He, along with Robert Morgan, was a co-founder of the AAMCO transmission repair franchise in 1963, the name for which was created as an acronym of his initials.

After selling his interest in AAMCO in 1967, he founded the anagrammed acronym MAACO autobody and paint-service franchise in 1972, of which he remained the CEO until his 2008 death.

In 1982, he also founded the now defunct Sparks Tune-Up shops, which were purchased by the parent company of Meineke Mufflers and Brakes in 1987, as well as the Goddard Schools for Early Childhood Education in 1988.

Maaco Collision Repair & Auto Painting sales have risen for five consecutive years[when?]

as the chain of 475 centers expanded into late-model, driveable collision repairs.