Austin Jiffy Lube Stores 'Calling All Cars' to Help Raise $10,000 for Humane Society, Celebrate Grand Re-Openings

AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- One local oil change business is going to the dogs – and cats. Sixteen years after Jiffy Lube first came to the area, it recently invested $1.6 million in a new look and efforts to enhance customer service.  To celebrate, Jiffy Lube franchisee Heartland Automotive Services Inc. is having a grand re-opening of its 31 Austin stores and partnering with the local Humane Society.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100912/CG63305 )

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100912/CG63305 )

Through Sept. 24, Jiffy Lube will make a donation to the Austin Humane Society for every Jiffy Lube Signature Service® Oil Change performed at Jiffy Lube service centers in the area. Customers also are encouraged to make a $2 donation at stores to help achieve the goal of raising $10,000. In addition, customers can enter the Shell Gas Card Sweepstakes to win $500, $300 or $200 in free gas.

Rep. Lloyd Doggett and Mayor Lee Leffingwell's Communications Director Matt Curtis joined Jiffy Lube Heartland executives and Austin Humane Society Community Outreach Coordinator Misty Valenta on Saturday to kick off the two-week charitable drive at the 2300 IH-35 B South Austin location to highlight the changes Jiffy Lube has made for customers.

"Partnership with the community is a critical component of corporate citizenry," Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell said.  "Jiffy Lube is taking the important steps of investing in its customers, employees and our Austin neighborhoods."

Jiffy Lube, which pioneered the first drive-through service, window cling reminder stickers and drive-in underground service bays, has 303 employees that service more than 390,000 cars a year in the Austin area. Nearly two years ago, the oil change operator decided it needed to better differentiate Jiffy Lube among quick lube operators and focus even more on service. The result was re-imaging and Operational Excellence programs that include a new look to the exterior and interior of stores and a greater focus on customer service.  

"We embarked on a significant cultural shift to drive a great guest experience," said Brett Ponton, CEO of Heartland, Jiffy Lube's largest franchisee and operator of the Austin stores. "We've already seen the difference. Service centers that have completed the new look and guest care program are outperforming stores that have not undergone the transformation."  

In fact, customers are responding to the new look and improvement in service so much so that nationally those Jiffy Lube locations that have undergone re-imaging and implemented Operational Excellence are experiencing on average 3.6 percent more vehicles per day.  

The re-introduction to area Jiffy Lube stores, called "Unleashing a New Standard in Service," is a nod to the fact that Jiffy Lube is both going through a business change and wants to celebrate with the community by supporting the local Humane Society. The Jiffy Lube grand re-opening event included a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the dignitaries in attendance to re-dedicate the store as well as a one-day pet adoption area. Community members could adopt a dog or cat onsite and donate to the Humane Society during the event.  

"As a nonprofit that is solely supported by the community, we are grateful for Jiffy Lube's exceptional effort to help the animals in our care," said Frances Jonon, Executive Director of the Austin Humane Society.  "We hope everyone will participate in this call to action to help make a difference for the Austin Humane Society.  A trip to take care of your car could make the difference in the life of an animal."

As customers stop by Austin Jiffy Lube locations during the next two weeks, they not only can support the Humane Society, but they can see improvements in the overall look, feel and personalized customer experience of the stores firsthand.  

"Our guests depend on us to get it right and deliver a great experience," Ponton said. "We understand that times are tough for many people in the area. Their cars are important to them, and they want to get the best experience and value for their dollar."

About Heartland Automotive Services Inc.

The American quick lube industry provides more than 100 million oil changes every year from more than 10,000 standalone locations. Within this industry, there is one dynamic growing company that stands out from the rest – Heartland Automotive Services, dba Jiffy Lube, the largest franchisee of quick lube retail service stores in the country. Operating 400 Jiffy Lube locations from coast to coast and serving nearly 5 million guests each year with more than 3,500 professional teammates, Heartland strives to provide a WOW experience for every valued guest on every visit.

SOURCE Heartland Automotive Services/Jiffy Lube

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