How SpeeDee Oil Change & Auto Service® Became a Family Affair for Franchisee Teresa Wanderstadt

Early in her career, Teresa Wanderstadt had a number of different jobs, including working in the marketing department for an architectural engineering firm, working as a receptionist at a doctor’s office and she even had a real estate license. But in July of 1995, Wanderstadt started working for a person—and a company—that would quickly become central to her diverse and thriving career.

Wanderstadt began working as a cashier at SpeeDee Oil Change & Auto Service in Davis, California in July 1995, which initially opened its doors in February 1993. Under owner Ray Scholl, Wanderstadt quickly learned all the ins and outs associated with running an automotive service business. “Ray became a second dad to me,” she said. “He taught me basically everything there is to know about automotive service and how to successfully operate a business. It’s funny because he would always say to me, ‘Save up your money! This is all going to be yours someday!’”

It turns out that Scholl’s prediction was accurate. In April 1996, Scholl retired and passed the torch—or in this case, the tools—to Wanderstadt and her husband Randy, who then became SpeeDee’s newest franchisees. “To be honest, I didn’t really think too much about it,” Wanderstadt said. “It was just set up this way. Once Ray told us he was retiring, Randy and I took out a loan and jumped right in.”

Today, the husband-and-wife pair own and operate the business together and, thanks to the help of their 17-year-old son and niece, the business has become “a family affair”. As part of her daily work routine, Wanderstadt handles customer service, office duties, billing, employees and the occasional oil change, while Randy works in the garage as a mechanic.

When asked what motivated her to sign on to be a franchisee with SpeeDee upon Scholl’s retirement, Wanderstadt noted one thing in particular that she really loved about the brand: its family-oriented atmosphere. “It feels like one big family and they are helpful with everything we are doing on a day-to-day basis,” she said. “In terms of support, we are always encouraged to call the district manager or other franchisees for support or help if and when we need it. I really don’t know any other franchise system that provides that level of support to their owners.”

*Because SpeeDee’s corporate team treats their franchisees like family, franchisees are then able to treat their own customers like family too. “I’ve known some of my customers for 25 years now; they’re like family to me,” Wanderstadt said. “I love my customers and I love coming into work each day knowing I get to see them and provide them a service.”*

Ralph Yarusso, chief development officer of FullSpeed Automotive, parent company of SpeeDee Oil Change & Auto Service, touts Wanderstadt’s consistently positive attitude. “One of the things I like most about Teresa is her attitude,” he said. “It’s hard to get her to stop smiling—she’s so positive, which really resonates with the rest of the room.”

Another characteristic that has contributed to Wanderstadt’s longevity with the SpeeDee brand is its honest business model. “SpeeDee’s business model is really second to none,” she said. “It’s as honest as it gets—it really just goes back to that same family-oriented atmosphere. SpeeDee doesn’t take advantage of people and try to milk them for every penny. Customers bring their cars to our shops and trust us to do the best work we can for a fair price.”

Since its founding in 1980, SpeeDee Oil Change & Auto Service has grown to more than 150 locations across the U.S. Known as the early innovator in the quick-lube industry, SpeeDee is a one-stop-shop for a wide array of exceptional services including brakes, tires, oil changes, manufacturer’s recommended services and more. SpeeDee provides an unparalleled commitment to customer service, which allows it to be a standout from the competition.

The investment level for opening a SpeeDee Oil Change center ranges from $197,305 to $537,970 with a $35,000 franchise fee. 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 ***