Grismer Tire & Auto Service Appoints New Senior Leadership

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Grismer Tire & Auto Service (“Grismer” or the “Company”), a portfolio company of CenterOak Partners LLC (“CenterOak”), today announced the appointment of Chris Blanchette as Chief Executive Officer and Mark Hedstrom as Chief Financial Officer. Grismer is a leading operator of tire and automotive service centers.

Mr. Blanchette brings more than 20 years of senior leadership experience in multi-site consumer services, with deep expertise in operations, strategy and business development.

Prior to joining Grismer, Mr. Blanchette served as Chief Executive Officer of Service Minds, a residential electrical, plumbing and HVAC services company. Previously, he served as Chief Operating Officer of QAS, an operator of Valvoline Instant Oil Change locations, and held senior operational roles at Advance Auto Parts, Bridgestone Retail Operations and Best Buy.

Mr. Hedstrom brings more than 30 years of finance experience and most recently served as Chief Financial Officer of W.S. Connelly & Co., a multi-regional specialty distributor. He previously served as Chief Financial Officer of several private equity-backed consumer and distribution businesses.

“Chris Blanchette brings highly relevant leadership experience in the automotive aftermarket,” said Eric Holter, Managing Director at CenterOak. “He has led complex, multi-location organizations and understands how to translate operational discipline into sustainable growth. Together, Chris and Mark add important depth to Grismer’s leadership team as the Company pursues expansion in existing and new markets.”

“Grismer’s 90-year history and the trust it has earned with customers set the Company apart,” said Chris Blanchette, Chief Executive Officer of Grismer. “I am excited to join a business with such a strong legacy and see significant opportunity to grow the Company while preserving the qualities that have made it successful.”

About Grismer Tire & Auto Service

Based in Dayton, Ohio, Grismer Tire & Auto Service is a leading independent operator of tire and automotive service centers. The Company offers mechanical and electrical repair, preventative and scheduled maintenance, and tire replacement services across a broad range of vehicle types, including electric and hybrid vehicles. Grismer has built a strong reputation for high-quality service, trusted customer relationships, and competitive pricing over its more than 90-year operating history. For additional information, please visit www.grismertire.com

About CenterOak Partners LLC

CenterOak Partners LLC is a Dallas, Texas based private equity firm managing $2.5 billion of equity capital commitments with a focus on making control-oriented investments in middle market companies. The Firm invests in Business Services, Industrial Services and Consumer Services. CenterOak has a history of creating significant value through organizational development, operational improvements, and transformational growth. For additional information, please visit www.centeroakpartners.com