GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo.– Grease Monkey®, automotive aftermarket repair facility and flagship brand of FullSpeed Automotive®, announces Tom Tobin has been awarded the International Franchise Association’s (IFA) prestigious Franchisee of the Year Award. He was honored at the 64th IFA Annual Convention in Phoenix, Ariz., for being an outstanding franchise establishment owner-operator.

The Franchisee of the Year Award recognizes leading franchise owners from IFA member brands whose outstanding performance and contributions help protect, enhance, and promote the franchise business model. Nominated by their parent company, individuals are selected for their involvement in their communities, embodying the entrepreneurial spirit, fostering a strong and healthy culture with their workforce, and assisting their fellow franchisees when called upon.

Tom, with the assistance of his wife, Sherri, opened their first Grease Monkey store in Cibolo, Texas, in July 2021, and the two have worked tirelessly to cultivate a culture of excellence from day one. Their unwavering morals, diverse skill sets, and dedication to customers, employees, and fellow franchisees have made them a staple in the franchise system. Their emphasis on operational excellence has led to a five-star customer satisfaction rating and admiration from patrons who attest to the unparalleled service.

“Receiving the IFA’s Franchisee of the Year Award is not just a personal achievement, but a testament to the dedication of our entire team,” said Tom. “This award is a huge milestone for us, and I am deeply grateful for this recognition and more determined than ever to uphold the values that define our franchise family here at Grease Monkey.”

Always searching for ways to support others, Tom plays an active role in supporting franchisees through training and mentorship programs and through his participation in the International Franchisee Advisory Council where he currently serves as the Chair for the Midwest. Furthermore, his care for people extends beyond business, as he sees his franchise as a platform for reaching and aiding the community he serves.

“Tom is an exceptional part of our franchise system, and consistently surpasses expectations in embodying our company values and providing outstanding service to our customers,” said Ron Stilwell, President, FullSpeed Automotive. “His contribution to his team and the brand as a whole makes him the perfect recipient of the Franchisee of the Year award.”

There are approximately 806,000 franchised businesses across the U.S., providing over 8.7 million direct jobs and generating over $858 billion in economic output. According to Oxford Economics, franchising on average provides higher wages and better benefits than non-franchised businesses as well as greater entrepreneurial opportunities for minorities, women, veterans, and other underrepresented communities. 

“Franchisees of the Year exemplify what franchising is all about – providing opportunity, serving others, and fulfilling the American Dream,” said Matthew Haller, President and CEO of the International Franchise Association. “We are proud to recognize Tom and Sherri Tobin with the highest honor IFA awards to individual franchisees, and I have no doubt their work is changing lives and making a lasting community impact.”

Grease Monkey is looking to bring on qualified and engaged individuals seeking single, multi-unit, and conversion opportunities. When franchisees invest in FullSpeed Automotive brands, they’re investing in an organization with a strong culture, solid systems, and proven business models backed with a combined 80+ years of experience in providing quality car care in the industry. FullSpeed Automotive’s acquisition strategy has also played a key role in nationwide expansion and remains a strong business focal point for growth.  

For more information on Grease Monkey, visit greasemonkeyfranchise.com or call 800-364-0352.

About Grease Monkey®

Founded in 1978 and part of the FullSpeed Automotive family of brands, Grease Monkey has 45 years of expertise in oil changes and automotive maintenance. There are more than 500 Grease Monkey auto centers in the United States, China, Colombia, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia. In 2024, Grease Monkey was included in Entrepreneur’s prestigious Franchise 500 ranking for the eighth consecutive year, ranking #435. Alongside franchise accolades, Grease Monkey has been recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as a Top Franchise for Veterans, ranking #3. Grease Monkey is also proud to have received the VetFran 5‐Star rating for the sixth year in a row, demonstrating its extraordinary commitment to “provide access and opportunities in franchising to our Nation’s Veterans and their Spouses.” For more information, go to www.greasemonkeyfranchise.com.

About FullSpeed Automotive®

FullSpeed Automotive is among the nation’s largest franchisors and operators of automotive aftermarket repair facilities and home to flagship brands Grease Monkey, SpeeDee Oil Change & Auto Service, and Kwik Kar®. FullSpeed brands offer oil changes, tire sales and rotations, brake services, car washes, and other ancillary services through multiple brand formats that target several desirable segments of the service market. The company’s strategic geographic footprint of 900-plus franchised and company-owned locations provide density in high growth markets. FullSpeed is headquartered in Greenwood Village, CO. For more information, go to www.fullspeedautomotive.com.

About the International Franchise Association:

Celebrating over 60 years of excellence, education, and advocacy, the International Franchise Association (IFA) is the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations, and educational programs to protect, enhance and promote franchising and the approximately 806,270 franchise establishments that support nearly 8.7 million direct jobs, $858.5 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy, and almost three percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees, and companies that support the industry in marketing, law, technology, and business development.

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