The NOLN Podcast

With the United States and Iran reaching a peace agreement that is expected to be signed later this week, RBC Capital Markets analyst Steven Shemesh joins the NOLN Podcast to discuss the ramifications for quick lube operators. In this interview, Shemesh explains why although the reported peace agreement between the United States and Iran is a positive development, operators should expect lingering effects from months of conflict that drove up crude oil prices and created supply chain disruptions.
He also breaks down how operators of different sizes have been impacted by recent events, and what industry leaders from all corners can learn from this experience.
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Increasing average repair orders starts with consistency, communication, and preparation. In this episode of the NOLN Podcast, Matt Shaw, vice president of sales at Mighty Auto Parts, discusses how thorough inspections, faster advisor communication and well-managed inventory programs can help shops identify more service opportunities, improve close rates and create a better customer experience with every vehicle visit. 

Oil Express, a 44-year-old business 20 miles north of downtown Cincinnati in West Chester, Ohio, has emphasized customer-oriented service packages tailored to working-class drivers, including discounts on oil changes, filters, and fluid services to increase revenue. District Manager Robert Gallatin recently shared with NOLN the five straightforward considerations Oil Express works from to craft its package deals.
This article was published on NOLN.net on April 21, 2026.
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Adam Miller, owner of four Grease Monkey franchise locations in Washington state, explains how implementing an online scheduling system has helped attract new customers to his stores. Miller explains how customers book appointments online, how his Grease Monkey shops balance wait times for drive-up customers vs. those who scheduled in advance, and lessons he has learned after a year of offering the online option.
This article was published on NOLN.net on Feb. 21, 2026.
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As AI-driven search engines increasingly aggregate reviews, proactive online reputation management is a critical tool for quick lube shops of all sizes. Adam Alfia, founder and managing director of Real Time Feedback, and Scott Rider, founder and CEO of the Rider Group, join the NOLN Podcast to explain how a proactive engagement strategy can boost retention, improve online ratings, and ultimately drive more revenue for your shop. 
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Cybersecurity leaders explain why smaller, independent automotive shops can be prime targets for hackers. They also offer practical advice for protecting sensitive information, including customer and financial data, and developing an incident response plan that can prevent an attack from destroying a business.
This article was published on NOLN.net on March 9, 2026.
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Paul Elliott, group vice president of franchise marketing for Midas, joins the NOLN Podcast to discuss the company’s recent 70th anniversary celebration, as well as the company’s emphasis on innovation, customer service, using AI as a support tool rather than a replacement for employees, and strong franchisee partnerships. Elliott also dives into Midas’ new marketing campaign featuring actor William Zabka, franchise support, and perfecting the customer experience while maintaining a collaborative company culture.
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Quick lube operators dive into their processes for building their organizational strategies, from setting a clear "north star" to guide their decision making and staffing and customer service initiatives, to strategic acquisitions and leadership alignment.
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Anthony Lopez-Ona, managing director at Mufson Howe Hunter & Co., joins the NOLN Podcast to share insights on how private equity firms view the quick lube industry, what operators should take away from the recent sale of Jiffy Lube to Monomoy Capital Partners, and what operators can expect with regards to M&A activity in the industry within the coming months.
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Good help is hard to find, but making sure an applicant’s traits meet the role is even harder. Chris Lawson of Technician Find explains why desperation is an expensive hiring strategy, and he shares practical advice for how independent operators can develop a consistent flow of high-quality candidates to fill job vacancies in their shops.
This article originally appeared on NOLN.net on Feb. 18, 2026.
Read by Brittany Duncan 
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