Training Schedule  ▪  Snug Hugs for Kids  ▪  Upcoming Events

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- May 29, 2008 - Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops Announces Newest Franchisee in Naperville

- April 15, 2008 - Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops Announces Newest Franchisee in McHenry
- March 31, 2008 - Merlin Sets New Industry Standard With a 200,000 Mile Transferable Warranty
- January 12, 2008 - Thousands Receive Warm Winter Gear From The Snugs Hugs For Kids 2007 Drive
- October 12, 2007 - Auto Repair & Maintenance Chain Kicks Off Winter Clothing Drive
- September 26, 2007 - Automotive Service Chain Encourages Young People to Lend a Hand
- August 14, 2007 - Merlin 200,000 Mile Shop Announces Newest Franchisee in Plainfield
- July 10, 2007 - Give a Snug Hug to Children in Need With a Handmade Gift From The Heart

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Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops Announces Newest Franchisee in Naperville

Naperville, Illinois (Grassroots Newswire) May 29, 2008 -- Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops recently announced that Ron Thomas has taken ownership of the Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop in Naperville, located at 920 E. Ogden Ave.

“I’m very excited to be a part of the Naperville community and offer customers professional vehicle repair and maintenance that can help their automobiles reach their full life potential,”said Ron Thomas, franchisee of Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop in Naperville. “I hope to help the Naperville community understand the true mileage potential of today’s passenger vehicles by introducing them to Merlin’s DRIVE FOR 200,000 during the course of every business day.”

Ron Thomas joins Merlin with extensive management, marketing, and sales experience in the automotive, banking, and transportation industries.

Mr. Thomas began his career with Oakbrook Bank in Oakbrook, Illinois. In 1993, he purchased Elegant Touch Limousine and successfully directed this business for more than six years. Most recently Mr. Thomas held several key positions with Open Mortgage, LLC in Naperville, Illinois.

A Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop provides both repair and maintenance services as well as tires - almost anything a consumer would need during the first 200,000 miles of their cars life (except car washes, major engine, transmission, and collision repair).

Special offers for the Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop in Naperville can be found by visiting www.merlins.com.

”Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops have a commitment to long-term customer relationships, and I look forward to meeting and serving the people of the Naperville area,” said Thomas.
For more information on the Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop in Naperville, please contact Ron Thomas at 630-357-6300.

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Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops Announces Newest Franchisee in McHenry

McHenry, IL (Grassroots Newswire) April 15, 2008 -- Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops recently announced that Brad Milller has taken ownership of Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop in McHenry, located at 3926 W. Elm Street.

“I’m very excited to be a part of the McHenry community and offer customers professional vehicle repair and maintenance that can help their automobiles reach their full life potential,” said Brad Milller, franchisee of Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop in McHenry. “I hope to help the McHenry community understand the true mileage potential of today’s passenger vehicles by introducing them to Merlin’s DRIVE FOR 200,000 during the course of every business day.”

Brad Milller began his automotive service career in 1988 at the Merlin Muffler & Brake Shop in Waukegan, Illinois. While there, he rapidly advanced to the position of Assistant Manager and played a key management role in the Waukegan shop's achievement as National Sales Leader for each of the fourteen years of his tenure. In 2002, he joined the Merlin Corporate Staff as Group Manager and was responsible for the shop-level support and implementation of Merln's operational systems and procedures at selected franchise shops. In 2007, Mr. Miller was appointed to the position of Manager, Market Development, and his primary responsibilities included the training, pre-opening, transitional, and first year support of all new Merlin franchisees.

Mr. Miller was a participant in Merlin's Entrepreneur Development Program (EDP) and earned $10,000 of Equity Assistance towards his franchise acquisition.

A Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop provides both repair and maintenance services as well as tires - almost anything a consumer would need during the first 200,000 miles of their car’s life (except car washes, major engine, transmission, and collision repair).

Special offers for the McHenry shop can be found at www.merlins.com and in The Advertiser Newspaper.
“Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops have a commitment to long-term customer relationships, and I look forward to meeting and serving the people of the McHenry area,” said Brad Miller.

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Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops Set New Industry Standard With a 200,000 Mile Transferable Warranty

Auto repair and maintenance chain celebrates National Car Care Month with new warranty and maintenance tips to help vehicles last 200,000 miles and beyond.

Geneva, IL (Grassroots Newswire) March 31, 2008 -- In recognition of April as National Car Care Month, Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops have announced the new DRIVE FOR 200,000 Transferable Warranty which offers motorists 24,000 mile coverage on most everyday repairs and as much as 200,000 mile coverage on brakes and mufflers. The warranty protection is completely transferable to the next vehicle owner – no matter what service was performed.

“With proper driving habits and regular maintenance – plus a great warranty – drivers can get a full life from their vehicles. Life is better without car payments.” said Frank Smola, Merlin's President. "We are proud to offer this unique warranty; it’s the logical step in our role as Vehicle Longevity Specialists and the 200,000 mile proposition."

All vehicle owners deserve to know what the insider knows, and Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops share the following easy automobile maintenance tips in celebration of National Car Care Month:

• Regular oil changes are key to engine longevity and fuel economy. Dirty oil accelerates the wear of engine components and can clog oil passages and prevent lubrication from reaching bearings, pistons, and valve guides. Motor oil is designed to act as a cleaning agent. When it’s dirty, it may not lubricate, clean, or cool the engine properly.
• Check tire pressure (including the spare) at least once a month; both underinflated and overinflated tires can be safety hazards. Overinflated tires can adversely affect vehicle maneuverability and make the ride harsher. Underinflation – a potentially more serious problem - can result in tire stress due to overheating and irregular wear of tread and, ultimately tire failure.
• Tires should be rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles. If they are not, substantial differences in tread wear between the front and rear tires may result which can eventually lead to poor handling and shortened tire life.
• Wheel alignment should be performed once per year. Misaligned tires can cause a car to drag, which lowers mileage and causes unnecessary tire wear.
• Antifreeze (coolant) should be replaced every two years. Even though antifreeze may look OK, the additives could be worn out, which causes a radiator to deteriorate or clog up.
• Brake fluid should be replaced every two years and with every pad or shoe replacement. Brake fluid absorbs moisture or microscopic metallic contaminants which can then work their way through the hydraulic system. Moisture in the fluid can vaporize and reduce braking efficiency.
• Shocks or struts should be replaced every 50,000 miles. They not only improve the ride but also affect vehicle steering, stability, and stopping power.

Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops provide both repair and maintenance services, as well as tires – almost anything a consumer would need during the first 200,000 miles of their car’s life (exclusive of car washes, major engine, transmission, and collision repair).

 

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THOUSANDS RECEIVE WARM WINTER GEAR FROM THE SNUG HUGS FOR KIDS™ 2007 CLOTHING DRIVE

GENEVA, IL (January 12, 2008) – Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops 16th annual Snug Hugs for Kids™ winter clothing drive, resulted in a substantial collection of donated clothing just in time to keep kids and families warm during this cold winter season.

More than twelve tons of new and like new clothing was collected this year by the Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops located in Illinois and Wisconsin. The clothing donated by area residents and customers benefited thousands of children served by Children’s Home + Aid and their affiliate agencies.

On Wednesday, December 12th, more than 30 Merlin courtesy vans and two large delivery trucks, stuffed with clothing, formed a caravan and traveled to two Children’s Home + Aid family centers in Chicago to deliver the clothes. In all, more than fifty Merlin franchisees, employees, and corporate staff participated in the delivery.

Subsequently, clothing was delivered to nine additional Children’s Home + Aid Centers in Illinois and one affiliate center in Wisconsin.

More than 4,000 hand-crafted items were received from the Snug Hugs for Kids Crochet & Knit-A-Thon™ (CKAT) which reaches out to knitters and crocheters across the country. Additionally, more than 1,000 Girl and Boy Scouts across the state participated in the Kids Helping Kids program and gathered coats, hats, gloves, scarves and other warm items for the drive.

To learn more about Merlin or Children’s Home + Aid, please visit www.merlins.com or www.chasi.org.

Auto Repair & Maintenance Chain Kicks Off Winter Clothing Drive to Benefit Local Children

“Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops request donations for their annual Snug Hugs for Kids™ Winter Clothing Drive

Geneva, IL (Grassroots Newswire) October 12, 2007 -- Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops announced the official kickoff of their annual Snug Hugs for Kids™ winter clothing drive. The program which runs from November 1st through December 11, 2007, initially began as a way for Merlin franchisees and employees to give back to the local communities. This year marks the16th annual Snug Hugs for Kids™ drive when Merlin shops throughout Illinois and southern Wisconsin collect donations of winter clothing and outerwear for children and, in turn, deliver the proceeds to their charity partner, Children’s Home + Aid.

Clothing donations can be dropped off between November 1st and December 11th at any Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop located in Illinois or southern Wisconsin . Winter outerwear items that are most needed include new and like-new coats, hats, scarves, mittens, gloves, sweaters, pants, and socks to fit children ages newborn to 18 years old. Like-new clothing should have little visible wear and tear, be clean and free of stains, have no holes, frays or missing buttons, and have working zippers.

“There are many children in need of warm clothing for the coldest months ahead, and we are asking residents to help us with our efforts to collect new and like-new warm winter attire,” said Frank Smola, Merlin’s President. “Beautiful warm clothes helps build children’s self-esteem and will also help them be better prepared to attend school and play outdoors in cold weather.”

On December 12, 2007, Merlin franchisees, employees, and corporate staff will deliver the donations to strategically located Children’s Home + Aid Family Centers . Founded in 1883, Children’s Home + Aid’s mission is to give help, hope, and opportunity to children with a variety of emotional, physical, and behavioral needs. Each year they help more than 40,000 children and families overcome obstacles such as poverty, abuse, and neglect and achieve healthy family structures and self sufficiency. More than 70 social service programs throughout 40 Illinois counties are made available each year through Children’s Home + Aid’s eight core services (ADOPTION, CHILD & FAMILY COUNSELING, EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION & CARE, FOSTER CARE, INTACT FAMILY SERVICES, PARENT SUPPORT, RESIDENTIAL SERVICES, AND YOUTH SERVICES). More information about Children's Home + Aid can be found at www.childrenshomeandaid.org.

Additionally, as part of the Snug Hugs for Kids™ program, scout troops, church and youth groups will help with collecting children’s clothing as part of a subsidiary program called Kids Helping Kids™. Talented knitters and crocheters can also lend a helping hand through a program called the Crochet & Knit-A-Thon™.

“We are thrilled to be able to assist thousands of young people in not only warming their hands and bodies but also their hearts. We hope that others will follow in our efforts to make a difference, not only here, but throughout the entire country,” Frank Smola, Merlin’s President said. “We aspire to the American tradition of caring, giving, and donating, which we hope will spread and live on through others as well.”

“Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops provide repair and maintenance services as well as tires – almost anything a consumer would need during the first 200,000 miles of their car’s life - and offer a neighborhood approach to automotive repair and preventive maintenance.

For more information on the Snug Hugs for Kids™ drive or Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops, please visit www.merlins.com.

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Automotive Service Chain Encourages Young People to Lend a Hand in Collection of Children’s Winter Clothing

“KIDS HELPING KIDS” seeks young volunteers for the Merlin Snug Hugs for Kids™ Winter Clothing Drive

Geneva, Illinois (Grassroots Newswire) September 26, 2007 – Hypothermia. It’s not something we think about every day, but to a child who lacks the proper winter outerwear, it’s a real threat. In an effort to help less fortunate children and families this winter, the Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop in Illinois and southern Wisconsin are encouraging young people in the area to assist in the collection of new and like-new winter clothing by participating in the Kids Helping Kids™ program. Kids Helping Kids™ is one of the three components of the much larger Snug Hugs for Kids™ Winter Clothing Drive.

Now in its 16th year, Snug Hugs for Kids™ collects new and like-new winter clothing for children ages newborn to eighteen to benefit Merlin’s charity partner, Children’s Home + Aid. Groups including Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, church groups, youth groups, sports teams, and clubs can participate by gathering items to be donated, such as coats, hats, mittens, scarves, sweaters, slippers, afghans, and baby items.

"This initiative is very near and dear to us at Merlin. Kids Helping Kids™ is a program designed for young people to assist their less fortunate peers,” said Frank Smola, President of the Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop chain. “Each year we are impressed by the collection efforts from the Girl Scouts and other organized groups in the area."

The new and like-new winter clothing will be collected at all Illinois Merlin shops and two shops in Wisconsin (Kenosha Milwaukee ) from November 1 through December 11, 2007. Participants who have registered for the Kids Helping Kids and ™ program will receive an embroidered patch for their assistance. For more information, a Kids Helping Kids™ registration form, and a list of Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops locations, please visit www.merlins.com.

On December 12, 2007, Merlin franchisees, employees, and corporate staff will deliver the donations to Merlin’s charity partner, Children’s Home + Aid. Founded in 1883, Children’s Home + Aid’s mission is to give help, hope, and opportunity to children with a variety of emotional, physical, and behavioral needs. Each year they help more than 40,000 children and families overcome obstacles such as poverty, abuse, and neglect and achieve healthy family structures and self sufficiency. More than 70 social service programs throughout 40 Illinois counties are made available each year through Children’s Home + Aid’s eight core services (Adoption, Child & Family Counseling, Early Childhood Education & Care, Foster Care, Intact Family Services, Parent Support, Residential and Youth Services). More information about Children's Home + Aid can be found at www.childrenshomeandaid.org. 

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Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops Announces Newest Franchisee in Plainfield

Plainfield, Illinois (Grassroots Newswire) August 14, 2007 -- Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops recently announced that Mr. John Mieczkowski has purchased the Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop in Plainfield, located at 16007 S. Route 59, Unit 100.

“I’m very excited to be a part of the Plainfield community and offer customers professional vehicle repair and maintenance that can help their automobiles reach their full life potential,” said Mr. John Mieczkowski, franchisee of Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop in Plainfield . “I hope to help the Plainfield community understand the true mileage potential of today’s passenger vehicles by introducing them to Merlin’s DRIVE FOR 200,000 during the course of every business day.”

Mr. John Mieczkowski joins Merlin with more than 14 years of automotive technical, management, and sales experience. Since 1995, Mr. Mieczkowski has been with DuPage Tire & Auto in Lombard, Illinois , where he started as an Apprentice Mechanic and soon advanced to Automotive Technician. In that position he served as the senior technical staff member and was responsible for performing diagnostics and major repair service including driveability, emissions, and transmission and engine rebuilding. Mr. Mieczkowski is a graduate of The College of DuPage with an Associate of Arts Degree in Business Administration. As well, he has completed continuing education classes through Parts Plus Programs, C.A.R.S. Conventions, and The GM Training Center. His credentials also include ASE Certifications in Brakes, Engine Performance, Engine Repair, Heating & Air Conditioning, Manual Transmissions, and Suspension & Steering.

As a participant in Merlin's FASTRAK Program, Mr. Mieczkowski qualified for $15,000 in equity assistance which helped facilitate his Merlin business acquisition .

A Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop provides both repair and maintenance services as well as tires - almost anything a consumer would need during the first 200,000 miles of their car’s life (except car washes, major engine, transmission, and collision repair).

Special offers for the Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop in Plainfield can be found by visiting www.merlins.com and clicking on locations.

“Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops have a commitment to long-term customer relationships, and I look forward to meeting and serving the people of the Plainfield area,” said Mr. Mieczkowski.

For more information on the Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop in Plainfield , please contact Mr. John Mieczkowski at 815-609-9070. 

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Give a Snug Hug to Children in Need With A Handmade Gift From The Heart

Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops Seek Volunteers Who Knit or Crochet to Participate in The Eleventh Annual Crochet & Knit-A-Thon to Benefit Annual Clothing Drive

Geneva, IL - July 10, 2007 – Give a snug hug to disadvantaged children and help them stay warm this winter with a handmade gift from the heart. Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops are seeking volunteers to participate in the Eleventh Annual Crochet & Knit-A-Thon (CKAT) which benefits Merlin’s much larger clothing drive, Snug Hugs for Kids™.
Each year, more than 200 knitters and crocheters from across the nation start creating items in the summer and fall to have the handmade clothing ready to donate by early December to children who often lack the proper winter attire during Illinois’ most blustery months.

Last year’s total of more than 4,000 pieces of donated handcrafted clothing is hoped to be surpassed.

Items needed most include hats, mittens, scarves (as single pieces or in sets), sweaters, slippers, afghans, and baby items (such as blankets, sweaters, caps, and layette sets) for children, aged newborn to 18 years.

On Saturday, November 3, a celebratory one-day Crochet & Knit-A-Thon event will take place from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St. Charles, Illinois (located just west of Chicago ). Volunteers during that time can deliver their items, spend some time with fellow crafters knitting and crocheting, and also tag and box the donated items they have create.

Persons interested in participating in the CKAT can contact Merlin directly through their web site at www.merlins.com, click on "What's New" and print a registration form. Additionally, registration forms will also be available at the Illinois Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops and yarn shops located throughout the Chicagoland area.

“We are thankful that the CKAT event draws support from so many knitters and crocheters from across the nation,” said Frank Smola, Merlin President. “Some volunteers have been with us from the start of the program, and we admire their continued commitment to helping children who are ill prepared for the cold weather because they lack the proper winter attire.”

The CKAT event is part of the much larger annual Merlin Snug Hugs for Kids ™ winter clothing drive conducted by the Illinois Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops. Snug Hugs for Kids™ is now in its sixteenth year and last year alone collected more than 10 tons of quality winter clothing for the children served by Children’s Home + Aid.

On December 12, 2007, Merlin franchisees, employees, and corporate staff will deliver the handmade donations to Merlin’s charity partner, Children’s Home + Aid. Founded in 1883, Children’s Home + Aid’s mission is to give help, hope, and opportunity to children with a variety of emotional, physical, and behavioral needs. Each year they help more than 40,000 children and families overcome obstacles such as poverty, abuse, and neglect and achieve healthy family structures and self sufficiency. More than 70 social service programs throughout 40 Illinois counties are made available each year through Children’s Home + Aid’s eight core services (Adoption, Child & Family Counseling, Early Childhood Education & Care, Foster Care, Intact Family Services, Parent Support, Residential and Youth Services). More information about Children's Home + Aid can be found at www.chasi.org.

Locally, participants who cannot attend the CKAT November event can drop off finished items at any of the 48 Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops in the Chicagoland area or at the Merlin shops located in Springfield , Peoria , and East Peoria between November 1 and December 11, 2007. For shop locations, log onto www.merlins.com. Clothing can also be shipped to Merlin’s corporate office at

1 N. River Lane, Suite 206, Geneva, IL 60134
to the attention of Snug Hugs For Kids Crochet & Knit-A-Thon.
Merlin is also seeking the donation of materials such as yarn and patterns that can be used for the event. Items may be sent to the Merlin corporate office at the above mentioned address. 

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Merlin Snug Hugs For Kids

Here's the latest news regarding the Merlin Snug Hugs For Kids Winter Clothing Drive.

Coming Soon - 2008 Crochet & Knit-A-Thon Registration Form

Coming Soon - 2008 Kids Helping Kids Badge Order Form

Event Photos:

Crochet & Knit-a-Thon 2007

Snug Hugs For Kids 2007


Training Schedule

Here's the latest schedule of Merlin Training Programs. Mark your calendar and contact your Merlin Group Manager to make your class reservations.

Click Here For The 2008 Training Schedule


Upcoming Events

Coming in 2008 - Snug Hugs for Kids (Crochet & Knit-a-Thon and Kids Helping Kids)