Straightaway Tire & Auto Appoints Brian Bates as New COO to Drive Growth

Straightaway Tire & Auto Welcomes Brian Bates as Chief Operating Officer

In a strategic move aimed at enhancing its operations and expanding its market footprint, Straightaway Tire & Auto has announced the appointment of Brian Bates as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). With an impressive background as a veteran shop owner, co-founding partner of Straightaway, and U.S. Army veteran, Bates is set to play a critical role in steering the company's growth trajectory.

A Deep Commitment to Automotive Repair

Brian Bates' career is a testament to his dedication to the automotive repair industry. After serving in the U.S. Army from 1991 to 1996, he pursued a degree in Business Management, followed by earning his ASE L1 Master Technician certification. This combination of technical knowledge and business savvy laid a solid foundation for his career. In 2004, he opened EAS Tire & Auto in Colorado, which blossomed into a multi-location venture. His entrepreneurial journey led him to co-found Straightaway in 2023, significantly contributing to its rapid ascent within the automotive repair sector.

Leadership Vision and Priorities

John Teddy, CEO of Straightaway, remarked, "Brian is passionate about Straightaway and about building something truly distinct in the automotive industry. 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."

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Bates said, "It is gratifying and humbling to step into this role. I started as a shop owner answering phones, selling jobs, and turning wrenches. 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. If we get those fundamentals right, we'll build a distinct and winning business obsessed with delivering exceptional customer experiences and superior financial results."

Commitment to Internal Promotion

The decision to elevate Bates underscores Straightaway's belief in nurturing talent from within the organization. Bates exemplifies the potential for growth and leadership development, having transitioned from technician to successful shop owner and now to COO, leading an expansive network of premier automotive repair shops across the nation.

"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?" added Teddy.

About Straightaway Tire & Auto

Straightaway Tire & Auto is recognized as a leading independent full-service aftermarket automotive repair platform, boasting over 70 locations across several states, including Colorado, Florida, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin. The company is committed to fostering strong local brands by collaborating with established automotive repair businesses. Through this partnership, Straightaway offers essential resources and operational expertise that drive growth and sustainable success. Moreover, the organization is dedicated to enhancing the markets it serves while being responsible custodians of the communities within which it operates.

Looking ahead, Straightaway is actively pursuing strategic acquisitions and welcomes inquiries from shop owners interested in exploring sale or partnership opportunities.

For further information about Straightaway and its operations, visit www.gostraightaway.com.