On Feb. 14, 1983, Eric and Shalom Laytin launched the first Brake Masters store. To bankroll his new venture, Eric purchased a used sports car, rebuilt it and sold it to finance the first Brake Masters. The company expanded rapidly and opened its first franchise in 1994. In 1997, the company started a franchise area development program in Southern California. There are now close to 80 Brake Masters stores in Arizona, Nebraska, New Mexico, Texas, California, Utah and Nevada. It specializes in lifetime brakes with free brake inspections for most vehicles. It also provides lifetime warranties on the replacement parts cars need most, such as water pumps, starters, alternators, boots, U-joints and axles. Other services include Pennzoil oil changes with free tire rotation; radiator, brake and transmission fluid exchanges; and belts, hoses, batteries and air conditioning service and replacement. Brake Masters maintains headquarters in Tucson, Ariz.