When was Bumper Man, Inc. (BMI) formed?
Bumper_Man Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
BMI was formed July 2, 1997.
The late Jeff Bramblett founded "Bumper Man" in 1993 and operated it as a sole proprietorship until 1997, when BMI was formed to grant business opportunities for the right to operate Bumper Man bumper repair businesses. BMI continued to operate one company owned Bumper Business until 2010.
Bumper Man Franchising, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of BMI, was formed on April 3, 2000, to grant franchises for the right to develop and operate Bumper Businesses, and the existing Bumper Business operators converted their business opportunities to franchises. Thereafter, BMI and Bumper Man Franchising, Inc. merged on April 1, 2008, and BMI was the surviving company. Since such date, BMI has served as franchisor, granting franchises for the right to develop and operate Bumper Businesses.
Source: Item 1 — THE FRANCHISOR AND ANY PARENTS, PREDECESSORS AND AFFILIATES (FDD pages 8–11)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bumper Man's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Bumper Man, Inc. (BMI) was formed on July 2, 1997. Initially, the late Jeff Bramblett operated "Bumper Man" as a sole proprietorship starting in 1993 before the formation of BMI. BMI was created to grant business opportunities for operating Bumper Man bumper repair businesses.
Later, on April 3, 2000, Bumper Man Franchising, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMI, was formed to grant franchises. Subsequently, on April 1, 2008, BMI and Bumper Man Franchising, Inc. merged, with BMI as the surviving company. Since then, BMI has been the franchisor, granting franchises for operating Bumper Businesses.
In practical terms, this history indicates that Bumper Man has evolved from a sole proprietorship to a franchised business model. Prospective franchisees should note the dates of these transitions, as they reflect the company's experience in both operating and franchising the Bumper Man concept. Understanding this timeline can provide insight into the maturity and stability of the franchise system.