Eye On Franchising

Still A Goldmine: Inside Grease Monkey & Speedee Oil Change Franchises with Kelly Tope

Episode Summary

In this episode, I sit down with Kelly Tope, Vice President of Franchise Development at Full Speed Automotive (the umbrella behind brands like Grease Monkey & Speedee). We go deep into: Why automotive is an overlooked but high-potential franchise category. How multi-unit growth works (40%+ of their franchisees are multi-unit/multi-brand). The DNA of top performers — business acumen + the “aggressive follower” mindset. Investment ranges, unit economics (top 25% units doing ~$1.8 M AV + $400-$500k EBITDA!). Where EVs and AI are really headed in auto service. What mistakes see franchises struggle — and how to avoid them. A special message for first-time franchisees: how to evaluate fit, culture, and franchisor support.

Episode Notes

In this episode, I sit down with Kelly Tope, Vice President of Franchise Development at Full Speed Automotive (the umbrella behind brands like Grease Monkey & Speedee). We go deep into:

• Why automotive is an overlooked but high-potential franchise category.
• How multi-unit growth works (40%+ of their franchisees are multi-unit/multi-brand).
• The DNA of top performers — business acumen + the “aggressive follower” mindset.
• Investment ranges, unit economics (top 25% units doing ~$1.8 M AV + $400-$500k EBITDA!).
• Where EVs and AI are really headed in auto service.
• What mistakes see franchises struggle — and how to avoid them.
• A special message for first-time franchisees: how to evaluate fit, culture, and franchisor support.

👉 If you’re thinking about owning a franchise — especially in automotive or multi-unit growth — you’ll want to hear this.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro & welcome

02:15 – Meet Kelly Tope, VP Franchise Development, Full Speed Automotive

05:40 – Why automotive? Why now?

08:30 – Multi-unit & multi-brand growth: the numbers speak

13:50 – Unit economics: average unit volume & EBITDA (top 25 %)

17:25 – What does top franchisee DNA look like?

21:10 – Struggles & pitfalls: what we’ve seen go wrong

25:45 – EVs, AI & the future of auto service

30:20 – Investment ranges: greenfield vs conversion sites

33:50 – Franchisee culture, one‐team mindset & why it matters

37:15 – Advice for first-time franchisees (all industries)

40:00 – Closing & final thoughts

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https://www.ionfranchising.com/consultation.asp

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