Grease Monkey logo

Grease Monkey

Oil changes, preventive maintenance, brakes, light repairs

Investment

$291,320

Initial Franchise Fee

$39,900

Units

449

Growth Rate

-10%

Overview About Investment Territories Support Operations Ranking History

Overview

Industry Automotive
Founded 1978
Franchising Since 1979
Parent Company FullSpeed Automotive
Leadership Ron Stilwell, President
# of Employees at HQ 150

Units and Growth Chart

Obfuscated data

Want to see the full picture? Log in to unlock premium data and detailed growth charts.

About Grease Monkey

Grease Monkey has been open for business since 1978 and franchising since 1979. It has more than 350 locations, with more than 225 of those being owned and operated by franchisees. Grease Monkey is committed to helping customers by providing routine maintenance on their cars and making the experience fast, easy, and convenient.

Its talented crews work on everything from air conditioning and air filters to tire rotation and transmissions. Grease Monkey also offers fleet services to help companies maintain the lives of their auto-assets. Its mechanics keep detailed records on the work they do to make sure vehicles are ready for the road, no matter the conditions. 

Why You May Want to Start a Grease Monkey Franchise

There are more cars on the road right now than at any other time in history. The average age of cars on the road is about 12 years. Cars need upkeep, especially as they get older. What does this mean for your shop? The auto industry tends to have a more consistent customer base. As a result, current Grease Monkey franchisees that provide quality service may keep customers coming back.

Unlike other auto chains, Grease Monkey isn't owned by an oil company, so there's a good chance you won't have to buy products dictated by headquarters. Headquarters, which is located in Greenwood Village, Colorado, often makes recommendations on what franchisees should purchase based on what they believe may result in the best conclusion for you. However, they generally have the option to choose whether or not they follow those recommendations.

What Might Make Grease Monkey a Good Choice

Grease Monkey has been ranked in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 many times since its inception. This ranking is based on an evaluation of more than 150 data points that consist of areas in costs and fees, size and growth, franchisee support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability.

When you open a Grease Monkey franchise, you might have the choice of adding a Monkey Shine® Car Wash to your facility. This addition can give you another source of revenue, which is an added benefit. For some customers, having the car wash addition increases the convenience factor and can build customer loyalty.

As a franchisee, you're usually in control of how you market your center to the community. The Grease Monkey marketing team has developed many different strategies; you just have to pick out what you want to implement. The marketing team may also give you advice, helping to make your marketing strategy the most effective.

How to Open a Grease Monkey Franchise

If you want to open a Grease Monkey franchise, you'll need to indicate your net worth and how much liquid capital you have. You should be financially ready to make an initial investment made up of a franchise fee and other startup costs. You should also be prepared for ongoing fees that will consist of advertising fees, royalty fees, and potential renewal fees. If you are an honorably discharged veteran or a first responder, you might be eligible for discounts.

During the process, a representative will typically contact you to discuss the business, your experience, possible locations, and more. The company also expects new franchisees to attend the Join Our Crew event. Once you sign a Franchise Agreement, you should be able to start selecting a site, constructing your facility, and planning your grand opening. Clients just might go bananas for your quality service and skilled Grease Monkey staff.

Investment Details

Initial Franchise Fee $39,900
Initial Investment $291,320 - $1,972,033
Cash Requirement
3VuznbGK
Royalty Fee
YL
Ad Royalty Fee
TEyx
Term of Agreement
LkFyTNV4
Is Franchise Term Renewable?
UyW
Financing
uhbmGwOoc1d

Get complete financial details. Log in to unlock cash requirements, fees, and financing terms.

Available Territories

Franchising opportunities available in the following regions

Want to see available territories? Log in to unlock territory availability and expansion opportunities.

Training & Support Programs

Comprehensive training and ongoing support to help you succeed

Training

On the Job Training
1Ii
Classroom Training
3Mh

Ongoing Support

Purchasing Co-ops
Newsletter
Meetings & Conventions
Toll-Free Line
Grand Opening
Online Support
Security & Safety Procedures
Lease Negotiation
Field Operations
Site Selection
Proprietary Software
Franchisee Intranet Platform

Get complete training details. Log in to unlock training programs, support services, and marketing assistance.

Operations & Requirements

Key operational details and requirements for running this franchise

Is absentee ownership allowed?
vew
Can this franchise be run from home/mobile unit?
uS
Can this franchise be run part time?
wy
# of employees required to run
ipN3
Are exclusive territories available?
xu
Veterans program
zSNnkh6HPdWHs2JDOv9QBc7V42IeV5NrBvcHTYL1suQdCgCCEsnlGiGBRrswZITy09P3C9fU3ArAr4UfguZNmS8lzVuOgRocH19vtMJ5SMKQ3iM0

View operational requirements. Log in to unlock ownership options, staffing needs, and territory details.

Ranking History

Grease Monkey performance in the Franchise rankings over recent years

Additional Rankings

Curious to know where Grease Monkey ranked on other franchise lists? Find out below.

Sign Up for Our Franchise Newsletter

Stay up to date on the latest news and trends affecting the franchise industry.

Related Franchise Content

Catch up on the latest franchise news, trends, and more.

Franchise

What Smart Franchise Buyers Know Before They Ever Step Into Confirmation Day

With such a big decision on the line, you must be prepared to walk in to make the best possible decision for your future.

Franchise

What Two Adopted Puppies Taught Me About Breaking Through the Noise

One simple shift — from building a booth to creating a real emotional moment — turned passing foot traffic into meaningful conversations and lasting brand connections.

Franchise

Beware the Timing Trap — Is There Ever a Right Time to Start a Franchise?

Waiting for the "right" time to start a franchise often delays action, when success depends more on preparation and execution than perfect timing.

Franchise

How to Balance Passion and Practicality When Exploring a Business Opportunity

Passion can work for or against you in a business model. Your goal? Make it work for you.

Franchise

The Biggest Mistake Franchises Make With Their SEO Strategy — and How to Get Real Results in 2026

I've scaled SEO across dozens of locations. Here are the systems that franchise brands need to win in 2026.

Franchise

This Simple Blueprint Can Help You Sell More Franchises

If you're struggling to sell, it may be time to stop and take a hard look at whether you have all the pieces in place.

See more franchise content
Disclaimer
The information on this page is not intended as an endorsement or recommendation of any particular franchise or business opportunity by Entrepreneur Media. Our listings and rankings are solely research tools you can use to compare opportunities. Entrepreneur stresses that you should always conduct your own independent investigation before investing in a franchise or business opportunity. That should include reviewing the company's legal documents, consulting with an attorney and an accountant, and talking to former and current franchisees/licensees/dealers.
Updated: December 12th, 2022