In this episode, Margaret Light, MA, LMFT, MN LMFT of Equilibrium Therapy Services P.L.L.C. discusses the impact of stress in the personal and professional life of business owners. She talks about the stress and burnout continuum and how unmanaged stress and burnout can develop into formal mental health concerns for business owners. She concludes b…

How do you show appreciation to your employees? How do you acknowledge all of the good they do both in the shop and in the community? How about celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and personal wins? Today, we're talking to Bill Snow about how to appreciate your employees. Snow is the Vice President, Franchise Development and Operations at Rad Air…

September is awards season here at NOLN. Our Operator of the Year magazine issue launched this month, and if you haven't flipped through the physical edition yet, you can check out the digital edition online. This year, the title of Operator of the Year went to Jeffrey Crafton. Jeffrey is with the Mississippi-based Sayle Oil Company where he overse…

Whether you are a new franchisee or have been one for some time, there are many moving parts to consider. Finances, of course, play a role. Furthermore, factors such as inflation can have an impact on components of the automotive space. But navigating financial landscapes as a franchisee doesn't have to be a solo endeavor. Kelly Tope is senior dire…

As the New Jersey-based shop owner of Automotive Magic and Magic Lube & Rubber, Shawn Gilfillan has seen every side of running a business in this industry. Technical know-how is a must, but there is another component that he's zoomed in on: the human element. The practice of developing soft skills is important to a business and its team. Enter: Mag…

This summer, it was announced that Costa Kapothanasis bought out Costa Franchising LLC shareholders, which means he now has full ownership over the Costa Oil brand, which includes over 50 Costa Oil - 10 Minute Oil Change stores as well as Costa Oil Performance Filtration and Costa Motor Oils. Costa joins the podcast to outline what franchising has …

In the second part of this two-part series for the podcast, W. Scott Wheeler of Automotive Consultants Group, Inc. continues the conversation on setting goals, strategizing KPIs, achieving profitability, and other business practices. For more from Scott, check out the first part of this interview series. Scott was also featured in an April magazine…

W. Scott Wheeler is motivated by helping others. He started Automotive Consultants Group, Inc. in 1999 fueled by boots-on-the-ground experience that showed him what shop owners really need help with: the elements that make up running and managing a business in this industry. Goal-setting is part of Scott's outlook on business practices, and in Apri…

Stonebriar Auto Services LLC, a Jiffy Lube franchisee, recently opened its 100th store location. Stonebriar has experienced an impressive rate of growth in a relatively short period of time, having opened its first location in late 2019. Steve Isom, executive vice president at Stonebriar, joins the show to spotlight the milestone location in Valdos…

This episode of the podcast comes from NOLN's sibling publication for repair shop owners, Ratchet+Wrench. Ratchet+Wrench Editor Chris Jones is joined in conversation by Jay Woodall, general manager national accounts retail/branded at Interstate Batteries. Jay is also a board member of the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation. Chris and Jay …

Each year, Jiffy Lube recognizes a franchise by bestowing the "Franchisee of the Year" title upon an operator and their operation. Recently, South Carolina-based Bronco Lube was given the 2023 honor. Owner Chad Weisbeck joins the show to discuss the recognition and highlight the work that Bronco Lube is doing. Subscribe to The NOLN Podcast and visi…

In the second part of this two-part series for the podcast, Aleisha Hendricks joins the show. Aleisha is a co-owner of a Grease Monkey location in Farmington, New Mexico. She shares her motivations, the dynamics at her shop, and her perspective as a woman in a male-dominated field. This episode picks up where the first installment left off. Listen …

In the first part of this two-part series for the podcast, Aleisha Hendricks joins the show. Aleisha is a co-owner of a Grease Monkey location in Farmington, New Mexico. She shares how she got started in this industry, how things are run at her shop, and her approach to leadership. Look for the second part of this interview, coming soon to the podc…

In the second part of this two-part series for the podcast, Justin Cialella participates in a conversation about elements of importance in today's quick maintenance industry. Justin is the president and CEO of Victory Lane Quick Oil Change, and he shares his thoughts on topics of team development and training, services, and the future of the indust…

In the first part of this two-part series for the podcast, Justin Cialella participates in a conversation about elements of importance in today's quick maintenance industry. Justin is the president and CEO of Victory Lane Quick Oil Change, and he shares his thoughts on topics of workplace culture, leadership, where the industry is as it stands, and…

FullSpeed Automotive has announced that their brand Kwik Kar Oil Change & Auto Care is introducing a nationwide franchise model. Ron Stilwell, president of FullSpeed Automotive, joins the show for a conversation about this new opportunity and what people should know about Kwik Kar, which was acquired by FullSpeed in 2022 but has been around for dec…

It's important to recognize leaders who are making an impact. Supporting, growing, and showcasing leaders helps set the standard for continued success. Mike Guasch was recently recognized by the International Franchise Association with a Franchisee of the Year Award for his SpeeDee Oil Change & Auto Service location in Modesto, California. He joins…

Everyone paves the path of their career in a different way—it's part of what makes each journey so unique. Bill Snow has long been a self-proclaimed "car guy," but there is an interesting backstory as to how he got connected with where he is now at Rad Air Complete Car Care. Bill, who serves as vice president of franchise development and operations…

There is no quick lube without vehicle lubricants. They help vehicles run smoothly. Their presence keeps daily shop operations on track. Sean Nguyen, technical specialist at Shell Lubricants, joins the show for an in-depth discussion about vehicle lubricants. From oil formulations to sharing information with customers and staying on top of a changi…

In December 2023, Take 5 Oil Change opened its 1,000th store in Fort Pierce, Florida. Earlier in the year in October 2023, Take 5 celebrated its 300th franchised location. Overall, the brand has experienced tremendous growth since its acquisition by Driven Brands in 2016. This growth is made possible by its people and its strategy. Mo Khalid is the…

A Take 5 Oil Change franchisee plans neighboring Take 5 and 7 Brew Drive Thru Coffee locations, FullSpeed Automotive names new vice president of mergers and acquisitions, Chevy Silverado owner files excessive oil consumption lawsuit against General Motors, and a customer mistakenly accelerates through bay doors at a Valvoline Instant Oil Change. Th…

You may know Eric Frankenberger's name in association with Oil Changers, but what about Breeze Autocare? The Breeze Autocare family of brands include Oil Changers, Oil Changers + Repair, and The Wash Shop (which NOLN spoke about with Mark Bochnowski on the podcast in December 2023). As President and CEO, Eric joins the show to talk about the purpos…

It's time to talk about your books (No, we're not referring to the ones on your bookshelf. But if you have any good recommendations we'd love to hear them!) On this episode of the podcast, we're having a conversation about the importance of sound bookkeeping practices. Stacy Kildal of Kildal Services LLC is a bookkeeper and QuickBooks Online expert…

Driven Brands has a new digital marketplace, Jiffy Lube shop opens near Canton, Georgia, Cox Automotive evaluates new car sales in 2023, and Take 5 Oil Change celebrates a milestone achievement. This is the NOLN News Roundup, bringing you a collection of recent headlines from the quick lube industry. Stories featured in this edition of the NOLN New…

Have you started setting goals for your team in 2024? Whether or not you have, there's a good chance that one major thing you want from your employees is for them to stick around. That's right, we're talking about employee retention. Inspiring motivation and dedication amongst your shop team is connected to nearly every element that keeps your busi…

Premier Oil Change shares acquisition and promotion news, the state of New Jersey makes moves to ban new gasoline-powered cars, Chevron shifts heavy duty products to synthetic, and Advance Auto Parts plans to sell Worldpac. This is the NOLN News Roundup, bringing you a collection of recent headlines from the quick lube industry. Stories featured in…

Peanut butter and jelly. Pen and paper. Soap and water. These are just a few things that have historically paired well together. While quick lube shops and car washes may not be on quite the same level as these classic pairs, they are definitely two profit centers that seem to gel in this industry. In that vein, Oil Changers has recently introduced…

The year isn't over yet, but December is right around the corner! Before the holiday rush truly takes over, listen back to some of your favorite episodes from The NOLN Podcast this year, or discover one that you haven't had the chance to listen to yet. In this episode, Associate Editor Hanna Bubser dives into the archives and reflects on just a han…

The Preventative Automotive Maintenance Association (formerly known as the Automotive Oil Change Association) hosts Management Certification Courses for individuals in the quick lube industry. Recently, one of these courses was held at the Victory Lane Quick Oil Change headquarters in Michigan. Victory Lane President and CEO Justin Cialella (who is…

A core understanding of shop efficiencies is something that shop owners strive to achieve on a daily basis. Many factors go into the full picture of shop operations. Data can play a role in telling that story. Rob Meng is the founder and CEO of FasterLines, which offers data-based line management solutions. Rob joins the show to talk about the powe…

As anyone in the quick lube industry would say, there is so much more that goes into this work than changing oil. Running a successful operation involves strategy, dedication, and passion for the job. Daniel Wilson embodies this mindset as the regional manager at Big Ray's Express Lube in Illinois, and he joins the podcast to talk about his approac…

It's September, and that means the 2023 NOLN Operator of the Year issue is live. This year, NOLN has proudly bestowed the title upon Costa Kapothanasis of Costa Oil 10 Minute Oil Change. Kapothanasis joins the show to talk about his perspective as an operator as well as the Costa Oil model and why it works for him and his team. Read the full Operat…

The elements that draw a person to the quick lube industry can be very personal. People participate in this line of work for a variety of reasons. Every career starts somewhere. Every shop starts somewhere. Joe Benza has been in the quick lube game for years. He even ran a network of shops with his dad until they decided to sell. But Benza came bac…

When it comes to discussing and digesting the various elements of technology that impact the aftermarket, perspective is key. This mindset can be applied to automotive trend-watching as well. Some trends are exciting and some technology may be overwhelming, but it's important to talk about nonetheless. Kye Grisham is the director of automotive tech…

In this sponsored episode of the NOLN Podcast, Neal McGlinchey, Manager of Field Training, Valvoline Global Operations, spoke with Matt Hudson, Content Director of National Oil & Lube News, about the nuts and bolts of preventive maintenance services and what products and services are most effective for quick lubes to offer. To find out more, please…

The American Petroleum Institute is a familiar name to the automotive aftermarket, seeing as API represents the oil and gas industry across America. Some of the work done by API revolves around the licensing, specifications and certifications related to oils. Jeff Harmening from API joins the show to contextualize this work, as well as the other el…

Fullspeed Automotive recently announced the promotion of Scott Accardo to vice president of operations for SpeeDee Oil Change & Automotive Service. But Accardo's career with this industry began well before that announcement. At seven years old, Accardo helped vacuum customer cars at his father's SpeeDee franchise, which also happened to be the very…

Virginia-based STC Management LLC was recently awarded the 2022 Jiffy Lube "Franchisee of the Year" title. It's an enormous honor for the group, which previously won the title twice before in 2000 and 2007, respectively. STC Management President and CEO Chris Burns joins the show to talk about the elements that make the group stand out and what the…

Sara White has been involved with her family's Grease Monkey location in Fort Collins, Colorado, for the majority of her life. It was originally established by her grandfather in 1994. White went from helping around the shop as a teenager to now running the whole operation with support from her sisters and father. White joins the show to talk about…

Consistent customers are good for business. In the quick lube space, fleets can fit that bill. But acquiring fleets requires a different approach than the average customer, and it's important to have a strategy that works well for your shop. In this episode, Howard Koffman joins the show to weigh in. Koffman is the business development manager for …

In this sponsored episode of the NOLN Podcast, James Weiss, Sales Development Sales Manager for Valvoline Global Operations, spoke with Matt Hudson, Content Director of National Oil & Lube News, about the value that Valvoline can bring to lube shop owners and how the company has invested in building lasting partnerships.…

Doug Arnold, senior vice president of Service Champ, spoke with NOLN Associate Editor Hanna Bubser on the trade show floor at iFLEX 2023 in May. In this podcast episode, Arnold discusses the trends he is seeing in quick lube service and what's changing across today's industry. Additionally, Arnold explains how the Service Champ portfolio helps shop…

The automotive aftermarket is full of inspiring stories. Despite any challenges that the industry may face, there is seemingly always an underlying theme of resiliency. Arnold Gacita is the president and CEO of Petra Automotive Products. He joins the show to talk about Petra Cares, which is the charitable arm of Petra Automotive Products. Petra Car…

Troy Bullock with Matrix Imaging Solutions speaks with Matt Hudson, content director at NOLN, about how shop operators can examine and improve their marketing approaches for the spring and summer seasons.Oleh NOLN

Creating a supportive work environment at your shop benefits everyone, and it provides an avenue for building connection with your employees. Putting in the effort to get to know your employees and how to best support them is well worth it for your shop's success story. Deanna Baumgardner of Employers Advantage LLC joins the show to offer guidance …

April 2023 marks the 67th anniversary of Midas. To celebrate, Midas has been running a "67 Acts of Kindness" campaign with its franchisees all month long. Franchisees have been encouraged to give back to their communities and keep that momentum going well after the anniversary is over. Lenny Valentino Jr. is the president and COO of Midas Internati…

Are you curious about the perks and promotions included in a quick lube partnership with Valvoline? Join Kevin Gammill, field training specialist at Valvoline Global Operations, who spoke with NOLN Content Director Matt Hudson about Valvoline’s program offerings and corporate support. Gammill runs through some of the training, technical, and market…

Quick lube shops have a lot in common, but they have a lot of differences too. At NOLN, we strive to share insightful stories from shops across the country. Listening to and learning from one another can prove valuable. The conversation in this podcast episode offers insight into how one shop approaches various aspects of this industry. Ken Frencha…

In order to be successful in any industry, it's important to keep tabs on what's going on inside of it. The quick lube industry is no different. As a shop owner, this involves paying attention to current events that impact the industry, implementing effective leadership strategies, and utilizing relevant resources. Justin Cialella is the president …

The March issue of NOLN features the 2023 Best Workplaces winners. This episode of the podcast includes a conversation with the franchise winner, SpeeDee Oil Change and Auto Service of Charlotte/Charleston. Co-owner Steve Sarrantonio joins the show to share what makes his workplace stand out. Read the full Best Workplaces profile of SpeeDee Oil Cha…