Automotive Industry Veteran Brian Morrison on Why He Recently Opened His Second SpeeDee Oil Change & Auto Service® Location

Brian Morrison has spent the majority of his career working in the automotive industry. After spending several years in the United States military and later working as a district manager for a restaurant chain, Morrison landed a job with Jiffy Lube as a general manager. He was able to work his way up to regional manager and was eventually appointed Jiffy Lube’s director of operations, a position he held for five years. All of these professional experiences have prepared Morrison well to succeed in his current role as a multi-unit franchisee with SpeeDee Oil Change & Auto Service®.

After years of traveling, Morrison decided he’d had enough, and it was time to go into business for himself. “I really felt that I reached my limit with Jiffy Lube,” Morrison said. “I wanted something that allowed for continued growth and more opportunities. Additionally, I wanted to run a business where I was able to do things more my own way.”

Because Morrison had worked in the automotive industry for almost 17 years, and knew he wanted to continue his career in that space, he began researching the different automotive business opportunities available to him in the vicinity of his hometown, Charlotte, North Carolina — ultimately leading him to franchise with SpeeDee.

Morrison opened his first SpeeDee location in Spartanburg, South Carolina, which is located about 75 miles southwest of Charlotte, in August 2019.

One aspect of the SpeeDee business model that initially caught Morrison’s eye was that it offered a wide array of services. “I wanted to do more than just the quick-lube and preventative maintenance that’s offered at a place like Jiffy Lube,” he said. “SpeeDee is more of a full-service operation. From brakes to tires, oil changes, manufacturer’s recommended services and more, SpeeDee allows us to provide an array of services that our customers need.”

In addition to the wide range of services the brand offers, Morrison was particularly interested in SpeeDee’s veteran program for franchisees. In fact, SpeeDee is ranked as the No. 2 company in automotive franchises for veterans, second only to its sister company Grease Monkey. “SpeeDee’s veteran program for franchisees was especially attractive to me,” Morrison said. “But with the veteran program, it allowed me to save almost $40,000 in my first year of business.”

Since opening his SpeeDee location in Spartanburg in August 2019, Morrison has seen a lot of success, which he attributes to his own work ethic and that of his employees and his son Brandon Morrison, who is the manager of the Spartanburg location. Morrison’s wife Denise also plays a big role in the business: She handles human resources, payroll, accounting and much more.

Building on the success of his Spartanburg location, Morrison was able to purchase a second SpeeDee Oil Change & Auto Service in February 2020. The second shop is located in Charlotte, North Carolina, about an hour and a half drive from the Spartanburg location.

From the get-go, Morrison knew that he wanted to expand his SpeeDee business and grow to multiple locations. “Spartanburg was a drive for me, so it was really great adding that second location in Charlotte,” he said.

As he looks to the future, Morrison noted that he will continue to pursue opportunities for growth. Specifically, he is looking to add at least two more SpeeDee locations to his business portfolio.

Since its founding in 1980, SpeeDee Oil Change & Auto Service has grown to more than 150 locations across the U.S. SpeeDee delivers top-notch, transparent service with a strong focus on customer satisfaction—all attributes that have contributed to its sustained growth and current position within the industry.

The investment level for opening a SpeeDee Oil Change & Auto Service location ranges from $197,305 to $537,970 with a $35,000 franchise fee and a 6% royalty. SpeeDee offers veterans and first responders a discount on their franchise fee and a substantial royalty rebate for their first two years of business. Candidates should demonstrate financial capability of a minimum $250,000 net worth and $60,000 to $75,000 in liquid assets, per unit developed. To learn more about franchising opportunities with SpeeDee, visit https://speedeeoilfranchise.com/.