The phrase "up and coming" is generally used to describe something that is gaining prominence or someone certain to advance or succeed in their endeavors. In the case of Levi Wilson, the area manager for the chain of Benny's Car Wash and Oil Change locations in and around Baton Rouge, Louisiana, "Up and Coming" should be seen as a long overdue compliment.
Earlier this year, Wilson received the Up & Coming Award by the Preventive Automotive Maintenance Association at the annual iFLEX trade show. He was one of several distinguished award winners.
The award is presented to individuals who have been in the industry for five years or less and are considered a "rising star" by demonstrating leadership and commitment to the advancement of the organization and the industry. By all accounts, Wilson exemplifies these traits, and he has demonstrated that he is eager and ready to help others.
What It Means to be Up and Coming
Levi Wilson isn't exactly a newcomer, as he first entered the industry at the age of 19, fresh out of basic training with the U.S. Army National Guard. It was soon after that he earned a WAFB-TV "Hand It On Award" after taking the time to help a stranded motorist and her young son with a tire change on his day off. Other drivers passed the woman and her son by, but not Wilson. He jumped into action.
"I was brought up to treat everyone with respect," Wilson told National Oil & Lube News. "Whether in the shop or out in the world, you treat everyone like they're your mother and like they're part of the family."
As one of three sons, he continues to share that ethos with the entire team of nearly 80 employees at Benny's Car Wash and Oil Change. Although not a "car guy," he still recognizes the importance that the automotive industry holds in our modern life. It is what brings people to work, gets them to school, and takes them to the store.
Finding Footing and Then a Career
Wilson explains that he never expected a career in the automotive service industry, but he appreciates that every day is an opportunity to learn and grow. That was certainly true when he was barely out of high school and wasn't sure what he was going to do with his life.
"I ended up at a very good company to work for," he says. "What is really great about this industry is that you can learn a trade and grow slowly into something that can become a career."
It wasn't a straight path for Wilson, who was deployed with his National Guard unit to Kuwait, Iraq, and Jordan. That is also where his training took a unique turn.
"I was a satellite radio technician, and I also re-classed to work as a mechanic on the Army's UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters," Wilson adds. "So I was in IT, and I was a mechanic."
Welcome Back, Wilson
After completing his service, Wilson returned to the automotive service industry, where he was ready to make it a career rather than just a post-military job. He tells NOLN that it was a perfect fit. In many ways, his time in the National Guard, working in IT, and as a mechanic helped prepare him for the transition that the automotive service world continues to face, as today's cars are essentially computers with wheels.
"My experience has helped me understand the rate of change that we're seeing with cars," Wilson continues. "We want to make sure that we do everything correctly, and that's sometimes hard for the customer to see. For them, oil is oil, but you need to be sure you're using the one specified."
He is also prepared for the even more radical changes that are on the horizon for the industry, including the greater adoption of hybrids and electric vehicles.
"We're absolutely ready to take on hybrids, and we see more of those," Wilson acknowledges. "EVs are still the great unknown, but we'll just have to see where the industry goes. With a lot in life, you need to take it day by day."
Focused on the Future
As a military veteran and someone who is quickly becoming a veteran in the automotive service space, Wilson has charted his career path carefully, with the aim to help Benny's Car Wash and Oil Change continue to expand, he says.
The family-owned business has been serving the area for nearly 75 years, and it currently has nine locations, which Wilson hopes to help continue expanding.
"Our shops are already successful, and I'd like to see us get to 10 locations," says Wilson, who praises the brand's services that include car washes with interior cleaning, state inspections, and, of course, oil changes.
Asked where he might see himself in five years or even out as far as the next decade, Wilson didn't need to think. His answer, "I'll still be with Benny's."
About the Author

Peter Suciu
Peter Suciu is Michigan-based writer and NOLN freelance contributor who has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers and websites. He lives in the land of cars not far from one of Henry Ford's estates.