SHOP STATS: Manteno Quick Lube Location: Manteno, Ill.. Operator: Patrick Wilder Staff Size: 6 Shop Size: 2 bays Ticket Average: $146
Strategic Planning
Patrick Wilder, owner of Manteno Quick Lube has been a sort of jack of all trades in the industry, carrying a degree in business administration and working for over 20 years in the auto repair industry as a manager for Heartland Automotive. He wanted his quick lube business to be the same.
So, when Wilder was looking to purchase, he sought out a facility that would be easily converted. He purchased Manteno Quick Lube and opened it in 2013.
The original facility was strictly a quick lube shop. Wilder converted the original building to one that includes two bays and more services within six months. To save up for the investment, he helped other local auto repair businesses market their shops on Google, Yelp and other social media platforms.
Expand Servicing
The facility sits on solid concrete, which made it easier to convert from a quick lube facility to a location that offers other services including tire repairs, auto repairs, brake services, emissions testing, paintless dent removal and more.
“While we still have bays in the basement and everything from the old shop, the solid concrete that it is now makes it much easier to put in equipment for alignments,” Wilder says.
Accommodate Waiting
Manteno Quick Lube not only has an indoor waiting area, but an outdoor picnic table for customers to take a break, as well. For customers who want a smoke break, Wilder put a picnic table outside and included landscaping to make it more comfortable.
Inside the waiting area, the customers have the option to watch Netflix or put on their own music. Wilder supplies a Google Home for every one of his four location’s waiting rooms. He says the Google Home offers customers a chance to put on their own music to tailor the waiting experience.