Take 5 Oil Change Franchisees Merge

Take 5 Carolinas, the first franchisee in the Take 5 Oil Change system, and ClayCon Oil, the brand’s third franchisee, have announced that they are combining to form Founders Automotive Services Team (FAST): a unified quick-lube and automotive service operating platform that owns and operates 52 Take 5 Oil Change service centers across North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Indiana, and Colorado.

As shared in a recent press release, FAST will continue to operate as a Take 5 Oil Change franchisee. The combined platform has created the largest Take 5 Oil Change franchisee in the country by revenue.

Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, FAST is led by Brannan Lahoda, president and chief operating officer. Lahoda brings more than 10 years of experience operating automotive service platforms, including leading all North American company-owned operations for Take 5 Oil Change during its initial growth phase from 65 to 650 locations.

FAST has a defined plan for near-term growth initiatives, as well as a pipeline of new stores in development to position itself for continued expansion across its markets.

"Bringing Take 5 Carolinas and ClayCon together under FAST unites two teams that know how to develop and operate great locations," Lahoda said. "We share a deep commitment to the Take 5 Oil Change brand and its culture of customer service. Our fundamentals are strong and getting stronger. With one team and the right infrastructure in place, we are well-positioned to keep expanding for many years to come."

Valvoline Global Operations Announces New Headquarters in Cincinnati

Valvoline Global Operations announced it will create a new global headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio, in a recent press release.

Valvoline Global Operations—owned by Aramco—has a current headquarters in Lexington, Kentucky, which will remain a key part of its global footprint and become the central hub for the Americas region. There, more than 400 employees will continue working, focusing wholly on supporting the company’s growing operations in the U.S., Canada and Latin America.

The company’s new global headquarters will be located in the heart of downtown Cincinnati at 312 Elm Street, where it expects to invest in a revitalization of the 50,000 square feet it will occupy. The move positions executive leadership and global functions minutes away from the company’s largest production facility.

The new space will be designed for up to 120 employees. The planned renovation and transition to the new global headquarters will happen over the coming months, with the new facility expected to open in the spring of 2027.

“Today marks an important moment for our company,” said Jamal Muashsher, president and chief executive officer of Valvoline Global Operations. “Expanding our presence in Cincinnati and creating our Americas Hub in Lexington provides the space for our teams to better collaborate, innovate and operate more effectively, which will ensure we continue providing top-tier support for our customers worldwide.”

Supply Chain Disruptions Force Automakers to Explore New Lubricant Suppliers

A recent report from Financial Times shared that automakers are seeking out alternative sources for motor oil, reaching the end of their supply.

Since the war in the Middle East, the supply of high-quality base oils used for engine oil has dwindled. In response, multiple major automakers are exploring alternative supplies of motor oil, something that previously would have not been considered, but may now be necessary.

“Before, 100% of the original equipment manufacturers would be reluctant to accept any other lubricants,” a manager at a major European lubricants producer shared with Financial Times. “But these days some of them are desperate, and if the market situation continues like this, they might be forced to be more flexible on the specifications to keep feeding the market.”

Stellantis and Toyota have both confirmed they’ve secured alternative supplies. Volkswagen has also secured the supplies it needs for now, while looking at other options that still comply with its standards.

The impact is already being felt in the quick lube field, even among large networks like Valvoline. In a recent earnings call, President and CEO Lori Flees acknowledged the war’s effect on Group III base oil. 

However, Flees also said that Valvoline’s scale and strong supplier relationship have helped the company maintain reliable access. Management expressed confidence in the company’s supply position both now and in the near term.

Through consumer pricing and operational discipline, the company plans to manage the cost dynamic through. She added that both company-operated shops and franchisees took pricing actions in the third quarter.

“Based on the current forecasts, we expect finished lubricant costs could be approximately 60% above where they were in March,” Flees said. “While that sounds significant, let me clarify: That means we expect a total increase of approximately $5 to $7 per oil change, depending on the lubricant type, relative to the March period.”

Premium Guard Inc. Partners with Mattel to Launch Automotive Brand Collectibles

Premium Guard Inc. recently announced a new long-term licensing agreement with Mattel to bring several of PGI's most recognized automotive brands to collectible vehicles, construction toys, trading cards, playsets, and other consumer products, as shared in a press release.

The agreement includes licensing rights for brands such as FRAM, Autolite, TRICO, and Luberfiner. Under the agreement, Mattel will have the ability to incorporate the licensed brands across a broad portfolio of products, including die-cast vehicle replicas, construction toys, playsets, collectible trading cards, and related accessories. Future product announcements are expected to follow.

Oilex Operating LLC Appoints Brian Michel as New Chief Operating Officer

Oilex Operating LLC has hired Brian Michel as its chief operating officer, as shared in a recent LinkedIn post.

Michel brings almost 42 years of quick‑lube experience, including decades of operational leadership and franchise support. Most recently, he served as VP of franchise operations at Grease Monkey International, where he helped strengthen one of the industry’s most respected systems. His background also includes time as vice president of operations for Jiffy Lube.

“Brian is the kind of leader who makes everyone around him better,” said Ron Morrow Jr., president of Oilex. “His experience, character and commitment to excellence will help shape the future of Oilex.”

Levere 'Monty' Montgomery Jr., Founder of Take 5 Oil Change, Dies at 97

Levere C. “Monty” Montgomery Jr., founder of Take 5 Oil Change, has died at the age of 97, as shared in a recent LinkedIn post from the company.

Montgomery, of Covington, Louisiana, died on Aug. 6. Born in 1929, Montgomery founded Take 5 with his brother-in-law, Jerry Warren, in 1990, after growing his Time Saver convenience stores to 97 locations throughout south Louisiana.

Velocity Auto Care Expands Footprint in Texas and Beyond with New Service Centers

Velocity Auto Care has reached a milestone of 50 Valvoline Instant Oil Change service centers with the launch of its newest store in Edinburg, Texas.

The news came in a press release from Franchise Equity Partners, a private investment firm specializing in partnerships with franchisees and franchisors, which owns Velocity Auto Care as a portfolio company.

The Edinburg service center at 2930 W Trenton Road is the 12th location opened since FEP partnered with Velocity Auto Care to acquire 38 Valvoline Instant Oil Change franchise locations from Valvoline in December 2024.

The acquisition also included a development agreement to open an additional 75 service centers over seven years, supporting long-term expansion throughout Texas.

Velocity Auto Care has continued expanding throughout its designated territory following the 2024 acquisition, including opening the first-ever Valvoline Instant Oil Change location in the Rio Grande Valley in 2025. The company now operates six service centers in the region.

Velocity Auto Care currently has 18 additional service centers in development, all expected to open by the end of 2027. Expansion over the next 18 months will focus on Austin, El Paso, Midland-Odessa, the Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Las Cruces, New Mexico, and other high-growth markets throughout Central, South, and West Texas.

Auto Care Association Announces Leadership Transition as Bill Hanvey Plans Retirement in 2027

The Auto Care Association Board of Directors announced that Bill Hanvey, president and CEO, will retire effective June 30, 2027, concluding a distinguished tenure leading the association.

“After a great deal of reflection, I’ve decided it’s time to let the next generation take the reins,” said Hanvey. “I am extremely proud of what our team has accomplished and of the service we’ve provided to this industry. It’s been the honor of my career to lead this association, and I know it’s in a stronger position today because of the people who make it up. While I have announced my retirement, my work is far from finished. Over the coming months, I will continue fighting every day for our members and this industry, including tirelessly pursuing passage of Dr. Dunn’s REPAIR Act to protect vehicle owners and independent repair shops across America.”

Hanvey has served as president and CEO of the Auto Care Association since December 2015, capping a career of more than 40 years in the automotive aftermarket industry.

To ensure a smooth transition, the board of directors has engaged Korn Ferry, a global executive search firm, to lead the search for the association’s next president and CEO. Hanvey will continue to lead the Auto Care Association through the transition period, working closely with the bacoard to ensure continuity of operations and a seamless handoff to his successor.