Introduction

When folks ask me what I do for a living, I often get a funny look when I tell them I work for MasterLube. My response is usually followed by, “I’m the Director of Communications at the corporate office.” Turns out that the first image that popped into their heads was me and my 5 foot 4 stature under a car in my pantsuit, heals sticking through the grated floor, wielding a wrench in one hand and grease gun in the other.
In our day-to-day business of changing oil on cars, flushing transmissions and checking radiator fluid, I do what the rest of the crew likes to call “fluffy stuff.” In the comfort of my cozy office, I design posters and sales material, work on our website and social networking pages and help with company promotions. I also fix a lot of the computers and “techy” stuff at the office. (Yes, I’m a geek)
Before working here, I changed my own oil. And by “changed my own oil,” I mean I bought the oil and filter from the car parts store, took it to my little brother and said, “Here, change my oil for me for my birthday” (or Christmas or Groundhog Day or my dog’s birthday). I also fixed my own car. And by “fixed my own car,” I mean I held the flashlight while my Dad was under the hood. Ironically, that’s also how I learned to swear.
Now I can’t be too hard on myself. I do know a little more than the average bear about cars. Thanks to my 92’ Grand Am special POS edition, I’ve had my fair share of auto repairs. (For those who don’t know, POS stands for “PLEASE don’t break down in the middle OF the STREET”) The science of auto mechanics all makes sense in my head. To be kind, let’s call it “book smarts.”
This blog is intended to be an illustration of my experience delving into the core of our business. I’m going to leave the comfort of my cushy office, keep the pantsuit at home and go out into our stores to learn about our day-to-day business, our employees and our customers. MasterLube’s goal is to be a good way for you to take care of your car. I’m going out to see just how we make that possible.
My hope is to introduce you to some facts, some faces and some funnies. For example, did you know that thanks to modern chemistry and microscopic structures called “polymers,” oil can actually change weights depending on the temperature of your engine? And that antifreeze is actually designed to keep your car from overheating more so then freezing, as the name implies.
I’m also out to show off some of the great, unsung heroes that make up our business. The guys tell me that we have some really interesting customers that frequent our services, so I’m hoping to learn more about them and tell their stories.
Check the site often and I’ll be sure to keep you up-to-date on my adventures.