Jiffy Lube® Franchise Owners Recognized as Fast Lube Operators of the Year by National Oil & Lube News

HOUSTON, Dec. 6, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- For their strong work ethic, business vision and commitment to the industry and their local community, Karn Jilek and John Olstad, co-owners of Jiffy Lube franchise JK Lube, Inc., have been recognized by National Oil & Lube News (NOLN) as the 2010 Operators of the Year.  For the past 24 years, NOLN has presented the Operators of the Year award, to honor individuals for exceptional business success, involvement in the industry, and community service.

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"We focus on our business, customers, employees and local community every day and to be recognized for this commitment is humbling and re-energizing," said Jilek.  "We're honored that NOLN has recognized us with this significant industry recognition."  Jilek and Olstad have been partners for the past 10 years, as owners and operators of three Jiffy Lube service centers in Fargo, N.D.

Garrett McKinnon, editor at NOLN, added "Every year National Oil & Lube News bestows its Operator of the Year award to a lube operator or operators who demonstrate not only savvy business acumen, but also a dedication to the industry at large as well as a commitment to giving back to their community.  Karn and John meet every single one of those criteria in exemplary fashion, and we are pleased to recognize their contributions with this award."

Operational Excellence

A commitment to excellence is part of the JK Lube heritage.  Jilek's father, Wayne Monge, was one of the early Jiffy Lube franchisees and opened the first service centers in the Fargo-area.  Jilek and Olstad keep things running smoothly with a clear division of responsibilities -- Jilek handles marketing, human resources, technology and payroll, while Olstad manages operations, training inventory, and product orders.  While they approach business with a "divide and conquer" attitude, both Jilek and Olstad strive to be hands-on owners and are always accessible to their service center employees.

Committed to the Industry

Jilek and Olstad have both been giving back to the industry through the Jiffy Lube Association of Franchisees (JLAF).  Jilek is currently the JLAF President and since the early 1990s, she has dedicated her time and expertise to numerous JLAF boards and committees including the board of directors for her region, the technology committee, the marketing committee, and the JLAF Executive Committee.  Working with other franchisees and Jiffy Lube International (JLI), Jilek has helped establish key initiatives for the franchise system including a new point-of-sale system that's currently in progress.  

During the past ten years, Olstad has served on the store standards committee and training committee.  He played a role in helping to develop the highly successful training program for the Jiffy Lube system, Jiffy Lube University.  Olstad currently serves on the products and services committee and is involved in looking at what the future holds for the industry.

Community Involvement

Jiffy Lube franchisees have always shown a deep commitment to supporting causes in their communities, and Jilek and Olstad are no exception. The partners have been giving back to the Fargo community for several years -- donating time and funds to numerous causes, including coordinating a donation of $10,000 in gift cards to help those suffering from the devastating floods Fargo experienced in 2009.  JK Lube also played an important role in the Jiffy Lube Maintenance Partners for Life campaign to benefit the American Heart Association's Go Red For Women movement and heart disease prevention.  During the past three years, JK Lube has been part of an effort that raised more than $3.4 million for the cause and $11,500 for local, Fargo American Heart Association initiatives.

"Our Jiffy Lube franchisees strive to maintain excellence in business and to provide valuable contributions to both the industry and their local communities," said Rick Altizer, Jiffy Lube International President.  "Karn and John demonstrate these values and passion on a daily basis.  I admire the hard work they put into their service centers and appreciate the notable contributions they've made to the fast lube industry, the Jiffy Lube system, and in their community, and I congratulate them on their accomplishments and this well-deserved recognition."

To find a Jiffy Lube in your area, please visit Locations.JiffyLube.com.  Visit JiffyLube.com to find oil change coupons and promotions, Jiffy Lube news articles, community involvement programs and events, franchise information, and employment opportunities.  Also, anyone can visit the new Jiffy Lube Facebook community, "Keeping My Ride Alive," to view photos and stories from drivers committed to extending the life of their vehicles, as well as upload photos and stories of their own.

About Jiffy Lube®

Jiffy Lube International Inc. ("Jiffy Lube"), with more than 2,000 franchised service centers in North America, serves approximately 24 million customers each year. Jiffy Lube pioneered the fast oil change industry in 1979 by establishing the first drive-through service bay, providing customers with fast, professional service for their vehicles. Headquartered in Houston, Jiffy Lube is a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Shell Oil Company. Visit www.JiffyLube.com to learn more about Jiffy Lube and vehicle care.

SOURCE Jiffy Lube