Canada’s largest quick-oil-change organization was founded in Edmonton in 1976 by Clifford Giese who, frustrated with the time required to service his own fleet of vehicles, created the drive-in-drive-through oil change system. From the beginning the focus was on consistently providing a “10 minute” oil change.

The first Ontario store opened in Pickering in 1979 and, as of April 1, 1991, of the 81 stores nation-wide, 34 of them were in Ontario. The largest concentration of stores in the future will continue to be in Ontario with over 50 stores anticipated.

In 1987, when the network had increased to 45 stores, Mr. Giese sold the Canadian rights to the Mr. Lube trademark to Imperial Oil Limited (Esso). Mr. Lube Canada Inc. was to be Canada’s premier franchising company in the quick oil change business.

Mr. Lube grew rapidly with, on average, a store per month added to the network of corporately owned stores and franchised outlets.

To ensure expansion and long-term success of its franchising operations, Mr. Lube Canada Inc. developed a “partners in business” philosophy with a strong commitment to the franchisee. It supported the formation of the Franchisee Association, the National Marketing Committee and the Operations Advisory Council. A telephone hotline ensures constant communication between the franchisee and a franchise support centre. Video-based training and a certification program ensure properly trained technicians.

In 1990 online computer point of sale technology was introduced into the Mr. Lube stores. This allows the upper technician to access the customer’s file quickly and to check a database for the correct products for each make and year of car. There are 18 different oil brands offered. Top-up of common fluids or replacement of filters and of minor items like wiper blades is available with all products being warranty-approved. Two trained technicians work simultaneously and a special added-value service is the free 21-point visual inspection check.

Multiple service bays, high volume and efficient operations reduce the waiting time for customers who can remain in their car enjoying a complimentary newspaper and a special customer newsletter during the “10 minute” oil change and lubrication service. (There are even colouring books and balloons as treats for the children!)

As the consumer lifestyle shifts from “Do It Yourself” to “Done for You” and the environmentally conscious are concerned about the disposal of their waste oil and filters, the quick lube industry will continue to grow.

The franchisees and the support staff work together to provide the motoring public with trust, peace of mind and convenience for their routine vehicle maintenance. It is the hope of Mr. Lube Canada Inc.’s president, Nick Javor, that someday the answer to “Where do you have your car’s oil changed?” will be a routine “Why, Mr. Lube of course!”