Executive Q&A with President Kevin Kormondy

What drew you to Grease Monkey?

Kevin Kormondy, President of Grease Monkey: What drew me to (Grease Monkey’s parent company) FullSpeed Automotive after also being a customer was its iconic brands and its potential for growth and development. They know what they are doing, and have well-established, successful franchisees.

What makes Grease Monkey unique within its industry?

Grease Monkey trains and certifies its pit crew technicians, so not just anyone is working on your vehicle. The pit crew team is not only knowledgeable; they are also fast and reliable.  They follow the manufacturer’s suggested services, review what was performed on your vehicle and outline any concerns or upcoming maintenance to be performed.

What have been some of the brands’ most important milestones over the past five years?

• For Grease Monkey, some of the most exciting milestones have included:
• Introduction of the pit crew in 2016
• Significant organic growth
• A record number of center openings
• Our first $2 million, three-bay center
• A record number of $1 million-plus centers

What plans does the brand have in the coming years?

• Accelerating footprint growth
• Increased focus on digital marketing as we search for new ways to leverage technology to innovate within the industry

What does an ideal franchisee look like?

An ideal franchisee is an entrepreneur at heart who wants to grow their business and relies on the brand’s business system, but who is also able to go above and beyond by creating strong relationships with employees, the community and ultimately the customers they serve every day. The franchisee does not need industry experience to be a successful owner, but they do need to believe in a brand that is over 40 years strong.

Why is Grease Monkey and SpeeDee each a good investment?

Due to the high dependence on automobiles in everyday life and the many automotive service provider choices available, there is the opportunity to rise above and outperform the competition. The FullSpeed Automotive brands pride themselves on their streamlined processes, which ensure the same customer experience no matter the store they visit.

How does Grease Monkey work to support franchisees?

Grease Monkey provides in-field support with expert operational personnel supplemented by a vast online training curriculum that tracks and reminds individuals of training needs and opportunities. Grease Monkey also provides forward-looking marketing leadership and effective advertising assets at all levels–national, regional and local. Finally, Grease Monkey also provides executive strategic support and direction through interaction with the Franchisee Leadership Councils and when needed at the individual location level.

What does success look like to you?

Success is supporting franchisees who need and want to grow to achieve their personal and financial goals while also building the Brand and their business for future generations.

What have been some of Grease Monkey’s most important milestones since it started?

• Grease Monkey opens in Denver, Colorado in 1978
• Begins franchising in 1979
• Expands footprint and services
• Expands outside the U.S.
• Introduction of the pit crew in 2016