Express Oil Change

Founded: 1979 Franchising since: 1983
Former gas station manager Jim Lunceford founded Express Oil Change in 1979 after hearing about a West Coast business that offered quick oil changes. Lunceford brought the concept to Alabama, opened four centers and began franchising in 1984.

In 1996, franchisees Joe Watson and Ricky Brooks purchased Express Oil Change from Lunceford and began expanding the company into Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia and the Carolinas. Two years later, the company purchased Tune-Up Clinics, a 28-store chain based in Atlanta. Twenty-five Tune-Up Clinic locations became Express Oil Change centers after the purchase.

1880 Southpark Dr. Birmingham, Alabama 35244

Phone: (205)945-1771

Franchisor is a privately-held company with 30 employee(s); 10 employee(s) in franchise department.

Franchise Growth

Year	U.S. Franchises	Canadian Franchises	Foreign Franchises	Company Owned
2009	102	0	0	68
2008	104	0	0	60
2007	106	0	0	53
2006	108	0	0	50
2005	101	0	0	51

Where Seeking Franchisees
Not available in the U.S.

Exclusive territories available.

Special Programs
Express Oil Change reduces its franchisees’ royalty fees based on sales. Top franchisees (Franchise of the Year, Developer of the Year and Rookie of the Year) are recognized at the company’s annual convention.

Total investment: $225K-1.5M Franchise fee: $27.5K

Ongoing royalty fee: 5% Term of agreement: 10 years, renewable

Type of Financing Available

	In-House	Third Party
Franchise Fee	No	No
Startup Costs	No	Yes
Equipment	No	Yes
Inventory	No	No
Accounts Receivable	No	No
Payroll	No	No

Third-party financing source(s): Citigroup, the SBA, SouthTrust Bank, AmSouth Bank, Compass Bank

Qualifications
Net worth requirement: $500K
Cash liquidity requirement: $250K
Business Experience:

• General business experience

Operations

• 85% of all franchisees own more than one unit
• Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 6 - 8
• Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (92% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

Training

• Available at headquarters: 2 days
• At franchisee's location: Varies
• At training centers : 4-8 weeks

Ongoing Support

• Newsletter
• Meetings
• Toll-free phone line
• Grand opening
• Internet
• Security/safety procedures
• Field operations/evaluations
• Purchasing cooperatives

Marketing Support

• Co-op advertising
• Ad slicks
• Regional advertising

Franchise 500® rank:
#346 (2008); #295 (2007); #322 (2006); #287 (2005);