Editorial

Providing Automotive Maintenance for 25 Years

Providing Automotive Maintenance for 25 Years
In 30 states, from Washington to New Jersey, the Grease Monkey Franchise is known for its commitment to excellence in delivering maintenance services for automobiles. With close to 250 centers, Grease Monkey International, Inc. (GMI), headquartered in Denver, has built a solid reputation for helping franchise owners succeed in their business goals.

The Grease Monkey Difference
Mike Brunetti, vice president of franchise sales, development and real estate, says there are several ways that Grease Monkey has set itself apart from other automotive industry franchises. First, they are not owned by an oil company. “Being independent gives us the advantage of being able to focus on the customer instead of pushing a specific brand of products. We have relationships with a number of vendors, enabling us to get the best prices on products and service for our owners. As for our customers, they come to us for service because of the Grease Monkey reputation for service excellence.”

Secondly, at GMI all centers are franchised. “We are 100% cmmitted to franchising,” says Brunetti. “All of our energy goes into supporting our franchisees – helping them to grow and be successful.”

Customers Trust the Grease Monkey Name
“Our brand is well-known from coast-to-coast and we’re even expanding in Mexico,” says Brunetti. Besides oil changes, Grease Monkey provides many automotive maintenance services, such as automatic and manual transmission service, differential service, radiator flush & fill, fuel & emissions system cleaning, etc. “We only perform maintenance on the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended schedule,” says Brunetti. “Our customers know we are not trying to sell them something they may not need. Instead, we educate them about the maintenance required by the manufacturer and we provide that service when the customer is ready for it.”

Brunetti feels that auto owners are more aware than ever that keeping up with maintenance helps a vehicle to run better and longer. “A majority of repairs,” he suggests, “can be prevented when you maintain a vehicle properly.”

Experience Benefits Franchisees
Founded in 1978, the Grease Monkey brand has been around for more than 25 years, giving them a good base of experience – both in maintaining customer satisfaction and in growing their franchise locations.

The management team at Grease Monkey International is committed to building long lasting relationships with their franchisees. “We’re a full-service franchisor,” says Brunetti. “We assist the franchisee in virtually every aspect of their business venture, including marketing, training, site selection, construction, accounting and all aspects of operations. The needs of a franchisee change from when they are starting out, to five years out, to when they are a mature franchisee, and our support systems grow with them.”

Financing is another area where GMI can provide assistance. They have a group of vendors with whom they work, when new franchisees need to obtain financial help establishing a new location.

“It is the consistent execution of the Grease Monkey System of Operation that makes a franchisee successful,” says Brunetti. “Franchisees can develop a single center, or through an Exclusive Territory Development Agreement, can develop three or more centers within a specific area.”

Another way to become a Grease Monkey franchisee is through a conversion. An independent (non-franchised) automotive/lube business owner can transform their existing business to a Grease Monkey preventive maintenance center and reap the many rewards of belonging to a supportive, high-profile, national organization. From operational support to marketing to superior training, the Grease Monkey system can help an entrepreneur find the success they’ve been looking for. Brunetti adds, “This is an option for someone looking to take their existing business to the next level.”

Brunetti has worked in the franchise development area for over 27 years and has been with Grease Monkey International for almost ten years. More importantly, the senior management team has more than 60 cumulative years experience in the quick lube industry.

The point-of-sale computer system is a key element in the operation of a Grease Monkey franchise. “It is a powerful tool for franchisees, enabling them to do marketing, database management and cost control analysis,” says Brunetti. In addition, the Grease Monkey marketing system is a very complete program with a lot of built-in flexibility so it can be tailored to both the marketplace and to the individual operation.

“Training is paramount to a franchisee’s success,” says Brunetti. “We train franchisees not only in the operation of the equipment and facility, but also in the ownership and management of a business. We see training as an entity without beginning or end. It’s an ongoing process.”

Are You Ready for Success?
Currently Grease Monkey International is looking to add some new franchisees to their system. According to Brunetti, a person with proven business acumen and small business experience who enjoys working with people will do well in this franchise. Previous experience in the auto industry is not necessary as thorough training is provided.

If being a part of one of the largest independent vehicle preventive maintenance Franchises sounds like good business to you, don’t hesitate! Find out more about Grease Monkey on Bison and be sure to fill out their information request form. They look forward to hearing from you.