--- title: "LINE-X Builds on a Landmark Year of Strategic Growth, Strong Partnerships, and Brand Momentum Heading into 2026" url: https://burnaze.com/article/edc77f8e-e475-4858-9231-426ff553cf20 source: "Franchising.com" original_url: https://www.franchising.com/news/20260414_linex_builds_on_a_landmark_year_of_strategic_growth_strong_partnerships_and.html category: "Collision" industry: "Automotive" segment: "Collision" published: 2026-04-14T12:00:00.000Z modified: 2026-11-01T22:32:28.510Z image: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1524749292158-7540c2494485?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop --- # LINE-X Builds on a Landmark Year of Strategic Growth, Strong Partnerships, and Brand Momentum Heading into 2026 **TL;DR:** LINE-X enters 2026 with strong momentum after a year of strategic growth and partnerships in 2025, prioritizing long-term brand alignment over rapid expansion. The brand formed partnerships with companies like redC and National Branding, and experienced growth across digital and social media platforms. *originally published in Franchising.com on 2026-04-14. [Read the original](https://www.franchising.com/news/20260414_linex_builds_on_a_landmark_year_of_strategic_growth_strong_partnerships_and.html).* ## Key facts - LINE-X prioritized long-term brand alignment over rapid expansion in 2025 - The brand formed partnerships with redC and National Branding - LINE-X experienced growth across digital and social media platforms ## Story CHARLOTTE, NC – LINE-X enters 2026 after a year with notable activities in partnerships and brand visibility across consumer and franchise audiences. In 2025, the brand strengthened its position in aftermarket automotive upfitting while maintaining a thoughtful, values-driven approach to growth. ## Strategic growth efforts As LINE-X operated across the U.S. and Canada, the company emphasized deliberate development, prioritizing long-term brand alignment over rapid expansion. With ongoing opportunities, LINE-X described its focus on working with individuals who are committed to the brand’s standards, customers, and communities. “Our focus in 2025 was on growing the right way,” said Matt Labuda, President of LINE-X. “We’re proud of the momentum that we’ve built, but even more proud of how we’ve built it. Going into 2026, we’re looking for franchise partners who are invested in the brand and who want to grow alongside us for the long term.” A key contributor to LINE-X’s activities in 2025 was partnerships designed to strengthen franchise operations and elevate the brand’s presence nationwide. The partnerships included redC, a full-service real estate and construction partner; National Branding, supporting exterior signage and vehicle wraps; and Merchants Fleet, where LINE-X joined the Preferred Upfit Network, reinforcing its role in the commercial uplifting space. These partnerships further support LINE-X franchisees by improving operational efficiency, consistency, and access to new revenue channels. LINE-X also experienced growth across digital and social media platforms in 2025. The brand released several high-performing videos with large view counts. YouTube Shorts’ impressions increased significantly over the year, while total social media followers grew notably, approaching several hundred thousand followers across platforms. “LINE-X is a highly visual brand, and 2025 proved the power of showing, not just telling,” said Hannah Erlenbusch, Vice President of Development at LINE-X. “Our digital growth reflects the strength of the brand and the excitement around what our franchisees deliver every day.” ## Leadership and operations In 2025, LINE-X strengthened its Franchise Support Center with key leadership additions, including Matt Labuda as President, Hannah Erlenbusch as Vice President of Development, and Jacob Motley as Director of Marketing. These additions underscore the company’s commitment to franchisee support and long-term system success. The brand reinforced operational excellence through recognition of locations for strong performance, including the rollout of programs such as the LINE-X Oval of Excellence. As LINE-X looks to the year ahead, the brand aims to strengthen its presence across the U.S. and Canada while refining marketing strategies for consumers and franchise development. Initiatives include enhancing digital tools, refreshing store designs, and providing resources to improve the customer experience. LINE-X also plans to explore video-forward media opportunities and podcast appearances, leveraging the brand’s visual appeal and durability-driven story to reach new audiences. “We’re entering 2026 with strong momentum and a clear vision,” Labuda added. “Our priority remains supporting our franchisees, strengthening the brand, and continuing to grow in a way that’s sustainable and intentional.” ## Entities - Franchising.com (publication) - franchise development (topic) - Automotive (sector) - canada (location) - United States (location) - partnerships (topic) - strategic growth (topic) - LINE-X (company) - digital growth (topic) - Matt Labuda (person) - brand momentum (topic) - National Branding (company) --- Originally reported by Franchising.com (https://www.franchising.com/news/20260414_linex_builds_on_a_landmark_year_of_strategic_growth_strong_partnerships_and.html). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/edc77f8e-e475-4858-9231-426ff553cf20).