10th Anniversary

Times Contributor 

 

Larry and Darriel Olson are celebrating their 10th anniversary. It is not a marriage celebration, but a celebration of success in their family business, Olie’s Quick Lube. They first opened their doors in October 2003. They moved from their original location in 2005, and are now at 38 Spruce Park Drive. 

“When you are in something like this you are basically married to it,” joked Darriel Olson. “We aren’t a franchise. We saw a need in the community and talked to some of the local mechanics and when the opportunity came around, we thought ‘why not?’” 

Olsen said customers have commented that having a local shop saves them a trip into Calgary. 

She said customers like the convenience of not needing an appointment, dropping in anytime Monday to Friday, between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., to get a quick oil change and vehicle checkup. Olie’s works on a ‘first come-first served’ basis and services include oil and filter changes, engine greasing, fluid checks and top up, air filter checks and replacements, wiper blade replacement and tire pressure checks. They use quality brand products and don’t talk customers into buying unnecessary services.  

They also personalize service for customers, meeting individual needs. One example of personalized service, provided on request, is allowing customers to supply their own oil and filters to use in the oil change service.

However, they don’t do tire work, fluid flushes or mechanical work. If they note something that needs repair, they let the customers know and give their honest opinion. They will refer customers to a good local mechanic.

“When we started, going by what mechanics have told us, regular oil maintenance is the cheapest thing you can do for your vehicle. It extends the vehicle’s life, otherwise the impurities get in and wear your motor down,” said Olson.

Olson’s have also mastered managing a family business; something that analysts say takes fine tuning, so it doesn’t affect family interactions at home.  Their daughter Daneen is hands on at Olie’s. Their son Devin also participated in the business during its formative years. Even the family dog greets customers as they come in. Olson said many customers wait in the coffee lounge while servicing is done; many take the time to sit and chat, catching up about things happening in the community. She invites anyone to come in and check out Olie’s, and compare their services to those offered elsewhere.

“We have had our really steady customers over the years. We are fortunate that we have had strong customers and friends that have supported us,” said Olson.

The Olsons are well known in the community. Larry Olson was raised in Strathmore and he took over the family farm, working the land with his wife Darriel. The family has always supported local community events. They are active in hunter training, wilderness preservation initiatives, and support local hockey programs.