New beginnings are often the reason for someone joining the automotive industry. Being a field that requires a vast array of unique skills, individuals across various trades find themselves working within it—whether their talents lie with technology, customer service, or something else.
After serving as an Army National Guard officer, and later as a transition specialist for Hire Heroes USA, Garland Moore found that the skills he cultivated during his service were a perfect fit for a career with SpeeDee Oil Change & Auto Service as a franchise owner.
Now the owner of six SpeeDee stores in the mid-Atlantic region, Moore shares how he found the SpeeDee brand, and why veterans like him can find success in the quick lube field.
A New Beginning
Moore had decided he wanted to open his own business by the time he turned 30, and began researching franchising options. Having worked in the restaurant industry earlier in life, he knew he wanted to avoid that because of the unpredictable schedules, but was otherwise open-minded to what he may find.
He started by looking into Entrepreneur’s annual Franchise 500 list, and making a list of what franchises fit his criteria. Eight months of researching led Moore to SpeeDee, and after getting involved with the brand, he realized it checked all of his boxes—one of which being a supportive environment.
“It all just seemed to be a really good group of people, especially the other franchisees that I could reach out to and talk to if the need arises,” says Moore.
In March 2019, Moore took over an existing SpeeDee location. Just three months later, he opened his second store, making him a multi-unit operator within his first year of joining SpeeDee.
Just the Right Challenge
The transition to SpeeDee was a big one for Moore, but it was also one he was equipped to handle. He previously worked at a nonprofit, helping veterans find employment; however, the office work didn’t suit him as well as his training in active, fast-paced work.
“I think that a lot of veterans just like being engaged on their feet. In the military, especially—maybe not all the branches, but Army and Marines—they’re very active people,” explains Moore. “And in the automotive industry, for the most part, at least in the SpeeDee brand, everybody’s on their feet. There’s only one chair that is for an employee in the entire building. So, it’s designed to keep you on the move and keep your mind engaged, especially the higher volume stores.”
Veterans in particular often find more success in such roles after serving, and can find it challenging to work jobs that aren’t as demanding. This is one reason automotive careers attract veterans, who typically hold many skills from their training that come in handy—and is why Moore felt right at home in this industry.
“There are a lot of veterans that work in the automotive world, so there’s that connection to the general workforce of the automotive industry; as well as just some of the skills that I learned in the military, especially being an officer. Keeping policies in place and managing employees, corrective action, staying organized, keep everything moving efficiently and productively,” explains Moore.
While the automotive service industry has undoubtedly offered a place of belonging for Moore, it—like any new trade—came with its own learning curves. He has different conversations with senior management and faces different problems than he did in the military, requiring tact to ensure each of his managers receives adequate support.
At least a couple times a week, Moore takes the time to talk with his managers and hear what issues they’re facing. He finds fulfillment through helping them work through their problems and being a pillar of support for them.
From time to time, Moore is on the shop floor vacuuming cars or pulling drain plugs—not only because he enjoys it, but also to encourage team members by showing that he does the same jobs as they do.
Clear Head, Strong Focus
It’s been a wild ride, but SpeeDee has allowed Moore to exercise his strongest skills while driving him to improve in new areas as well. Entering a new field is never something easy, and even the most qualified individual won’t know what they don’t know until they’re in the thick of it—but Moore has been on top of it all by staying grounded, knowing that if he focuses on what matters, he’ll see the right results.
“Just take it day by day. Make progress every day. Solve the problems that are right in front of you, because that’s really all you can control,” says Moore. “Try not to stress too much, take care of the customers, follow the process, and the sales will come.”
