FullSpeed Automotive, one of the nation’s largest franchisors and operators of automotive aftermarket repair facilities, home to flagship brands Grease Monkey, SpeeDee Oil Change & Auto Service, and Kwik Kar, has promoted Brian Michel to vice president of operations for Grease Monkey, effective Jan. 17.
Having worked with FullSpeed Automotive for more than 10 years, Michel steps into this leadership role with vast knowledge and understanding of the Grease Monkey brand. In his new role, Michel oversees all aspects of franchise operations, ensuring guests receive excellent care and service as well as maximizing franchisees’ revenue to drive profit and efficiency. In 2023, Michel is focused on helping franchisees increase daily car counts with innovative strategies as well playing an integral role in the implementation of Grease Monkey’s new “Store of the Future” reimage design for existing franchisees. Michel will report directly to Ron Stilwell, president of FullSpeed Automotive.
“I’ve had the privilege of working with Brian for almost two years and have never worked with a more qualified and dedicated person,” said Stilwell. “I’m very excited to be able to promote him to the position of VP of Operations, Grease Monkey. At FullSpeed, it is important for us to promote from within, because no one knows and understands our brands better than our long-standing employees. Brian has been an outstanding employee in the 10 years he has worked at FullSpeed, and I know he will do great things in this new role to help support our franchisees.”
Michel began his career in the quick lube industry 37 years ago, working at a competitor franchise in Colorado. He worked his way up from an entry level employee to store manager and then vice president of operations, where he oversaw 13 successful locations. Michel joined the FullSpeed Automotive team in September of 2012 as the director of company centers. After three years in the role, he was then appointed a franchise support director, where he was responsible for more than 50 Grease Monkey locations. In 2018, Michel was promoted to the senior director of operations, and oversaw all Grease Monkey franchise centers and the franchise support directors. In this role, he helped implement a field audit app as well as ancillary mix reports that track ancillary services throughout the country. In his new role, he will continue to support and manage the franchise support directors who report to him.
“I decided to join FullSpeed because it felt like a family – everyone supporting each other to achieve great things. I am very grateful for this promotion and the chance to continue to help franchisees,” said Michel. “It’s an honor that I can show people, like my son and others, how working in trades like the automotive aftermarket industry can lead to great opportunities to excel and create long-term careers. I am excited to continue to grow with the company and make an impact as we continue to expand our brand’s presence across the country.”
