The NOLN Podcast

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 Valdosta, Georgia, as well as the Stonebriar approach...

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 discuss what AACF is and what AACF does to supp...

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 visit  noln.net  for more content. Follow NOLN on  F...

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 to the first part of this series to hear more fro...

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 podcast.  Subscribe to The NOLN Podcast and visit  n...

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 industry.  This episode picks up where the first instal...

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 where it may go.  Look for the second part of th...

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 decades.  Subscribe to The NOLN Podcast and vis...

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 the show to outline his career and share wha...

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 at Rad Air, joins the show to share his story an...

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 changing industry, this conversation is full of interes...

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 executive vice president and group president o...

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.  This is the NOLN News Roundup, bringing you a colle...

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 purpose and mission of Breeze Autocare, its brands, g...

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. Some of her clients include automotive shops....

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 News Roundup include: Driven Brands Launches Online...

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 business running. Shop culture, team management, and...

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 this edition of the NOLN News Roundup include:...

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 a new car wash brand called The Wash Shop. Mark...

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 handful of conversations that appeared in the podcas...

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 also a board member for PAMA) joins the show to...

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 power of this data for quick lubes.  Subscribe to The...

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 approach to the work he does for the shop network.  Wils...

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 Operator of the Year feature in the September 2023 issu...

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 back strong to ownership by opening Carolina Quick L...