Straightaway Forward
Meet Our All-Star Industry Experts
At Straightaway Tire & Auto, our team embodies a spirit of ownership and commitment that defines who we are. At the core of our values is the principle to “act like a founder,” a call to champion the determination, grit, and curiosity that our original all-star team modeled from day one. Each of our industry experts embraces this mindset, bringing a passion for innovation and a dedication to excellence that drives us forward.
Meet the talented individuals who make up our Straightaway family and power our drive to deliver supportive solutions to growth-minded auto repair brands.
Brand Led: The All-Star Team
Meet the founders whose passion and leadership have built the foundation for success.
Steve Rich is the Brand President of All County Automotive, a company that has been serving the community since 2004. With 20 years in the industry, Steve’s greatest reward is working with a talented and dedicated team that has contributed to his growth both professionally and personally. His passion for collaboration and leadership drives his commitment to excellence within the company.
Born and raised in Miami, Florida, Steve moved to Palm Beach County in 1996 to start a family and has called it home ever since. He has been married to his wife, Kim, for 28 years, and they share three children: Austin, Caitlyn, and Hunter (“Catfish”). Steve cherishes time with his family, whether fishing, enjoying sports, or simply relaxing together.
A natural entrepreneur, he started selling Blow Pops at school and cutting lawns as a kid, later building a career defined by hard work and dedication. Steve is passionate about everything else he tackles, from family life to fostering growth in his team at All County Automotive.
As the General Manager for All County Automotive, Thomas Sellers oversees daily operations, leads a dynamic team, and drives strategic initiatives to achieve long-term success. He is passionate about fostering a high-energy, collaborative culture while mentoring his team through training and guidance. With over a decade at All County, Thomas finds immense fulfillment in the camaraderie shared with team members and partners across the country. His focus on world-class customer service and operational excellence ensures every customer interaction reflects professionalism and integrity.
Originally from Jupiter, Florida, and born in Champaign, Illinois, Thomas now resides with his beautiful wife, their two boys, and their loyal dog, Cash. A dedicated family man, Thomas values time spent with loved ones and working on personal projects. He draws inspiration from his favorite book, Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink, and his guiding principle: a leader’s reaction to defeat shapes their ability to succeed. Thomas embodies this belief in both his professional and personal life, embracing challenges with determination and accountability.
In his spare time, Thomas enjoys savoring fresh seafood and tacos, traveling to fascinating destinations like Ireland, and reflecting on his early days working job sites at the age of 9. Leading teams at All County, Thomas Sellers continues to live a life defined by hard work, family, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
As the Brand President of Auto Care Plus, John Manelas leads with a focus on mergers and acquisitions, process improvements, and forecasting future industry trends. His leadership is grounded in a commitment to building strong partnerships and creating a platform company poised for long-term success.
John’s journey with Auto Care Plus began in 2004 when he and his wife, Karen, purchased a single location of the business founded in 1984. Over the last 20 years, they’ve grown the company into a trusted leader in the industry while fostering a culture that emphasizes mentorship and growth for the next generation.
Born and raised in Lowell, Massachusetts, John relocated to New Hampshire in 1987, where he currently resides. He shares his life with Karen—his college sweetheart and the Vice President of Auto Care Plus—their three children, two sons-in-law, one grandson, a dog, and seven cats.
John’s guiding philosophy, “Serve Others,” is reflected in both his professional and personal endeavors. Whether mentoring young talent, building innovative energy solutions, or enjoying his favorite hobbies like skiing, ice hockey, or wake surfing, John approaches every challenge with enthusiasm and purpose.
Karen Manelas is the Vice President of Auto Care Plus, where she plays a pivotal role in overseeing employee relations, accounting, and mergers and acquisitions. With 20 years of leadership alongside her husband John and over 40 years of history for the company overall, Karen is passionate about fostering growth and building a platform that thrives on teamwork and respect.
Karen grew up in Stoneham, Massachusetts, and has lived in Pelham, New Hampshire, for 34 years. She and her husband of 34 years, John, share a vibrant family life with three children, two sons-in-law, and a nearly 2-year-old grandson. Their home also includes a 17-year-old dog and four cats.
She has always enjoyed staying busy, whether through house projects like gardening and painting or wake surfing with her family on the lake.
Her favorite book, The Secret, taught her the art of manifesting dreams into reality, a concept she holds close as she continues to shape the future of Auto Care Plus. When not working or with her family, Karen treasures memories of adventures in Alaska, marveling at its stunning landscapes and wildlife.
Jon Dine has been a dedicated team member at Auto Care Plus for over 13 years, starting his journey with the company in August 2011. Growing up in Newton, Massachusetts, Jon moved to Merrimack, New Hampshire, at the age of 12 and continues to call it home. He has been happily married to his high school sweetheart for 14 years, and together they have two children, a 17-year-old son and a 13-year-old daughter, along with two beloved dogs.
In his free time, Jon enjoys spending time with friends and family, attending his kids’ sporting events, camping, and hosting gatherings where he can showcase his passion for cooking—especially using his smoker. While he loves cooking on his smoker, chopped liver firmly holds the title of his least favorite food.
Known for his commitment to serving others and encouraging those around him to do the same, Jon takes pride in everything he does. With a strong sense of dedication and a love for family, Jon embodies the values that make Auto Care Plus proud.
Brian Bates serves as Brand President at EAS Tire & Auto, where he leads with a mission of bringing hope, strength, and optimism to his team. His leadership focuses on fostering an environment for success by supporting his team, removing obstacles, and stewarding the brand’s assets. With over 20 years of experience at the company, Brian finds the most rewarding aspect of his role to be the collaboration and support provided by the Straightaway platform, allowing him to elevate his team’s performance exponentially.
A fourth-generation Coloradan, Brian grew up in Arvada and now resides in Littleton with his wife of 32 years, Rhondi. Together, they’ve raised two children, Adam and Kiersten, and share their home with two Savannah cats, Ruby and Sapphire, and a “grand-dog” Golden Retriever named Goose. Outside of work, Brian enjoys an adventurous lifestyle filled with wakeboarding, wakesurfing, skiing, fishing, 4-wheeling, and traveling abroad.
Whether a night out eating sushi, singing Toby Keith’s “I Should’ve Been a Cowboy” at karaoke, or exploring interesting places like Berchtesgaden, Germany, Brian’s approach to life is a testament to his dynamic blend of hard work, family values, and love for the great outdoors.
As the General Manager at EAS Tire & Auto, Bill Vanhoose has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s vision and culture over the past five years. Initially focused on uniting the team and building a strong foundation, Bill now dedicates his time to growing the next generation of leaders through mentorship, teaching, and coaching. His leadership has been instrumental in driving both personal and professional growth within the management team, fostering a culture that makes a meaningful difference in the community.
Born in Kentucky and raised in Colorado Springs, Bill still calls El Paso County home. He and his wife of 30 years share a full and vibrant life with two daughters, three grandchildren (with a fourth on the way), a horse, two dogs, a cat, and even an African Grey parrot.
Bill lives by the phrase, “Be kind, we are all walking home together,” a reflection of his people-first approach to leadership and life. His adventurous spirit has taken him to fascinating places, with Antarctica holding the top spot after multiple seasons spent working there. Yet, despite his global travels, Bill remains grounded in life’s simple joys—driving his first car, a 1969 Mustang Mach 1, savoring Spanish and Mexican food, and reflecting on where it all began: as a high school busboy at IHOP, where he first met his wife.
As Brand President of Victory Auto Service & Glass, Jeff Matt leads the brand in achieving its goals and driving success. With a passion for building a first-class organization, Jeff finds immense reward in shaping a company that reflects his original vision and values since Victory’s founding on March 1, 1997.
Originally from Minnesota, Jeff and his wife, Debby, now split their time between Minnesota and Florida. Married for 36 years, the couple cherishes their family, which includes two married children and three energetic grandsons.
Jeff’s free time is all about family, sports, and outdoor fun. A longtime Minnesota Vikings and Timberwolves fan, he has held season tickets for over 25 years. When he’s not cheering on his favorite teams, he enjoys fishing, staying up to date with current events, and watching shows like Shark Tank and Hard Knocks. Sharing laughs with his grandsons over AFV is a particular highlight.
Jeff’s journey started humbly, riding his bicycle to a small diner to clean grills. His early entrepreneurial spirit also saw him mowing lawns and shoveling sidewalks for neighbors. Over the years, his sense of community and generosity has grown, exemplified by his frequent travels to India, where he and his wife have informally adopted multiple families and two orphan girls who lovingly call them Mom and Dad.
Jason Matt is the General Manager at Victory Auto Service & Glass, where he oversees daily operations and communication with location and area managers. With nearly 26 years at the company, Jason values the balance of working for a large organization while maintaining a family-like atmosphere. He finds great fulfillment in being part of something bigger than himself.
Born and raised in Columbia Heights, Minnesota, Jason now resides on six acres in Nowthen, Minnesota, with his wife of 31 years, Christina. They have five children ranging from 31 to 14, two grandchildren, and three pets: Max, a Great Dane; Kobe, a Pitbull/Great Dane mix; and Baby, an elderly cat.
Jason enjoys spending time with his family, listening to 80s rock, and savoring Indian cuisine. One of his most memorable experiences was a mission trip to Manila, Philippines, at age 16 with a Christian rock band. Inspired by the quote, “Stop limiting yourself by your weaknesses,” Jason approaches life and work with positivity and determination.
Rich Fearing serves as the Brand President of Village Autoworks, founded in 1983. In his role, he ensures seamless operations, mentors staff to cultivate a strong customer-first culture, and plans for sustainable growth while addressing industry challenges.
Rich grew up in Oakdale, Minnesota, and now lives on a horse farm in Stillwater. Rich and his wife, Donna, have been married since 1976. Together, they have three children: Briana (45), Calvin (37), and Nicholas (35). They are also proud grandparents to Olivia (16), Ava (14), and Eden (9 months). Their family is rounded out by Milah, a lively 3-year-old golden retriever who keeps everyone entertained.
In his free time, Rich enjoys tinkering on his farm and working on the hot rods he has built. The garage is his sanctuary, where time slips away, and he finds peace in the work.
For Rich, the most rewarding part of his career has been witnessing the growth of Village Autoworks into a business that not only repairs vehicles but transforms lives. Seeing customers place their trust in the company across generations and watching employees evolve into leaders fuels his passion for the business.
Platform Supported: The Support Team
Get to know the Straightaway team, the dedicated individuals behind our brand’s growth and innovation.
Brent Marshall serves as the Vice President of Corporate Development at Straightaway, where he leads the acquisition strategy for independent auto repair shops across the company’s four markets. He is responsible for building and maintaining a robust pipeline of potential acquisition targets, overseeing the entire deal process from sourcing and negotiation to closing, ensuring alignment with strategic growth objectives. Additionally, Brent manages a high-performing business development team focused on prospecting, lead generation, and relationship-building in key markets.
Prior to joining Straightaway, Brent worked at several prominent companies. He started his career at Plante Moran in Assurance and Audit, followed by a role in Financial Planning & Analysis at Priority Health. Brent most recently served on the Corporate Development team at Greatwater Garages. Brent graduated from Grand Valley State University and is originally from Rives Junction, a small town in mid-Michigan. He now resides in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with his wife Samantha, whom he married in April of 2024, and their Golden Retriever, Rue.
In his free time, Brent enjoys relaxing at Lake Michigan with his wife and dog, golfing with friends, and cheering on Michigan football. His first car was a Toyota Highlander with a dent in the back right fender, and his first job was working as cart staff at a local golf course. Outside of work, Brent is always seeking new adventures and experiences with his loved ones.
Jason lead’s Straightaway’s proprietary Sales & Customer Service training program. His responsibilities include providing inbound call coaching, working closely with area managers and stores to improve lead conversion rates and customer experience. Jason is passionate about maintaining a relational model as the company grows, ensuring that advisors and managers are trained in consultant-style selling and building lasting, genuine relationships with customers.
Before joining Straightaway, Jason held leadership roles as Vice President and Director of Sales Training at The Transformers Institute, as well as Vice President and Sales Trainer/Coach at Aspen Auto Clinic. He has also worked as a store manager at Brakes Plus and as an ASE Certified Technician and Service Advisor at various automotive shops. Jason holds an associate’s degree in automotive technology from the Denver Institute of Technology and graduated from Doherty High School in Colorado Springs.
Originally from Colorado Springs, Jason now resides in Tennessee with his wife of 33 years and their two adult daughters. He enjoys spending his spare time relaxing at home with his family, especially after frequent business travel. Jason is a fan of American comfort food, Italian and Mexican dishes, and cheeseburgers and steak. Jason is guided by the quote from Albert Einstein: “Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.”
Jess West is the Director of Integration at Straightaway, providing comprehensive support to brands during the M&A integration process. From the signed Letter of Intent (LOI) to post-close, Jess ensures seamless transitions by creating streamlined playbooks, managing procurement needs such as vendor consolidation, and establishing national programs. Her goal is to enable efficient and effective integration across all brands.
With a robust background in operations and growth, Jess previously served as Senior Director of New Unit Growth at Auto Glass Now, Senior Manager of Equipment & Parts at Driven Brands, New Unit Growth Manager at Take 5 Oil Change, and Purchasing Coordinator at Carolina Handling. She is a proud graduate of Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, NC.
Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, Jess now lives in Statesville, a charming town just north of the city, with her husband Ricky, their dog Trace, and their cat Ollie. Jess and Ricky are expecting their first child—a baby girl—in January 2025.
Jess is known for her positive outlook on life, embracing the philosophy, “Live every day as if it were your last.” In her free time, she enjoys spending quality moments with family and friends, exploring new restaurants, and traveling. One of Jess’s most memorable adventures includes visiting the picturesque islands of Greece, where she fell in love with the stunning views and amazing cuisine.
Whether managing integrations or enjoying time with loved ones, Jess brings passion, enthusiasm, and a touch of wanderlust to everything she does.
As Vice President of Financial Planning & Analysis at Straightaway, John leads efforts to provide financial support for the company’s brands and strategic partners. He specializes in creating value through business performance reporting and predictive analytics, ensuring informed and strategic decision-making across the platform.
John brings a wealth of experience to his role, having previously served as Director of FP&A at American Tire Distributors, Senior Analyst at XPO Logistics, and Lead Financial Analyst for IT Finance at Liberty Mutual Insurance. He holds a degree from Southern New Hampshire University and takes pride in his ability to align financial insights with business growth.
Originally from Derry, New Hampshire, John now lives just outside of Charlotte, North Carolina, with his family. In his spare time, he enjoys working out, reading, and playing golf. John’s favorite books include Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink for professional inspiration and Alone at Dawn for its compelling military history.
Michael Randall serves as the Corporate Controller and Senior Director of Finance at Straightaway, where he is responsible for managing the company’s consolidated financial performance and ensuring accuracy across all financial operations.
With a strong background in financial leadership, he previously held roles as Financial Controller of the Americas at Abcam Inc. and Finance Director at Echosens Inc. Michael earned his degree from Northeastern University and brings both strategic expertise and a passion for mentorship to his work.
Originally from Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, he now resides in Harvard, Massachusetts, with his wife, Elena, their two children, Evelyn (5) and Wyatt (2), and their dog, Copper, a playful Brittany Spaniel. Known for his positive outlook, Michael greets each day with his children by asking, “Are you ready for a great day?”—a phrase that mirrors his approach to life and work.
In his free time, Michael enjoys staying active, exploring new restaurants, and traveling to unique destinations, including Sri Lanka, Peru, and Tanzania. With young children, though, he often treasures moments to relax.
As Vice President of Information Technology at Straightaway, Regina is responsible for the company’s technology strategy, overseeing network design and implementation, and leading the Sage ERP implementation. With an extensive background in IT leadership, she has previously served as Chief Administrative Officer at Uno’s Restaurants, Vice President of Information Technology at Legal Seafoods, and Director of Information Technology at Margarita’s Restaurants.
Regina is a proud graduate of Bowdoin College, where she earned her degree and became a devoted supporter of the school’s athletic teams—”Go U Bears!”
Originally from Portland, Maine, Regina now lives in Walpole, Massachusetts with her life partner, Bernie, and their cat, Leila. She is passionate about hiking, reading, and spending time with family and friends. Her favorite quote is, “I love it when a plan comes together!”
As the Head of Talent at Straightaway, Tony Bottiglio partners with brand leaders to craft recruitment and retention strategies, ensuring each brand stands out as the employer of choice in its market. With a passion for enhancing the employee experience, Tony champions Straightaway’s core values, fostering a workplace culture where team members can thrive.
Tony’s career spans diverse industries, with experience as a Recruiter at Nuance and Microsoft, a Recruiter and Account Executive at Tradesmen International, and a Recruiter and Project Manager at Reliable IT. Each role has shaped his belief in hiring for attitude, emphasizing that “skills can be taught, and experience comes with time.”
A proud native of Somerville, Massachusetts, Tony continues to live in his hometown with his wife, their two wonderful children, and their beloved cat. He treasures his time with family, balancing work with a love for fantasy football and the occasional karaoke session, where Bob Seger’s Like a Rock is his go-to hit.
An avid reader, Tony finds inspiration in The Dynasty by Jeff Benedict, a fitting choice for someone dedicated to building winning teams. Whether driving talent strategies or cheering on his fantasy football lineup, Tony’s commitment to collaboration and growth remains at the heart of all he does.
Platform Supported: The Executive Team
Our Executive Team has more than 90 years of collective experience building leading Retail, Consumer Services, and Distribution businesses within the Automotive sector and beyond.
John Teddy is the CEO at Straightaway, bringing extensive leadership experience from several high-profile companies. He has previously served as President of Take 5 Car Wash, Chief Strategy Officer at Lowe’s Home Improvement, and Chief Commercial Officer at Driven Brands. Additionally, John held roles as Vice President at Take 5 Oil Change, and worked in strategy and finance positions at Home Depot. John holds a degree from Vanderbilt University and has spent much of his life moving around, including time in Brazil, before settling in Charlotte, NC with his family.
John is married to his wife Emily, and together they have four children—Durham (15), Caroline (12), Parks (10), and Collins (8)—as well as three pets: a dog, bunny, and lizard. He is inspired by the famous quote from Theodore Roosevelt: “It is not the critic who counts… The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena…” This quote reflects John’s commitment to action and perseverance, a mindset he applies to both his professional and personal life. When he’s not working, John enjoys hunting, fishing, skiing, watching sports, and spending time with his family.
His most interesting travel experience was visiting Machu Picchu in Peru, and while he doesn’t care for olives, he’s a big fan of any type of BBQ. With his wide range of interests and passions, John brings an adventurous and dedicated spirit to everything he does.
Cameron Chernikow is the Chief Customer Officer at Straightaway, where she oversees the Marketing, Merchandising, and Data & Analytics functions. In this role, Cameron is focused on driving new customers to the shops, enhancing customer loyalty, and developing programs that increase profitability. With a wealth of experience in customer-centric roles, Cameron’s previous 12.5 years at American Tire Distributors spanned from entry-level marketing to Vice President of Merchandising, equipping her with a strong foundation in driving business growth.
Born and raised in Charlotte, NC, Cameron is a rare “unicorn” who returned to her hometown after college at Middle Tennessee State University. She is happily married to her husband, Alex, with whom she has a daughter, Hazel, and two golden retrievers, Kingston and Ollie. Cameron finds inspiration in the words of Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” which guides her both personally and professionally. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, getting outdoors, engaging in group fitness, and exploring interior décor projects.
Her favorite hobbies include indulging in tacos, which she calls “YUM,” and visiting Bordeaux, France, her favorite travel destination. Whether focusing on family, fitness, or business, Cameron Chernikow brings passion and dedication to everything she does.
John Wafler serves as the Chief Brand Officer at Straightaway, where he is responsible for ensuring that all brands within the company stay aligned with its goals. He works to share, support, and implement operational best practices that align with the objectives of each brand. Prior to joining Straightaway, John spent over two decades at The Institute for Automotive Business Excellence/RLO Training/Bottom-Line Impact Groups, where he facilitated the Bottom-Line Impact Groups. He helped five brand partners transform from struggling single-location operators into successful multi-location business owners through coaching, training, and peer group support.
John was born and raised in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, and currently resides in Kelowna, BC, spending his winter months in sunny Arizona. He graduated from Steveston High School in 1977 and later studied business, marketing, and IT at Kwantlen College in Richmond. John has two children: Dr. John Michael Wafler and Leah Wafler, MA from the University of British Columbia, as well as a grandson, John Isaac Wafler. One of his guiding mottos is “Courage, Adaptability, Teamwork,” a core principle he instilled during his time at Bottom-Line Impact Groups.
In his spare time, John enjoys playing Pickleball, fixing and improving things, and fishing. His first car was a 1961 GMC pickup truck, which he rebuilt with a hopped-up V8 engine and a 2-speed Powerglide transmission in 1974. When it comes to food, John enjoys medium-rare steak, particularly rib or T-bone cuts, and butter chicken. However, yams are not on his list of favorites.
As Chief Financial Officer at Straightaway, Louie Psallidas oversees financial reporting and analysis, budgeting, tax matters, technology, insurance, and employee benefit plans. He collaborates closely with Brand Presidents and operational teams to drive results and ensure financial excellence. With over 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry in similar roles, Louie brings a wealth of knowledge to the Straightaway leadership team.
A proud graduate of Suffolk University in Boston, Louie grew up in the city he fondly calls “Title Town” and still carries that hometown pride. Married to his high school sweetheart Lisa, Louie is a proud father of three grown children—Kristina, Melissa, and Peter—and an enthusiastic grandfather to his 18-month-old grandson, Georgie.
His first job was making donuts at Dunkin’ Donuts, but his college gig as a collection agent for a wholesale shoe distributor—where he jokingly referred to himself as a “leg breaker”—gave him an early understanding of accountability and negotiation. When he’s not focused on financial strategy, Louie enjoys golfing and spending quality time with his family.
True to his motto, “living the dream,” Louie approaches life and work with enthusiasm, dedication, and a love for the people around him.
Schedule a Meeting With Our Team!
Collaborate With a Strategic Partner Today!
The window to sell your business won’t be open forever. Schedule a meeting with our all-star experts to achieve your business goals. We look forward to hearing from you.