Straightaway Names Brian Bates Chief Operating Officer

Veteran shop owner and co-founding partner to guide operations, field leadership development, and growth in Straightaway's next phase of expansion

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Straightaway Tire & Auto today announced the appointment of Brian Bates as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Brian, a longtime independent shop owner, co-founding partner of Straightaway, and U.S. Army veteran, will oversee operations, field leadership development, and growth strategy as the company continues to expand its footprint nationwide.

Brian's career reflects a deep commitment to the automotive repair industry. After serving in the U.S. Army from 1991 to 1996, he pursued a degree in Business Management while earning his ASE L1 Master Technician certification, which provided him with both the technical expertise and business acumen necessary to succeed in the industry. In 2004, he opened his first shop and grew it into EAS Tire & Auto, a thriving, multi-location operation in Colorado. This led him to co-found Straightaway in 2023, helping to establish the company as one of the fastest-growing automotive repair platforms in the country.

"Brian is passionate about Straightaway and about building something truly distinct in the automotive industry," said John Teddy, CEO of Straightaway. "He grew up in auto repair, starting on the shop floor, making him uniquely aware of what matters most to our customers, what our front-line team members need to thrive, and what our brand leaders require to scale and innovate. And perhaps most telling, his peers wanted him in this role. Titles don't define true leaders - they rise naturally to the occasion, and Brian is a perfect example of that."

"It is gratifying and humbling to step into this role," said Brian Bates, COO of Straightaway. "I started as a shop owner answering phones, selling jobs, and turning wrenches, and those experiences will always shape how I lead. My priorities as COO are clear: build scalable systems and processes, invest in our people, and ensure every shop feels fully part of the Straightaway family. At the end of the day, if we get those fundamentals right, we'll build a distinct and winning business obsessed with delivering exceptional customer experiences and superior financial results."

The appointment of Brian underscores Straightaway's commitment to promoting from within, empowering leaders with deep industry expertise, and driving growth while staying true to the company's local-shop roots.

"There is no better example of our Straightaway To Success career path than Brian Bates. Starting as a technician, becoming a determined owner & entrepreneur, and now leading a rapidly growing network of the best auto repair shops in the country - what is more powerful for our next generation of leaders than that." said Teddy.

To learn more about Straightaway, you can visit www.gostraightaway.com

About Straightaway
Straightaway Tire & Auto is a leading independent, full-service aftermarket automotive repair and service platform with more than 70 locations across Colorado, Florida, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin. Straightaway focuses on building strong local brands by partnering with established automotive repair businesses to provide resources and operational expertise that drive growth and long-term success. The company is committed to strengthening the markets where it operates and being good stewards of the communities it serves. Straightaway is actively expanding its footprint in new and existing markets through strategic acquisitions and welcomes inquiries from shop owners interested in exploring a sale or partnership. For more information, visit www.gostraightaway.com.

Media Contact: 
Izabella Dickson
Straightaway - Brand Communications Manager
443-262-6975
[email protected]

SOURCE Straightaway