Snap-on is kicking goals for its franchisees, and for charity – raising more than half a million for the McGrath Foundation in the last two years

Operating in Australia since 1988, those behind Snap-on say they are proud that it is widely regarded as one of the world’s most successful franchise business models.
Not only is Snap-on committed to success for its franchisees and their customers, but it also priorities charitable giving as part of its business structure.
Over the past two years, the organisation has gone pink for a purpose, raising more than half a million dollars in support of the McGrath Foundation through its ‘Socket to Breast Cancer’ campaign, which is powered by Snap-on’s limited-edition pink tool range as well as the generosity of its franchisees, customers, and local communities nationwide.
In 2025, the second year of the partnership, an incredible $315,000 was raised, far exceeding the goal of $250,000 – an extraordinary contribution helping fund McGrath Cancer Care Nurses across Australia who provide critical care and support to individuals and families impacted by cancer.
Snap-on Tools Australia and New Zealand National Marketing and Product Manager, Adam Wright, said the results show what’s possible when a community comes together for a great cause.
“We’ve been blown away by the continued support for Socket to Breast Cancer,” Adam said.
“Our Franchisees and customers have helped us raise more than half a million dollars in just two years. It is a true reflection of the power of our network and the generosity of the people behind it.”
Snap-on Managing Director AU/NZ, Paul Lynch, echoed Adam’s comments.
“We are proud to be a part of the local communities in which we operate and we like to align with charities and causes that are important to our broader network,” Paul said.
“Everyone knows someone touched by cancer, and so it is a cause that unfortunately many can relate to.
“As a brand built on our relationships with customers, we feel it is important to give, and the partnership with the McGrath Foundation allows us to do that on a larger scale.”
From workshops to garages and trackside at motorsport events, supporters across the country came together to make a difference under the Socket to Breast Cancer banner.
Among them was Phil Read, a three-time Top Fuel champion and Snap-on Ambassador, who helped drive awareness and fundraising by wrapping his Top Fuel Dragster in Pink and Black in support.
“It’s been amazing to see how the automotive and motorsport community has rallied behind this initiative,” Phil said.
“Everyone knows someone touched by breast cancer, and I’m proud to stand alongside Snap-on and the McGrath Foundation to help make a difference.”

Over the past two years, Snap-on has donated more than $527,000 to the cause.
“We cannot thank Snap-on Tools enough for once again going above and beyond in their fundraising efforts for the McGrath Foundation,” McGrath Foundation Ambassador and Director, Tracy Bevan, said.
“The incredible generosity that the Snap-on Tools team and supporters have shown throughout October has blown us away.
“The amazing donation of $315,000 will help us ensure that individuals and their families who are experiencing a cancer diagnosis have access to the support of a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse when they need it most.”
A leading innovator and manufacturer of tool, diagnostic, and equipment solutions for professional tool users (mechanics and technicians), Snap-on was founded in Wisconsin in 1920, with the company originating from the founders producing a unique and patented product of five unique handles and ten sockets which snapped on interchangeably, coined “Five do the work of Fifty.’
After establishing a local presence in 1988, Snap-on entered the Australian market with the same philosophy that defined its global success: deliver premium tools directly into the hands of professional users through a high-touch, mobile retail model.
Snap-on’s offer of professional-grade, high-quality, and reliable tools to mechanics was well received by Australia’s automotive and industrial services market, but it was the brand’s mobile van and direct-sales model that suited the Australian geography and the dispersed location of many workshops, enabling franchisees to bring product directly to end users.
“Snap-on’s success has always been tied to its relentless focus on innovation, quality, and customer service, and the mobile showroom concept which involves bringing tools directly to workshops redefined convenience for mechanics and technicians, cementing Snap-on as the industry leader,” Paul says.
“There are over 180 Snap-on franchisees in Australia and a global network of 4,800 serving more than 130 countries, making Snap-on one of the longest-running and most established franchise networks in Australia, New Zealand and across the world.”
Paul says Snap-on’s Global brand reputation combined with consistent innovation across hand tools, power tools and diagnostics has helped Snap-on to differentiate itself, building trust among professional users.
“Originally Snap-on focused on quality hand tools and Australian technicians embraced our brand because our products were demonstrated, explained, serviced, and supported on the ground,” he explained.
“Now, Snap-on’s ongoing investment in product development helps Australian workshops keep up with the rapid evolution of vehicle technology.
“Today the Snap-on Tool range has more than 22,000 hand tools, power tools, tool storage products, diagnostics, equipment and related accessories; and our brand has earned the respect and trust of generations of professionals that helps keep the wheels turning across the country.”
Snap-on’s customers include mechanics and technicians working in garages or workshops, body-shops, collision-repair shops that do mechanical, frame, suspension or alignment work; along with professionals servicing cars, trucks or other vehicles including heavier vehicles or fleets.

Snap-on Industrial also provide solutions for critical industries such as Aviation, Aerospace, Education, Energy and Natural Resources, Defence and Government, Maintenance, Rail, Manufacturing, and Assembly.
“A defining feature of Snap-on’s Australian success is the close-knit relationship between franchisees and their customers,” Paul said.
“Many franchise owners have been in the business for decades, developing relationships that span generations of mechanics.
“This loyalty has helped Snap-on become more than a tool brand; it is a partner in the careers and success of skilled professionals.”
The brand’s customer and franchisee focus is critical to Snap-on’s success, says Paul.
“We are fortunate in that we have many franchisees out in the ‘field’ so to speak getting real time feedback every day,” he said.
“If we as a business can listen and adapt to growing needs and changes in the market, we’ll always be relevant as a brand.
“It gives us an immediate line into what our customers need and feel.
“For our franchisees, how we have operationalised our Franchisee model, with business support, templates, and guidance in place, helps our franchisees to build and grow their customer base with quality products which stand the test of time.
“When we can support or franchisees in cultivating strong customer relationships, we see magic.”
Snap-on enjoys a number of automotive partnerships, and is a proud member of the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA).
“Our relationship with our Supercar Partners such as Penrite Racing, Erebus Motorsport, Red Bull Ampol Racing and Top Fuel Drag Racing partner Jim Read Racing, galvanises our brand passion and brings to life what we do,” Paul explained.
“We are connected to AAAA because it is important for Snap-on to partner with such a great organisation that supports everyday motorists and road users,” he added.
“With the AAAA coordinating activities nationally and lobbying the Commonwealth Government for Australia’s motoring interests, it is important for us as a long-term player in the automotive sector to be a part of this trusted organisation.”

To learn more about the Snap-on franchise model, email sota.franchise@snapon.com or call 1800 762 766.

To learn more about Snap-on, visit www.snapontools.com.au