Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Bright.
Hi Kevin, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
This is our (my) 1st business. We (me and two brother in-laws) purchased the lube business in June of 2019. The business was originally established (built in 1991 – it’s been through a number of owners) and we thought we could own it but not need to be present to physically run it. We soon found out the shop needed daily attention, and since I was the only one with automotive experience I decided to quite my job and start working at the lube shop. I have been in the automotive field since 1987, and at the time was working for the Murdock Auto Group in the service department. I decided to leave Murdock in October of 2019 and work full time at the lube shop now named Supreme Lube and Oil. During those first 6 months in 2019 we had 3 days where only one customer came to the shop all day. The prior lube shop had not done well for their customers and the shop was not trusted by the public. One of the business partner took out a second mortgage on his home and basically supported the shop until we could turn things around and become a trusted reputable, self sufficient business. It took some time and new employees but after 3 plus years we were able to gain the trust of our customers and become self sufficient.
We are starting our our 8 year in business. We service around 40 customers a day and over 12,000 customers a year. We have over 670 5 star reviews – all are 100% organic. we do not offer any discount or incentive to provide us a review. We currently have 8 employees. My wife bakes the best chocolate chip cookies provided to our customers. If you review the google reviews and look at the AI overview – her chocolate chip cookies are mentioned. On my business card it reads “Trusted service- damn good cookies”
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting and running a business is very challenging to say the least. I mentioned some of the initial challenges in my responses to the 1st question. I currently work, and have always worked over the last 7+years, 12 hours a day 6 days a week keeping the shop running. I maintain all the equipment at the shop from the air compressor, individual pneumatic oil pumps to the used oil heater etc. etc. etc.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I Graduated from UTI (Universal Technical Institute) 1987 in Phoenix Az. and began working as a automotive technician for an independent BMW shop in Phoenix. in 1990 I married and also started a new job as the lead technician for the Infiniti auto group a dealership in Phoenix. I was among the 1st 5 technicians hired for Infiniti when it launched as a new luxury auto brand in 1990. In 1993 I was hired as a lead technician for Brown and Brown Nissan in Tempe Az. While working there I graduated college with a bachelors degree in business and also became a Master Technician with Nissan – not an easy task. I became the shop foreman and eventually the service manager. At this time I started adjunct teaching at UTI (Universal Technical Institute) in the evening courses. In 2003 (now with 4 children) I was hired on full time and promoted as the Director of Education at UTI at their new Exton Pa. campus. I later became the Campus President also completed my Masters Degree with the University of Phoenix in International Business. In 2011 I went to work for YTI (York Technical Institute- career collage) as the Director of Education and later the Campus President. In 2015 the school was purchased by a larger career college out of Boston Ma.. After a couple of years of ownership they restructured their leadership replacing most of the leadership from YTI with their own leaders. I was one of many senior employees without a job. In 2015 I moved my family to Utah and I started working for the Murdock Auto Group as their parts and service director. in 2019 I left Murdock and started working here.
I really enjoy working with people. I found that this set me apart early on as a technician – as many automotive technicians do not find working with people or having customer interaction enjoyable. this has always been something i really enjoyed and has been a standout in all the jobs I have held – I’m very personable and easy to work with.
Check out fullyvetted on YouTube (How Dreams are Made 1958 Corvette (s1e3) This is my story of restoring a classic Corvette for my father.
Also check out “How My Corvette Obsession became a YouTube Channel (s1e7)
What matters most to you? Why?
Taking care of employees and customers matters most. Our motto at the shop is – We change lives not just oil. I believe our pricing for services is very competitive, and my hourly compensation to my employees is competitive as well (based on the skill sets they bring). for most of my employees this is their 1st job or early on in the working career. I have High School students working part time for me. My employee retention is extremely high.
Contact Info:
- Website: supremelubeandoil@gmail.com
