldair.net or call 800-838-COLD.

Click here to see photos of the generous donations received

September 22, 2005

Ice Cold Air had the opportunity to help one Gulfport, Mississippi couple who were hit hard by Hurricane Katrina...

September 2005

Ice Cold Air is offering to donate an Auto Repair franchise in the Tampa Bay Area to an auto repair shop owner from the area affected by hurricane Katrina.

In addition Ice Cold Air will employ at least ten mechanics from the area that are willing to relocate. If we can’t hire them, we will do our best to place them with our local competitors.

According to Dave Dickson, President of Ice Cold Air- Discount Auto Repair, “The real damage from this hurricane is just beginning to be felt, and I believe it will affect the entire nation. I have pledged that my company will lead the charge for the victims, and we will offer support to them and their families. This hurricane could have just as easily hit here, and we would be the ones needing support. It’s our responsibility to help our neighbors. I believe that by providing this support we can make a big difference in the lives of children, and their families. We have decided to dedicate our time and resources to this worthy cause. Our clients are excited about it and so are we. The Bay Area community has been very good to us; this is simply a way to give back, when so much has been given to us.”

In addition to Ice Cold Air donating a franchise and hiring displaced mechanics, donations to the Red Cross will be accepted at any one of their 20 locations. People wanting to help this relief effort should stop by any Ice Cold Air, during normal business hours (Monday thru Friday 8:00 - 5:30) or call 800-838-2653.

Bay News 9 Video Footage Coming Soon!

From the May 2004 news edition of ABC Action News

“Boy with disability gets special van with help from Call for Action”

Click below for full story:

Above:  Alberto Vasquez receiving the title to his van.

From the February 13, 2004 print edition Tampa Business Journal

Auto service chain operates at low cost
Ice Cold Air expanding 'cheap' car repair niche
Carl Cronan
Staff Writer

CLEARWATER -- CLEARWATER -- Allyn Ayers was in the business of repairing speedometers on automobiles in central Florida in the late 1960s when he hired a technician who also knew how to work on air conditioners.

It didn't take long to figure out which service had more demand.

"We got into it by accident," said Ayers, who turned a single Orlando auto repair shop into Ice Cold Air Inc., a chain of 17 service centers throughout the Tampa Bay area.

By adding a variety of other vehicle repair services and charging squarely between neighborhood shops and auto dealerships, Ayers and his business partners have expanded the Ice Cold Air concept to exceed $10 million in annual revenue and a new goal of 50 locations over the next five years.

Ice Cold Air's locations are former auto service centers left behind by major chains or full-service gas stations driven out of business by larger self-serve convenience stores. This has allowed the company to save millions of dollars in construction, and the savings in overhead is passed along to customers in the form of reduced-price parts and labor.

"You don't have to be pretty to fix cars," said Ayers, who sold his previous business in Orlando in 1977 and started Ice Cold Air with a single location in Clearwater. "We found a niche. We found where we belong."

Not only is the word "cheap" prominently displayed at Ice Cold Air locations, it's also the marketing mantra for the chain. Ayers has always used giant signs to draw attention to his shops around the Bay area, along with other made-you-look methods such as a bubble-blowing machine outside its South Dale Mabry Highway shop in Tampa.

Previously, Ayers produced his own cable TV commercials, putting his videotaped mug in a box on the screen next to the Ice Cold Air logo. Audio came in the form of Ayers singing to the "Dragnet" theme ("Cheeeap, che-cheap, cheap") or rewriting a Hank Williams classic ("Your cheatin' car will quit on you").

But if unorthodox marketing doesn't grab drivers, Ayers figures the chain's flat-rate hourly labor charge of $25 and allowing customers to bring their own parts will. Franchisees are asked to stick to the founder's whimsical code.

"We keep it light, and we keep it fast," Ayers said. "If it isn't fun, I don't want to do it."

Lately, Ayers has more time for fun. Ice Cold Air's day-to-day operations are headed by company president Dave Dickson, who handles site selection for the chain while his wife, Kathy, takes care of accounting and other back-office functions.

Ayers and the Dicksons, owners of Ice Cold Air and attempt to operate the company by committee. Franchisees also are involved in company decisions through quarterly meetings.

"We make sure that we don't disrespect each other's egos to the detriment of the business," Dave Dickson said. "We're not going to go broke trying to get rich. We're going to take our time and pick our shots."

Instead of spending on extravagances, Ice Cold Air invests profits in real estate and has solid equity positions in nearly all its locations, Dickson said. The company recently hired Jackson King, a broker with Rick Wolfe & Associates in Tampa, to handle its corporate real estate acquisitions and future commercial property management.

King said Ice Cold Air is less concerned about proximity to other auto service centers or even its own current locations. "They can be pretty close together without cannibalizing each other," he said.

Ayers noted that talent is as important, sometimes more, than location. The chain seeks out business-minded shop owners and mechanics who want to continue operating like independent businesses but with close ties to a larger organization. Training is offered to franchisees without the company seeking a fee for the privilege, he said.

Ayers, who said he leveraged everything he owned during his early years of launching Ice Cold Air, now says he has received buyout offers from investors in Atlanta and Charleston, S.C. He said he isn't interested.

"We're in this for the long haul," he said. "The push is turning into a pull."

ccronan@bizjournals.com | 813.342.2468