South Suburban Female CEO Honored with Leadership Award

Barbara Moran-Goodrich is used to standing out. 

As CEO of an automotive aftermarket business, she is one of very few women in her field. But that doesn't make the idea of receiving an award before thousands of fellow businessmen and women any less intimidating. 

She's already prepping for her speech in acceptance of the Bonny LeVine award, to be handed down by the International Franchise Association at a ceremony in February. The award recognizes a female franchisor or franchisee who is a role model and mentor for all, through their business and professional accomplishments within franchising, their community and society.

"I have plenty of time to think about what I want to say," she said, laughing. 

Moran-Goodrich, President and CEO of Midlothian-based Moran Family of Brands, is determined to inspire and motivate women to embrace the idea of franchise ownership. As daughter of businessman Dennis Moran, she grew up with a behind the scenes take on business. Her father's first was a Texaco gas station on the corner of 159th and Cicero Avenue, in Oak Forest. His example started in the '60s and guided her toward eventual ownership of her family's business.

"When I first started out, there were not a lot of women as franchisee, or franchisor," she said. 

"Now, more women have made the decision to leave corporate America, decided to try to make it on their own."

A Palos-area native and Sandburg graduate who now lives in Orland, she has worked as a mentor for women in business for years. She served on the Women’s Franchise Committee from 2000–2007 and co-founded the Women’s Franchise Network in Chicago. Her goal is to inspire women to take hold of their careers and consider opening their own businesses—in general, but also specifically in the automotive aftermarket industry.

"A person's vehicle is extremely important to them," she said. "Women understand that, know how to help women go through the process of what's going on with their vehicle, and how to make a decision they're confident with for repairs." 

Her role in community contributions also helped her secure the award. Her family-run foundation helps with emergency assistance needs in the community, including emergency funds and costly major medical help, including covering funeral expenses, or surgeries for those in need in her community. The company also sponsors a local family each Christmas, fulfilling Christmas wish lists. 

Moran-Goodrich will receive the award Feb. 22-25, in New Orleans.

"Women can create their own destiny," she said. "They can be business owners, and they can be moms, and they can be good at all of it."

Midlothian, Illinois-based Moran Family of Brands provides specialty products and services in virtually every aspect of the automotive aftermarket through six franchise brands and more than 160 franchise brands nationwide including: Mr. Transmission USA service centers (Mr. Transmission, Multistate Transmission, Dr. Nick Transmission); Alta Mere “Toys for Your Car”; and Milex Complete Auto Care centers and now SmartView Window Solutions. For more information on Moran Family of Brands visit www.MoranFamilyOfBrands.com or call 708-389-5922