Jiffy Lube, the company that pioneered the quick lube industry, recently announced that is has signed its youngest franchisee to date, Miles Blauvelt, in Baltimore, Maryland. At the age of 23, Blauvelt is no stranger to Jiffy Lube, advancing through management and now, transitioning into his new role as owner of MAB Lube, LLC, a Jiffy Lube franchise. He operates the Jiffy Lube service center located at 1316 Merritt Blvd, Baltimore, Maryland — and previously owned by his father.
As the youngest Jiffy Lube franchise owner, Blauvelt’s Jiffy Lube roots began seven years ago when he started working for his father’s Jiffy Lube franchise, Delta Lube, learning the business from the ground up. Throughout high school summer vacations and while earning his Business Degree at the University of Maryland, College Park, Blauvelt honed his skills and passion for entrepreneurship, preparing him for a career as a Jiffy Lube franchisee.
“I am thrilled to carry on the family tradition by taking over the business that my father worked so hard to build,” says Blauvelt. “From customer service to logistical operations, Jiffy Lube has an established reputation in the industry that is supported by a strong franchise program. I hope we continue to keep Jiffy Lube in our family for generations to come.”
Franchise Chatter (FC): What made you decide to become a Jiffy Lube franchisee?
Miles Blauvelt (MB): While I am a new Jiffy Lube franchisee, I am not new to the company. I used to work at my father’s Jiffy Lube centers throughout high school and college and gained invaluable experience that prepared me for my role today. This experience also gave me the motivation I needed early in my career to start working towards owning my own Jiffy Lube center.
FC: What are some things that set your Jiffy Lube apart from other oil change service centers in your community?
MB: Our convenience and speed of service set us apart from the other quick lubes in the area. Additionally, many of our services are less expensive and a lot faster than most dealerships and repair shops.
FC: What are some of the most important lessons you’ve learned from your father on how to run a successful Jiffy Lube franchise?
MB: My father taught me that your business is only as good as the people working for you. I make sure to take my time interviewing new candidates that have the right attitude and work ethic to make our service center successful.
My father also always told me that the more time and effort I put into my business, the more successful I will be. I always strive to be available
for my team and demonstrate strong leadership skills that my father has instilled in me.
FC: How do you plan to strengthen the business even further?
MB: I plan to continue adding quality employees and rewarding the great staff that I work with now. I hope to build a team that is both passionate and dedicated to the Jiffy Lube brand.
FC: What is your marketing strategy to get more customers walking through your doors? Will social media marketing play a more significant role going forward?
MB: I recently started several new marketing initiatives to help further drive customer traffic, including social media, direct mail, and support to local charities, including a local high school’s sports programs. The Jiffy Lube Association of Franchisees in Maryland has also created a Facebook page, JiffylubeMD, which has been successful in building relationships with those in the Maryland area. We have gained over 1,000 likes by offering special discounts and contests to our fans.
FC: What are your thoughts on the level of training and support that your franchisor provides?
MB: Jiffy Lube offers an excellent training program to all of its franchisees and I couldn’t ask for anything better. The extensive training provided by corporate has been designed to increase its franchisees’ business value to ensure our customers continue to receive quality, consistent service.
FC: What is a typical day like in your life as a new franchisee of Jiffy Lube?
MB: Currently, I am fulfilling all the roles of store manager including payroll and administrative tasks. Luckily, I have had my father and his team by my side to help guide me throughout the franchisee transition process.
FC: What do you like most about being a franchisee of Jiffy Lube?
MB: The thing I enjoy the most about being a franchisee is owning my own business. In my opinion, there is nothing more rewarding than being your own boss. I am accountable for all business-related issues to ensure that the center is operating smoothly.
FC: What are your growth targets for the business in 2012, and beyond?
MB: I hope to improve car counts by 3 percent each year. This is not always an easy goal to meet with increasing technology that has extended the time between oil changes. I also project to increase sales by 10 percent each year by adding new services for customers.
To learn more about Jiffy Lube, visit their website, follow them on Twitter, and connect with them on Facebook.
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