SHOP STATS: Strickland Brothers 10 Minute Oil Change Location: Winston Salem, N.C. Staff Size: 6 Shop Size: 3 bays Ticket Average: $73.82
Ground-Up Prototype
This store is a prototype for Strickland Brothers because it is the company’s first ground-up build. True to form, the company leaders wanted to scrutinize every detail in the building.
“Justin and I came up with the measurements, the layouts, pit depth, pit length,” he says. “We also designed the jut-out on the end to be able to put the right amount of product shelves on there.”
The size of that inventory space was designed with specific shelves in mind, Agan says. They also accounted for nine Rhino tanks along the walls, and the used oil tanks used were custom-made.
Research Process
To get all those precise details right, Agan and Strickland visited their existing acquired locations to inspect the current spaces, take measurements and test out the equipment.
“We even went out and bought the chairs that they roll around on in the pit and just sat down on them,” Agan says. “And we decided the (pit) depth, what it was going to be and what would work from an engineering standpoint.”
That research proved useful as the company looks to have building designs that are highly tech and customer-friendly, as well as easily replicated as the brand grows.
Curb Appeal
Agan says that he’s especially proud of how the building looks from the street. He says they worked for an attractive but low-maintenance design. That means metal roofing and awnings, strong exterior material,
“It’s an appealing store, and I absolutely love it,” he says.
Strickland Brothers will continue its growth trajectory by transitioning existing buildings, Agan says. But now they have a prototype that can be rolled out when the company finds that perfect site for a brand new quick lube.
