Today we’d like to introduce you to Rashaad Franklin.
Hi Rashaad, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Where do I begin?
I was born on April 12, 1980, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Dawn and Calvin Franklin—my loving parents, who are still married after 46 years. I spent my formative years there, attending school from elementary through college, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design and Commercial Arts.
New Orleans wasn’t just where I lived—it was home. That all changed in August 2005, when Hurricane Katrina forced me to leave the city I loved. Like so many others, I had to start over. I spent several months in Nashville, Tennessee, trying to find my footing, until a phone call from my brother in Centreville, Virginia changed the course of my life.
I packed up and made a 12-hour drive through the Appalachian Mountains, playing Kanye West’s The College Dropout on repeat in my 2001 Camaro SS. When I arrived, it was a relief to be back with family—but there was no time to get comfortable. I needed to work.
My brother helped me land a job on the overnight team at Home Depot in Reston. It wasn’t glamorous, but it put money in my pocket and gave me a starting point. Still, I knew I was capable of more. I began speaking with upper management, confidently telling them what I already believed: I was a strong salesperson, and I deserved an opportunity to prove it.
They gave me that shot.
I moved from flooring sales to supervising multiple departments, eventually working my way up to Assistant Store Manager. Not bad for a kid from New Orleans who had lost everything in a storm.
But I wasn’t finished.
I’ve always had a passion for cars, and I knew I wanted to build something bigger for myself. That drive led me to a Store Manager position with Bridgestone Tires Plus, where I was given the opportunity to run my own store. It was a completely different challenge—and one of the most important learning experiences of my career. There, I developed a deeper understanding of operations, learned how to break down and manage a P&L, and refined my ability to lead both customers and employees with a high level of service and accountability.
My next chapter took me to Tire World, a respected and successful local company. That experience sharpened my customer relationships even further. The environment was more personal, more hands-on, and I was fortunate to learn from strong mentors—some I had known for years, and others I met along the way who helped shape my leadership style.
From there, I joined Mr. Tire, where I partnered with my friend Isaac. Together, we took a struggling store and turned it into a success in just six months. I was later transferred to another location, where we exceeded expectations—delivering record-breaking performance and setting the pace for the entire district.
Then came another call that would shift my path once again.
My brother Isaac reached out and invited me to join a growing company called Instant Car Fix, bringing with me the experience and skill set I had built over the years. At first, I was hesitant. But once I saw the vision—what the company was aiming to do in the mobile repair space—I was all in.
This journey has been nothing short of incredible. Being part of a team that is building something meaningful, watching the company grow at an accelerated pace, and knowing that I play a role in that growth—it’s a feeling I don’t take for granted. There’s a real sense of pride in what we’re creating, and even more excitement for where we’re headed.
Today, I stand for resilience, growth, and creating opportunity—not just for myself, but for the people around me. Losing everything during Hurricane Katrina taught me that nothing is guaranteed, but everything is possible if you’re willing to rebuild. My mission now is to take every lesson I’ve learned—from the overnight shifts to leading teams and building businesses—and use it to help others grow, succeed, and see what’s possible for themselves. Because at the end of the day, success isn’t just about what you build—it’s about who you bring with you along the way.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Has it been a smooth road? Not at all.
There have been moments of uncertainty, setbacks, and starting over from scratch. Losing everything during Hurricane Katrina was one of the toughest experiences of my life—it forced me to rebuild not just financially, but mentally and emotionally. Moving to a new state without a clear path, taking on overnight work just to get by, and having to prove myself from the ground up was far from easy.
Even as I grew in my career, the challenges didn’t stop. Stepping into leadership roles meant learning how to manage people, handle pressure, and make tough decisions that impacted both the business and the team. There were times I doubted myself, times I had to adapt quickly, and times when failure became my greatest teacher.
In the automotive industry, especially when taking over struggling stores, the pressure to perform and deliver results was constant. Turning those situations around required long hours, discipline, and the ability to stay focused when things weren’t going as planned.
But every challenge shaped me. It taught me resilience, accountability, and how to stay committed even when the outcome wasn’t guaranteed. Looking back, those struggles weren’t setbacks—they were necessary steps that prepared me for the opportunities I have today.
As you know, we’re big fans of INSTANT CAR FIX . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Instant Car Fix is more than just an automotive service company—it’s a modern solution to an outdated industry. We specialize in mobile automotive repair, bringing professional, reliable service directly to our customers’ homes, workplaces, or wherever they are. Our goal is simple: eliminate the inconvenience, uncertainty, and downtime that traditionally comes with car repair.
What we’re known for is convenience, transparency, and trust. In an industry where customers often feel unsure or taken advantage of, we’ve built a model that puts communication and integrity first. From real-time updates to clear diagnostics and fair pricing, we make sure our customers understand exactly what’s happening with their vehicle every step of the way.
What truly sets me apart is my ability to bring together skilled technicians and create a streamlined, customer-first experience around them. I’ve always believed that fixing the car is only part of the job—the real value is in how the service is delivered. That mindset has driven me to help redefine the experience by focusing on mobility, efficiency, and clear communication, so customers save time without sacrificing quality.
What I’m most proud of is the culture I’ve helped build. I’ve been intentional about creating a team that operates with excellence, accountability, and genuine care for people. For me, it’s bigger than just business—it’s about developing individuals, building trust, and creating an environment where both employees and customers feel valued. Seeing that culture translate into real growth, strong relationships, and repeat business has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.
What I want readers to understand is that everything I’m a part of is built on experience, resilience, and vision. I’ve seen the challenges in this industry firsthand, and I’ve made it a mission to be part of the change. I’m not here to follow the traditional path—I’m here to help evolve it, create better opportunities, and leave a lasting impact.
And I’m just getting started.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was—and still am—a fun-loving person. I’ve always enjoyed joking around and making people laugh. That lighthearted side of me has always helped me connect with others and build strong relationships.
At the same time, I’ve always had a serious side, especially when it comes to business and getting things done. When I focus on something, I commit fully. I’ve always been the type to dive deep, learn every facet of a subject, and push myself to understand how things really work.
Outside of that, I’ve always had a passion for history and my family’s genealogy. There’s something meaningful about understanding where you come from and how it shapes who you are. I’ve also always had a creative side—I enjoy drawing, painting, and finding ways to express ideas visually.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.instantcarfix.com–
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/instantcarfix?igsh=MTd3dnF1OHFjOGxrbA==
