Great Canadian Oil Change Acquired by Valvoline
Automotive franchise system Great Canadian Oil Change has been acquired by branded lubricant and automotive service supplier Valvoline.
The acquisition adds 73 Great Canadian Oil Change franchises to Valvoline’s quick lube network of more than 1,200 company- and franchise-owned locations.
“Growing our quick lube network through organic store expansion and high-quality acquisitions in both core and new markets is a key business strategy,” said Sam Mitchell, CEO of Valvoline. “The addition of Great Canadian Oil Change, with its established brand and loyal customer base, provides an excellent opportunity to expand our footprint outside of the U.S.”
“We are extremely proud of the growth we’ve achieved,” said Trevor Weflen, the previous owner of Great Canadian Oil Change. “Although the decision to sell was difficult, we are very confident Valvoline is the right steward for our brand and franchisees going forward. Valvoline is a 150-year-old company that has a long, successful history of taking care of its people.”
Kwik Kar Denton Wins Small Business of the Year
Kwik Kar Denton proudly announced that the four-location auto care business has been recognized by the Denton Chamber of Commerce as the “Small Business of the Year.” The award was presented at the Chamber’s Annual Gala recognizing achievements in 2017, taking into consideration historical achievements to-date. Kwik Kar Denton is owned and operated by Frank and Marta Dudowicz and has been a trusted community partner since opening in 1995.
“Receiving the honor as ‘Small Business of the Year’ is a tremendous recognition from our peers, and we are humbled to be recognized among all of the outstanding local businesses, not just auto businesses, in our community,” said Kwik Kar Denton owner, frank Dudowicz. “We have worked hard to build Kwik Kar Denton on trust and excellent customer service by providing the highest-quality of auto care.”
In addition, Kwik Kar Denton receives recognition from the community year after year. Kwik Kar Denton has been recognized as offering the “Best Oil Change in Denton” by the readers of the Denton Record-Chronicle for the last seven years, ever since the Oil Change category was included. The business has also been named winner year after year for “Best State Inspection.”
Jiffy Lube International Names Franchisee of the Year
Team Lucor was recently recognized by Jiffy Lube International, Inc. as Franchisee of the Year. The annual award is presented to the franchisee that best exemplifies the core values and attributes of the Jiffy Lube brand, including demonstrating a commitment to operational excellence, supporting the professional development of their employees, committing to innovation and providing an outstanding customer experience.“Team Lucor is especially deserving of this award. Their success is driven by strong leadership and a culture of innovation, providing quality services that consumers want and need,” said Patrick Southwick, president of Jiffy Lube International. “Also, contributing to Team Lucor’s strong business performance is the organization’s commitment to employees, many of whom have a significant tenure with Team Lucor.”
Team Lucor employs more than 1,500 team members in the greater metropolitan areas of Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia; Nashville, Tennessee; Richmond and Tidewater, Virginia; Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The organization is deeply committed to employee engagement and recognition. Team Lucor offers employees a 401(k) plan and employee discount program, with full-time associates receiving several additional benefits. The organization also provides a comprehensive training and development program through Jiffy Lube University.
Team Lucor is also committed to giving back to the local communities where its employees and customers live and work. The organization is a significant supporter of the annual Jiffy Lube Muscle Up! campaign benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), which raises funds to send children with neuromuscular disease to MDA summer camp. Team Lucor is also a 28-year sponsor of “Coats for the Children,” collecting warm winter clothing, money and new toys for Salvation Army families in need.
“We are proud to receive the Jiffy Lube Franchisee of the Year award,” said Jerry Conway, president of Team Lucor. “The marks our third time to be honored with this prestigious award. Exceptional service has always been the hallmark of our success as we continue to collectively strive to deliver the very best service experience at maximum value to all of our customers.”
Win the Restored Raybestos 1953 Chevy Pickup
The Raybestos 1953 Chevrolet pickup build project is complete. The restored classic will now hit the road for a North American tour before one lucky automotive professional wins it for their very own.
“We have restored a lot of very cool vehicles, including the iconic 1969 Raybestos Mustang, but I think this 1953 Chevy pickup might be our best build yet,” said Kristin Grons, marketing manager, Brake Parts Inc. “The team at Schwartz Performance led by the master, Jeff Schwartz, really outdid themselves this time, and a big thank you to all of our build partners for their participation in another incredible build. I know the lucky winner will enjoy showing off this classic truck as they cruise their neighborhood.”
As part of the restoration project, Schwartz Performance installed its famous bolt-in “G-Machine” chassis system, as well as an off-the-shelf performance disc brake upgrade package, using Raybestos components and Raybestos Truck & Medium Duty specialty disc brake pads.
Raybestos customers can see the complete restoration process from start to finish by visiting: www.raybestosbuild.com The website features videos, pictures and information showcasing the start of the build and every step along the road to completion.
After touring North America, the Raybestos ’53 Chevy pickup will head to Las Vegas in October where it will be awarded to one lucky automotive professional during AAPEX.
Mann+Hummel Sponsors Gastonia Garden Initiative
Mann+Hummel has announced its sponsorship of a newly renovated garden for the city of Gastonia, North Carolina, naming it the “Four Seasons Garden.”
“Our team is very proud to be a part of the park renovations and to sponsor the garden on Rankin Lake,” said Paul Caulford, HSE manager for Mann+Hummel. “Staying involved in the community has always been an important initiative, so we jumped on the opportunity to help provide a beautiful and inviting spot for visitors to enjoy.”
Rankin Lake has been a community landmark and water source since 1922. The city of Gastonia fenced off the lakeside part of the property in the late 1980s, and the public wasn’t able to access the park for more than 20 years. In August 2012, the park received support and funding for a major renovation project, which includes fishing piers, boardwalks, viewing spots and now, a new garden.
“Partnering with Mann+Hummel has been wonderful, and the new garden will be a great addition to our park,” said Tripp White, assistant director for parks for the city of Gastonia. “Because of the generous support and sponsorship, the garden will feature a variety of color, flowers and blooms throughout all four seasons of the year.”
The garden is located on the lakefront, complete with a walking track and decorative pass long the 1.8-mile long greenway.
Subaru Rally Team USA Welcomes Idemitsu Lubricants America as Technical Partner and Sponsor for 2018
Subaru of America Inc. together with Subaru Rally Team USA technical partner Vermont SportsCar are pleased to announce Idemitsu Lubricants America will be joining the Subaru Rally Team USA as a Technical Partner and sponsor for the 2018 race season. Idemitsu Lubricants America will be represented by both the stage rally and rallycross programs of Subaru Rally Team USA in 2018 and the team will reveal a special Idemitsu livery on one of their competition cars this summer as part of the agreement.
Subaru of America and Idemitsu Lubricants America have an existing close relationship, with Idemitsu Lubricants America serving as the official factory fill for all Subaru vehicles in the USA. Subaru Rally Team USA technical partner Vermont SportsCar looks forward to harnessing that relationship, along with Idemitsu Lubricant America’s technical and engineering expertise, toward finding performance gains at the track.
“The rally cars built by Vermont SportsCar are known for testing race cars to their limits in mixed media rally racing. We are excited to showcase our Idemitsu brand and products with Subaru and Rallycross racing fans this season,” said Idemitsu Lubricants America’s aftermarket director Tom Braun.
Subaru Rally Team USA confirmed it will return to the American Rally Association (ARA) Series in 2018 with a multi-car effort utilizing 2018 Subaru WRX STI rally cars. The team’s efforts will be spearheaded by multi-time rally champions David Higgins and co-driver Craig Drew, who will enter all seven rounds of the 2018 ARA series. Subaru Rally Team USA will provide entries at select ARA rounds for former World Rally Championship star Chris Atkinson and former Junior World Rally Champion Patrik Sandell.
