1851

Bryan and Donna Millsaps have been franchising for 25 years with <a href="https://www.speedeeoil.com/franchise-information/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=25-years-strong-california-couple-bryan-and-donna-millsaps-continue-to-find-success-as-owners-of-two-speedee-oil-change-auto-service-shops-2710494" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">SpeeDee Oil Change &amp; Auto Service</a>, bringing a robust background of automotive, technology and legal industry experience to their businesses. In 2018, Bryan and Donna received the <a href="https://www.franchise.org/franchise-information/people-news-and-events/who-won-the-2018-franchisee-of-the-year-awards?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=25-years-strong-california-couple-bryan-and-donna-millsaps-continue-to-find-success-as-owners-of-two-speedee-oil-change-auto-service-shops-2710494" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">International Franchisee of the Year Award</a> from the International Franchise Association.&nbsp;

Bryan credited the win to the hard work he and Donna have continued to put into their two central California <a href="https://www.speedeeoil.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=25-years-strong-california-couple-bryan-and-donna-millsaps-continue-to-find-success-as-owners-of-two-speedee-oil-change-auto-service-shops-2710494" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">SpeeDee</a> stores, located in <a href="https://www.speedeeoil.com/locations/modesto-ca-7065/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=25-years-strong-california-couple-bryan-and-donna-millsaps-continue-to-find-success-as-owners-of-two-speedee-oil-change-auto-service-shops-2710494" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Modesto</a> and <a href="https://www.speedeeoil.com/locations/turlock-ca-7093/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=25-years-strong-california-couple-bryan-and-donna-millsaps-continue-to-find-success-as-owners-of-two-speedee-oil-change-auto-service-shops-2710494" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Turlock</a>.

&ldquo;When we received the International Franchisee of the Year Award it was incredibly humbling,&rdquo; said Bryan. &ldquo;All the other franchisees who attended the event are incredible owners, too. Donna and I are quite honored to this day that we were selected.&rdquo;

Prior to partnering with SpeeDee in 1994, neither Bryan nor Donna foresaw themselves franchising in California. Donna worked as a legal secretary for many years, while Bryan was involved in the automotive industry and later, information technology.

Bryan initially pursued the auto mechanic world, working for a taxi company and a mechanic shop in his early years. However, he found profound interest in electronics. He studied information technology and began working with Linear Technology in telecommunications, serving as an electronic district service manager. However, after 15 years with Linear Technology, Bryan had to adapt as the company began downsizing.

&ldquo;I thought I would be a &lsquo;lifer&rsquo; with Linear,&rdquo; said Bryan. &ldquo;But when the company was bought out toward the end of my time there, I second-guessed that assumption. I questioned it because I realized I had no control over whether or not I stayed.&rdquo;

He looked at other companies but faced difficulties in the hiring process due to his age. Bryan soon began looking back at the automotive industry, a compelling alternative to the stayed office life he had experienced. He soon started researching different oil change and auto service franchises. While reading the San Francisco Chronicle, Bryan saw an ad for a SpeeDee in the East Bay.&nbsp;

Bryan went to tour the SpeeDee location and learned the company was looking for franchisees.&nbsp; He admired the oil change and auto service brand&rsquo;s business model and the way it was divided evenly between a fluids-based service station and a mechanical repair garage.

&ldquo;SpeeDee was a great option for Donna and me to invest in,&rdquo; said Bryan. &ldquo;Donna is the heart of business operations and manages the books. My automotive background means I know the mechanical side to the business and my experience with Linear taught me how to maintain, manage and motivate people. Together, we saw that we would be a great fit for the company.&rdquo;

The couple soon retired from their jobs after signing with SpeeDee in 1994 and opening their Modesto location. Then, in 2007, Bryan and Donna invested in a second location in Turlock, which they built from the ground up.&nbsp;

&ldquo;With the amount we&rsquo;ve invested into both stores, we are right where we expected,&rdquo; Bryan said. &ldquo;We thought about having multiple stores after first signing up. When we opened our second location and that matched our expectations, Donna and I saw how ours and our teams&rsquo; hard work paid off.&rdquo;

Donna and Bryan also cited SpeeDee as an instrumental component to their initial success.&nbsp;

The couple said, &ldquo;SpeeDee is an ideal franchise for anyone looking for a supportive brand to help with training and operations. The company support has been phenomenal and is available to franchisees at all stages of development and beyond.&rdquo;

Indeed, Bryan&rsquo;s and Donna&rsquo;s dual SpeeDee locations have been very profitable. Both the Modesto and Turlock stores have been successful and almost identical in productivity, according to Bryan. He said that the stores, while they service two distinct, smaller cities, each close within a $300 sales difference of each other on average.

Bryan also said that there has been tremendous success in training, as he and Donna have watched staff members grow with the stores. He identified employees who started on the fluids station side and worked their way up to mechanics. The couple stays in touch with those individuals who grew with the company and continue to stay connected to the local community as well.&nbsp;

The Millsaps duo is actively involved with organizations such as schools, sports teams and marching bands. Both of their SpeeDee locations participate in silent auctions and charitable events on a regular basis. They also work with nearby churches, providing repairs and services to members of the community who cannot afford it.

When asked what&rsquo;s next for such a successful and award-winning franchise, Bryan said, &ldquo;I&rsquo;m just enjoying the businesses and my life. We don&rsquo;t plan to open any other locations because we&rsquo;re dedicated to our two SpeeDee locations. With this company, an absentee owner doesn&rsquo;t work well. Besides, I&rsquo;m 67 years old so I&rsquo;d rather appreciate the hard work we&rsquo;ve put into our stores at this point. I loved becoming a franchisee 25 years ago and I love it still.&rdquo;

&nbsp;

25 Years Strong: California Couple Bryan and Donna Millsaps Continue to Find Success as Owners of Two SpeeDee Oil Change & Auto Service Shops

1851 Franchise

A multi-unit automotive service couple have maintained award-winning stores for over two decades.

This brand page has been paid for by 1851. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

25-years-strong-california-couple-bryan-and-donna-millsaps-continue-to-find-success-as-owners-of-two-speedee-oil-change-auto-service-shops

Sola Salons

Sola Salons Eyes Southern Connecticut for Strategic Franchise Expansion

sola-salons-eyes-southern-connecticut-for-strategic-franchise-expansion

Woodhouse Spas

Photo of exterior of Woodhouse Spa location with people walking around outside

Woodhouse Spas: A Recession-Resistant Franchise Opportunity With Unmatched Support

woodhouse-spas-recession-resistant-franchise-opportunity

Sylvan Learning

Pasadena Weekly: Sylvan Learning Pasadena Offers Free Tutoring for Students Impacted by Local Fires

sylvan-learning-pasadena-free-tutoring-fire-support

BIGGBY COFFEE

BIGGBY® COFFEE Names Erin Kaylor as President, Reinforcing People-First Vision

BIGGBY® COFFEE Names Erin Kaylor as President, Reinforcing People-First Vision and Growth-Focused Future

biggby-coffee-names-erin-kaylor-president

Workout Anytime

Design with Workout Anytime logo and photo of Larry Brayman

Workout Anytime Welcomes Larry Brayman as Chief Marketing Officer, Strengthening Leadership Team Amid Growth Surge

workout-anytime-larry-brayman-cmo

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

The Future of Franchising: Trends and Predictions for 2025 and Beyond

the-future-of-franchising-trends-and-predictions-for-2025-and-beyond

Restaurant Business: Crumbl Cools Its Expansion, Refocuses on Profitability

restaurant-business-crumbl-cools-its-expansion-refocuses-on-profitability

Franchise Face-Lifts: Why Major Restaurant Brands Are Betting Big on Remodels

franchise-face-lifts-why-major-restaurant-brands-are-betting-big-on-remodels

How New Tariffs Are Causing Price Hikes and Surcharges for U.S. Businesses and Franchises - 1851

Tariffs Prompt Price Hikes, Surcharges as Businesses (and Franchises) Brace for Rising Costs 

tariffs-prompt-price-hikes-surcharges

Pizza Hut - EYM Group - Chapter 11 Bankruptcy - 77 Pizza Hut Locations Sold - 1851 Franchise

77 Pizza Hut Locations Sold After Franchisee Bankruptcy Filing

pizza-hut-franchisee-bankruptcy-eym-group

Franchisee spotlight image with Randy and Sandy Craft, Children's Lighthouse logo on blue background

The Crafts’ Successful Journey from New Parents to Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees

the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees

Franchise Success Stories: Inspiring Tales from the Front Lines

franchise-success-stories

Franchisee spotlight image with photo of Robert Trujillo and UWRG logo on blue background

How Robert Trujillo Expanded His Construction Business With UWRG

how-robert-trujillo-expanded-his-construction-business-with-uwrg

Amateur Bodybuilder and Business Partner Bring Passion for Fitness to World Gym Franchise in Fulton, New York

amateur-bodybuilder-and-business-partner-bring-passion-for-fitness-to-world-gym-franchise-in-fulton-new-york

Image of building outline hovering over person's hand

How To Choose the Right Franchise: A Step-by-Step Guide to Success

how-to-choose-the-right-franchise-step-by-step

Most Profitable Restaurant Franchises To Own in 2025 - 1851 Franchise

The Most Profitable Restaurant Franchises to Own in 2025

most-profitable-restaurant-franchises-to-own

Layoffs Surge to Pandemic-Era Highs, Opening Doors for Franchise Growth

layoffs-surge-to-pandemic-era-highs-opening-doors-for-franchise-growth

25 Years Strong: California Couple Bryan and Donna Millsaps Continue to Find Success as Owners of Two SpeeDee Oil Change & Auto Service Shops

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS