Making a move, whether it’s home or business, is a daunting task. It involves finding a new location, planning, packing, unpacking, and getting set up for operation. A quick lube shop has equipment and tools that discourage an owner from moving. It is, however, beneficial to be in the right space, whether that means location, size, or both factors.
The move also requires marketing and outreach to existing and new customers to communicate about the location change.
The Challenge
A two-bay shop near the highway in Jamestown, North Dakota, quickly became cramped and too small to keep up with customer demand. This situation was evident soon after the shop was purchased from its previous owner.
“I opened in 2017 in a shop that I had managed 20 years before that,” Pit Stop Lube Express owner Mike Hansen tells NOLN. “We outgrew it right away. We started doing tires and brakes, not just oil changes.”
Hansen moved his shop in 2000. People presented more of the challenge than the logistics of moving the shop.
“There were a lot of doubting Thomases that thought I was crazy for moving off the interstate,” explains Hansen. “The owner of the old shop [building] wanted me to buy it and expand it.”
The Solutions
Pit Stop Lube Express found a new location in the center of town, and all the pieces fell into place. “We renovated a building that’s 100 years old. It’s an all-brick, old structure. It looks good, well kept, and appealing,” says Hansen.
“We were questioned quite a bit about why we were moving away from the interstate,” Hansen continues.
The building had been a Dodge dealership. A quick lube business was within the zoning parameters, so there were no hurdles to overcome with new zoning. The city was happy about the interest in the site.
“We’re in the Renaissance zone, so they appreciate that we’re keeping the old building, keeping it viable,” Hansen states.
The Aftermath
The old brick building underwent approximately $300,000 in renovations. Pit Stop Lube Express converted the shop into a drive-through facility with three bays, each positioned to face the others, maximizing space. The fourth bay is used for equipment and storage for inventory.
Moving equipment was not the headache some might expect.
“The tanks are double-walled. They already have the built-in barriers,” says Hansen.
Renovations to the old building brought it up to date.
“We put in all new plumbing, all new reels, all new hoses. Everything is brand new,” Hansen explains. “The fire department all gave it a thumbs up.”
One challenge Hansen sees is building up the staff size. While the shop increased in size and capacity, staffing remains an issue. He has five staff members.
“We expanded, we added,” he says. “We are slimlined now because nobody wants to work. It’s hard to get people in.
“Right now, there are just five of us. My son is the manager.”
The Takeaway
An increase in bays allowed the car count to grow. Extra storage space is a necessary bonus as inventory has increased over the years with more viscosities required to service a wide variety of vehicles.
“When I managed the shop 25 or 30 years ago, there were seven viscosities,” Hansen explains. “We now keep 20 to 30 viscosities.”
Over the years, the industry has seen upgrades in equipment used. The shop was able to upgrade with new and existing tools and equipment. Learning to optimize the new shop was not difficult. “The equipment was pretty similar to the other shop,” Hansen states.
Still, Pit Stop Lube Express has experienced a marked increase in business since moving to the center of town.
“The shop ended up being in the total center of the population in Jamestown, which I knew would be beneficial,” Hansen exclaims.
“We doubled our business within three months. Now, we’re probably fourfold since we moved from the other location. We do about 32 cars a day, which is our average right now.
Promoting the business after the move was essential and successful.
“We worked hand-in-hand with two radio stations,” Hansen details. “Facebook is huge for us with advertising.”
Pit Stop Lube Express expanded from two bays to four bays, although one bay is dedicated to equipment and storage. The investment in the move—including renovating an old building—made for an attractive location that is conveniently close to the population center. Hansen experienced immediate growth that has continued since its opening in the center of town.
The new shop is located in an attractive old brick building, although the facility renovations make it feel new and easy to work in. Pit Stop Lube Express has found the best of old and new with our new location, which continues to see new business.
About the Author
Enid Burns
Enid Burns is a writer and editor living in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, and is a freelance contributor to NOLN. She has covered a wide range of topics from video games and consumer electronics to online advertising and business. When living in Manhattan for 20 years she did not own a car, and is often mistaken for that woman who brings her car to the shop and knows nothing. She has learned a great deal from writing for NOLN, but also learns from those shop owners who try to educate her on their services. Enid is a news junkie who spends evenings streaming TV shows and time off on long walks, bike rides, and fiber arts.