The first Miracle Auto Painting & Auto Repair store opened in Oakland, California on 23rd Avenue, on January 23rd, 1953.

The corporation consisted of Les Thayer and his parents, John and Geraldine.While all three Thayers had been involved in automobile painting activities previous to 1953 it was at the Oakland location that the Miracle system of production line painting was born. John managed the store, Les was in charge of the back of the shop, and Geraldine was the jack-of-all-trades, helping out wherever needed with sanding, masking, moving cars and even detailing.

In the beginning the shop grew principally on dealer business, painting about seven completes a day for $49.95 a piece.

Production increased to about 12 cars a day early in this period and continued to improve month by month, with very significant increases in retail sales.

The Miracle reputation for Quality at Moderate Cost was firmly established in the San Francisco Bay Area in these early years. In late 1954 about 90% of Miracle's work was retail--a big swing from the early days. Firm believers in keeping the name, moderate prices and the quick turnaround before the public, Miracle stores spent up to 18% of gross sales to enhance the word-of-mouth awareness, the quality work and resonable prices engendered.

The San Mateo, California flagship location opened in 1965 and the success of Miracle Auto Painting as a chain was well established. During these years came the standardization of the Operations Manual, accounting and other business management procedures which had proven themselves over the preceeding several years. Longer term advertising and marketing plans were designed and implemented and franchising began.