1851

When Brian Bouthillette was 17 years old, he saw a “help wanted” advertisement for a lower bay technician position at <a href="https://1851franchise.com/speedee">SpeeDee Oil Change &amp; Auto Service</a>. Without any hesitation, he applied and began his career in the automotive industry. Little did Bouthillette know that he would later become a successful multi-unit <a href="https://www.speedeeoil.com/franchise-information/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-a-friends-kind-gesture-led-brian-bouthillette-to-open-four-speedee-locations-2712101" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">SpeeDee</a> franchisee and the <a href="https://www.noln.net/articles/1913-2016-operator-of-the-year-brian-bouthillette?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-a-friends-kind-gesture-led-brian-bouthillette-to-open-four-speedee-locations-2712101" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Operator of the Year by Oil &amp; Lube News</a>.Since 1980, SpeeDee has been leading the way in the quick-lube industry. The brand’s range of exceptional services—including breaks, tires, oil changes, engine light inspections <a href="https://www.speedeeoil.com/services/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-a-friends-kind-gesture-led-brian-bouthillette-to-open-four-speedee-locations-2712101" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">and more</a>—along with its <a href="https://1851franchise.com/speedee/how-speedee-oil-change-auto-service-has-built-upon-40-years-of-experience-for-an-unparalleled-customer-centric-service-model-2710496#industry">persistent commitment to customer service</a> is how SpeeDee continues to stand apart from the competition. Forty years later, SpeeDee continues to deliver nothing but the best automotive services to its customers across its <a href="https://www.speedeeoil.com/locations/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-a-friends-kind-gesture-led-brian-bouthillette-to-open-four-speedee-locations-2712101" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">159 U.S. locations</a>.Instead of attending college, Bouthillette continued working in another automotive shop, this time for his friend — and without pay. But according to Bouthillette, working for free was cheaper than attending a university to learn about the automotive industry.“My friend who I worked for called me crazy for working for free,” said Bouthillette. “But I thought it was a genius idea because I was gaining the skills I needed to pursue a career with cars instead of paying thousands of dollars to go to school to learn the same thing.”When Bouthillette first started with SpeeDee, he was a lower bay technician and pitman. From there, he was promoted to an upper bay technician and later, an assistant manager. When one of the SpeeDee store managers announced he was leaving, Bouthillette thought this was the perfect opportunity to prove that he was ready for more responsibility.“The long hours I worked as a manager really paid off because I was able to show the SpeeDee corporate team that I could successfully operate my own shop as a franchise owner,” said Bouthillette.The only thing stopping Bouthillette from becoming a SpeeDee franchisee at the time was the funds. Because he was paying off a mortgage on a house he had recently bought, money was tight. A friend came to Bouthillette’s rescue when they offered to hold his mortgage. Because of that, he was able to begin investing in his SpeeDee business.“I consider that friend who helped me a part of my family now because if it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t have been able to buy my first location,” said Bouthillette.In 2000, Bouthillette took over his first SpeeDee shop in Providence, Rhode Island. Two years later, he took over another location 10 miles away in Cumberland. By 2016, Bouthillette had taken over two shops in Massachusetts—South Attleboro and Attleboro.Since he began his journey with SpeeDee 30 years ago, Bouthillette can confidently say that there’s no other dealership or auto shop that provides the same high-quality services as SpeeDee.“I love that this business doesn’t limit you to the services you can offer,” said Bouthillette. “Other dealerships may only offer oil changes or tune-up services, but we offer the full spectrum. All of our new stores now feature a repair side and lube side. We don’t have are hands tied—that’s what I like about this business”Bouthillette believes in SpeeDee’s unparalleled business model so much that he chose to help an aspiring franchisee pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. When Justin Maddalena inquired about franchise opportunities with SpeeDee, Bouthillette wanted to help him in any way he could. In 2017, Bouthillette sold him one of his previous locations in Raynham, Massachusetts. Now, Maddalena has two SpeeDee shops and is in the process of opening a third.“Justin has a very similar story to me—his father died of cancer when he was 15, and so did mine,” said Bouthillette. “I saw a lot of him in me. Because a friend helped me out when I wanted to buy a SpeeDee, I wanted to do the same for Justin. Everything comes around in the end and I like to live to help people.”Some may desire a career change after 30 years of working in the same business, but not Bouthillette. He’s currently working on opening his fifth location down the road from his home in Lincoln, Rhode Island. Bouthillette can’t see himself growing with any other brand than SpeeDee.“I believe I’m one of the longest-running tenured SpeeDee franchisees in the business and I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else with my life,” said Bouthillette. “I’ve been able to build lifelong relationships with SpeeDee owners in the surrounding areas and while we may be competitive, we’re all rooting for each other because we want the brand to be successful.”The investment level for opening a SpeeDee Oil Change center 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 <a href="https://www.speedeeoil.com/franchise-information/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-a-friends-kind-gesture-led-brian-bouthillette-to-open-four-speedee-locations-2712101" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.speedeeoil.com/franchise-information/</a>.

How a Friend’s Kind Gesture Led Brian Bouthillette To Open Four SpeeDee Locations

1851 Franchise

After 30 years of being a part of the SpeeDee brand, multi-unit franchisee Brian Bouthillette only sees his business accelerating moving forward.


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

how-a-friends-kind-gesture-led-brian-bouthillette-to-open-four-speedee-locations

Melting Pot

Photo of interior of Melting Pot restaurant

Lexington Herald Leader: This Restaurant Chain Eyes a Return to Lexington After 10 Years

melting-pot-return-to-lexington

Keke's Breakfast Cafe

Keke's Breakfast Cafe - John and Kimberly Ehrhard - 1851 Franchise

Empowering Leadership, One Pancake at a Time: How John and Kimberly Ehrhard Are Building a Franchise Legacy with Keke’s Breakfast Cafe

john-kimberly-ehrhard-kekes-franchise

Comfort Keepers

More Than a Caregiver: Loretta Smith's Support Extends to Fellow Caregivers, Clients and the Community

more-than-a-caregiver-loretta-smiths-support-extends-to-fellow-caregivers-clients-and-the-community

Photo of Melting Pot CEO John "JC" Crawford

Melting Pot Names New CEO, Celebrates 50th Anniversary With Continued Growth and Leadership Promotions

melting-pot-franchise-mid-year-2025

Layne's Chicken Fingers

Texas Layne’s Franchisee Secures Real Estate in Austin, Set To Open Early Next Year

texas-laynes-franchisee-secures-real-estate-in-austin-set-to-open-early-next-year

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 Development Website Builder

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

Drone Delivery Takes Flight in QSR: The Future of Franchise Operations?

drone-delivery-takes-flight-in-qsr-the-future-of-franchise-operations

Chick-fil-A Tops Customer Satisfaction Rankings for 11th Year as Challenger Brands Gain Ground

chick-fil-a-tops-customer-satisfaction-rankings-for-11th-year-as-challenger-brands-gain-ground

Technomic Releases Annual Ranking of the Top 15 Fast-Food Chains in the U.S.

technomic-releases-annual-ranking-of-the-top-15-fast-food-chains-in-the-us

Rising Jobless Claims Could Signal Challenges — and Opportunities — for Franchising

rising-jobless-claims-affect-franchising

Hardee’s Lawsuit Highlights the Risk of Going Off-Model in Franchising

hardees-franchise-lawsuit-paradigm-investment-group

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise Built on Heart and Community

paris-baguette-franchise-rockaway-new-jersey-vishal-junjea

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Raj Pingili and Paris Baguette logo

How a Family Vacation Inspired Raj Pingili to Bring Paris Baguette to Towson, Maryland

how-a-family-vacation-inspired-raj-pingili-to-bring-paris-baguette-to-towson-maryland

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Juan & Whitney Fernandez & family, BIGGBY COFFEE logo

From Chiropractic to Coffee: These BIGGBY® COFFEE Franchisees Are Brewing Something New in Troy, Ohio 

biggby-coffee-franchise-coming-to-troy-ohio

Franchisee Spotlight with Chris & Evelyn Steinacher with Atomic Wings logo

Bringing the Heat: Local Couple Expand Their Franchise Portfolio with Atomic Wings in Illinois

How a Friend’s Kind Gesture Led Brian Bouthillette To Open Four SpeeDee Locations

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS