Grismer Tire & Auto Service, a portfolio company of CenterOak Partners, has appointed Chris Blanchette as Chief Executive Officer and Mark Hedstrom as Chief Financial Officer. The appointments expand the company’s leadership team as it pursues growth across its existing markets and evaluates additional expansion opportunities.
Headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, Grismer operates tire and automotive service centers, providing vehicle maintenance and repair services to customers across its operating markets.
Blanchette brings more than 20 years of senior leadership experience across multi-location consumer services businesses.
Before joining Grismer, he served as CEO of Service Minds, a residential services company specializing in electrical, plumbing, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning services.
He previously served as Chief Operating Officer of QAS, an operator of Valvoline Instant Oil Change locations.
Earlier in his career, Blanchette held senior operational positions at Advance Auto Parts, Bridgestone Retail Operations, and Best Buy.
His experience includes managing businesses with geographically distributed operating locations and developing strategies for growth, operational performance, and customer service.
At Grismer, Blanchette will oversee the company’s operations and expansion strategy.
His responsibilities will include supporting growth across existing service centers while evaluating opportunities in additional markets.
Hedstrom brings more than 30 years of financial experience, including senior leadership positions at private equity-backed consumer and distribution businesses.
He most recently served as CFO of W.S. Connelly & Co., a specialty distribution company operating across multiple regions.
His background includes financial management responsibilities in businesses pursuing operational improvements and growth.
At Grismer, Hedstrom will oversee financial operations and support the company’s strategic development under CenterOak’s ownership.
The appointments come as Grismer builds on a history spanning more than 90 years.
Its services include mechanical and electrical repairs, scheduled and preventive maintenance, and tire replacement.
The company serves a range of vehicle types, including electric and hybrid vehicles, reflecting the increasing variety of automobiles requiring repair and maintenance services.
CenterOak is supporting Grismer’s continued development following its investment in the business.
The Dallas-based private equity firm manages approximately $2.5 billion in equity capital commitments and focuses on control-oriented investments in middle-market companies.
Its investment activities span business services, industrial services, and consumer services.
CenterOak’s strategy includes supporting portfolio companies through organizational development, operational improvements, and expansion.
The appointments of Blanchette and Hedstrom add operational and financial experience as Grismer pursues its next stage of growth.
KEY QUOTES:
“Chris Blanchette brings highly relevant leadership experience in the automotive aftermarket. 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.”
Eric Holter, Managing Director at CenterOak Partners
“Grismer’s 90-year history and the trust it has earned with customers set the Company apart. 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.”
Chris Blanchette, CEO of Grismer Tire & Auto Service
