Content posted on Franchise Wire on August 25, 2025.

Innovative Services and Strong Demand Drive Growth for the Leading Up-Fitting Brand

One of the fastest-growing segments of the automotive aftermarket industry is up-fitting. Not familiar? Up-fitting enhances the look, efficiency and safety of light duty trucks, Jeeps, SUVs and vans with additions such as bedliners, step bars and cargo solutions. 

It’s a big business: According to the 2025 SEMA market report, the U.S. automotive aftermarket and auto care industry is projected to top $60 billion by 2028.

LINE-X, an industry leader in up-fitting for over 30 years, is meeting the demand by expanding its services and products, growing its franchise network and developing strategic partnerships, including XPEL for window tint and Weigh Safe for towing equipment and hitches. Most importantly, they’re putting the franchisee at the forefront, making system-wide changes to align with their mission and vision for the company.

The company has also joined the Preferred Up-fit Network for Merchants Fleet, the nation’s fastest-growing fleet management company.

Entrepreneurs are taking notice: LINE-X finalized five multi-location deals representing 17 new stores since early summer.  

“We are looking forward to pushing into new markets, sharpening our franchise model and continuing to offer products and services that customers seek,” said Executive Vice President George Lezon. 

Top of the Class

LINE-X, which gained recognition for its premium spray bedliners and protective coatings, now offers comprehensive up-fitting solutions at locations throughout the United States and Canada. Each location provides more than 80 products and services, ranging from truck accessories and off-road equipment to commercial coatings and fleet up-fitting.

This franchise system demonstrates the strength of a well-balanced network, with both new and long-standing locations driving growth and stability. In 2025, emerging markets like Gainesville, Fredericton, and South Dallas celebrate one year in business, while established locations such as Coquitlam and Colorado Springs reach their five-year milestones. Legacy markets like Cape Cod, Stillwater, and Tucson will mark a decade of continued success. Looking ahead to 2026, LINE-X of Boulder will celebrate an impressive 25 years, a true testament to the brand’s staying power.

A newly designed website and emphasis on strong social media – LINE-X has 250,000 followers – has helped to strengthen the connection between customers and those local sites. 

The efforts culminated in LINE-X being recognized as No.1 in its category in Entrepreneur’s 2024 Franchise 500 Awards.

“2024 was a foundational year for us, as we repositioned the brand to allow for success in 2025,” said Lezon. “With a refined business model, we are committed to meeting the evolving needs of the automotive industry.”

How to Get in the Driver’s Seat

LINE-X looks for potential franchisees with a strong work ethic and a passion for customer service. Mike McKinney was an electrical engineer and a longtime LINE-X customer before deciding to go into franchising. When a location in Gainesville, Florida became available in 2020, “It felt like the perfect fit,” he said. 

It was a whirlwind for the first-time business owner, with appointments booked from day one. What kept him on track was LINE-X’s proven system. New owners participate in a two-week onboarding program, which includes both technical and business training, and have access to a state-of-the-art shop management system that handles scheduling, inventory and sales. 

“Their partnerships, resources and guidance gave me the confidence to live up to the reputation for quality that I had become a fan of,” said McKinney, who plans to expand to a second location with LINE-X. 

Diverse Revenue Streams

Working closely with its franchise partners has enabled LINE-X to evolve and serve a broader customer base, including national fleet operators and the burgeoning off-road and sport market, which is projected to reach $17.8 billion this year, according to The Business Research Company. 

“Our business model delivers opportunities for diverse revenue streams,” said Matt Labuda, Vice President.

The partnership with Merchants Fleet, for example, will provide the opportunity for specialized fleet accounts as LINE-X Fleet Solutions supports Merchants Fleet’s growing need for high-quality, reliable up-fitting services, helping to prepare vehicles for the field faster and more consistently.

“The agreement enhances the support we can provide to Merchants and their clients, but it also creates meaningful new opportunities for our franchisees,” said Labuda. “Customers love the array of quality products and services we provide under one roof to upgrade their dream vehicle or get a truck or van work-ready.” 

Rewarding Achievement

To reward franchisees for overall excellence, LINE-X created its Oval of Excellence Program. Recent awardees have included LINE-X of Fort Worth, LINE-X of Lakeland, LINE-X of South Metro, LINE-X of Monmouth County, LINE-X Kustoms & Accessories, LINE-X of Colorado Springs, and LINE-X of Winnipeg Southwest.

“Here at LINE-X of Colorado Springs, we’re excited to be part of the Oval of Excellence,” said Logan Bryson, Owner. “We look forward to continuing to grow with LINE-X and seeing where the industry takes us.” 

After laying a solid foundation, Lezon is excited for the future. “With industry trends showing an upward shift in the demand for advanced up-fitting solutions, we’ve expanded our services and products to meet these needs,” he said. “Our goal is to adapt to the future of the industry while also shaping it with new solutions.”

For more information, visit LINE-X’s franchise website.